By Honorary Reporter Nicolle Cristine Silva Ferreira from Brazil

Photos = Nicolle Cristine Silva Ferreira

Tatielle Katluryn Nascimento Leal, 26, is a Brazilian author of three well-received books that were all inspired by her love of Korean culture.

In a written interview on Jan. 12, she discussed her works and love for Korean culture.

Tatielle Katluryn Nascimento Leal, 26, is a Brazilian author who says she was inspired by Korean culture to write her books.

When did your love for Korean culture begin?
It started at the end of 2019 when a friend of mine insisted that I watch K-dramas. She said they were perfect for me because I love fluffy romances. I ended up falling completely in love not only with K-dramas but also with Korean culture.

Why did you decide to write books based on Korea?
I was moved by how K-drama plots are. Sometimes the protagonists are childhood friends who reunite as adults, share awkward but sweet moments like kissing with their eyes open and cause fireworks to appear in the sky when they hold hands. Some dislike these cliche plots, but they make me believe in true love and encourage me to be a better person.

How do you get inspired to write your stories?
The ideas come from my own experiences. I consider writing a therapeutic way of dealing with problems I've kept inside for years. In my books, the characters carry the essence of K-dramas in addition to the internal battles they face from wounds of the past. Like my characters, I've experienced heartbreak. But through K-dramas and my faith in Jesus, I learned that I could start over. My books tell real and relatable stories that send comforting messages.

These are snapshots of Lea's books.

Briefly describe each of your three books.
My first book "O Livro Perdido de Yarin Davies" (The Lost Book by Yarin Davies) was released in 2020. The protagonist Yarin Davies is a Brazilian girl who travels to Korea to escape a painful situation in her hometown. She faces many challenges due to a rare condition that causes brown spots on her skin, but recovers from her internal wounds and attends Seoul National University. After losing a valuable book from the library, she meets the sarcastic Lee Gwan and the sensitive Irishman Theodor Delacroix. This book changes their lives and makes them confront their hidden emotions.

My second book, which is my favorite, is a sequel to my first, "A Ultima Carta para Yarin Davies" (The Last Letter to Yarin Davies) and came out in late 2021. In this story, the three characters go to Busan and more is unveiled about their lives. In addition to reflections on mental health, the story shows how saying goodbye is the best way to begin again.

Finally, my latest book, "Horizonte Mora em um Dia Cinza" (The Horizon Lives on a Gray Day) was released in October last year. The protagonist Joon Hyeok, who was inspired by V of BTS, studies culinary arts at Yonsei University and meets the Brazilian exchange student Ayla Horowitz, who is struggling to adapt to Korea. She considers Hyeok incredibly kind but isn't used to being cared for by someone she barely knows. This romantic novel is about discovery, the exhilarating ways of love and the belief that God can light up the grayest of days.

What do you want to say to your readers?
I affectionately call my readers "my team." I didn't get here by myself and I thank both God and my readers for their support. Korean culture has taught me so much and I will one day get the chance to be there in person.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.