By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Sujin Witherspoon

Sujin Witherspoon is a Seattle-based Korean American author of young adult fiction. Her debut novel Bingsu for Two, released on Jan. 14, is a coming-of-age rom-com about two teens who fake an online relationship to save their failing Korean cafe.

Her work was one of Forbes' Most Anticipated Young Adults Books of 2025, and the author, who earned a bachelor's in English at the University of Washington, will release another book next year.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with her from Feb. 8-9.

What sparked your passion for writing?
Since I was young, I've loved books. I read stories faster than I could find them. I remember being frustrated when I couldn't find the kinds of stories I wanted to read, and then it clicked one day that I could just write those stories myself. My love for reading naturally transitioned into a love for writing.

What was it like to have your debut novel published when you were just 21?
Being a published author has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I was 19 and in college when I started writing this book, and it wasn't easy getting it published. Between being a full-time student, working a job and having two internships, I found solace in writing this story despite my busy schedule. I was sure this book was never going to make it, but then the day before my 21st birthday, a publisher asked to acquire it. It's been a whirlwind since, and every day I'm so grateful and honored that people are reading this book, which once existed only in my head.

Describe the inspiration behind Bingsu for Two.
I had just finished writing another book that was going nowhere, and I needed to rekindle my passion for writing. Looking for a new idea to throw myself into, I took inspiration from my own experiences as a Korean American and former barista to write a story about a teenager trying to figure out who he is and what he wants from life. As a teenager at the time, I was also trying to figure these things out, and writing this book helped me find the answers. I wanted to write a fun romantic comedy with my favorite tropes like fake dating, so I used these elements, too.

Sujin Witherspoon poses with copies of her debut novel Bingsu for Two.

Why did you pick an enemies-to-lovers rom-com set at a Korean cafe?
I was at a Korean cafe when I came up with the idea for this book. Coffee shops are often a popular setting for romance stories, but I wanted a unique twist to this trope and pay homage to my heritage by making the setting a Korean cafe. I also worked as a barista when I was younger and wanted to show that fun but chaotic environment.

How important was it for you to include bingsu (shaved ice dessert) in the title?
It was very important. Not everybody is familiar with Korean culture or knows what bingsu is. In writing this book, I hoped to share some of these elements with a range of readers and invite them to learn more. Since Bingsu for Two was published, I've gotten dozens of messages from people who said they tried bingsu for the first time after reading my book, and it makes me so happy.

What is your personal connection to bingsu?
Any time I visit my family in Seoul, I look forward to eating a delicious bowl of bingsu. I have many good memories with bingsu, from cramming with my cousins, aunts and uncles into a small cafe at night in Seoul to eating pat-bingsu (red-bean bingsu) after a family meal, visiting a nearby Korean cafe after school and sharing a huge bowl of mango bingsu with friends. Though I grew up in America, my town has a big Korean community that allows me to always indulge in bingsu and other favorite Korean desserts.

What are your goals?
My goal is always to write stories that bring joy to other people and myself. So I hope to continue putting out books that help young readers feel seen, heard and hopeful.

msjeon22@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.