By Honorary Reporter Samantha Pinto do Nascimento Rosado from Brazil

Author Sohn Won-pyung made her literary debut in 2017 with "Almond," which has sold over a million copies in Korea and been translated into more than 30 languages.

 
Her works often explore the complexities of emotion, failure and social pressure under the aim of "good fiction," which she called "stories that are entertaining yet linger in the mind and heart long after the last page is turned." 

Sohn's latest novel "A Nation of Youth" envisions a society face with a low birth rate and aging population, two problems that plague both Korea and the world. 

The following are excerpts from an email interview with the writer conducted from Aug. 31 to Sept. 11. 

Sohn Won-pyung is an acclaimed author known for her novels exploring human emotion and society. (Pyokisik)

"A Nation of Youth" is about a society with a low birth rate and aging population. Why did you write this book?
A low birth rate and aging population are among the most pressing issues facing Korea. The scenario in which older generations far outnumber the young and leave the latter to shoulder the burden of support is no longer speculation but a near certainty. This problem is not unique to Korea, as many other countries face the same dilemma.

Brining this reality into the story was no easy task. But the 29-year-old female character Nara helped make this possible. Readers, especially younger ones, can see their emotions reflected in her words while simultaneously experiencing and anticipating the future.

In the book, Sycamore Island contrasts luxurious lifestyles with stark realities in elderly care. How did you balance this futuristic world with Korea's issues?
Youth in any era is restless and longs for new horizons. While Sycamore Island is set in the future, it embodies this yearning, a private utopia that today's youth might dream of.

I also wanted to highlight the irony. In this supposed paradise, the younger generation must care for wealthy elderly residents while facing job displacement by artificial intelligence. The idea of youth weighed down by such responsibilities but still dreaming of this place as paradise raises this question: Is the paradise the protagonist longs for truly a paradise?

"A Nation of Youth" by Sohn Won-pyung is available in two editions: young adult and adult. (Dazzling Inc.)

How do you feel when global readers connect with your stories? 
Knowing that many readers around the world have chosen to invest effort in my books still feels miraculous. Seeing their reviews online, I often feel as if my stories are traveling the world on my behalf, which brings me immense joy.

How can your works boost global understanding of Korean society?
I hope my books can serve as a window to Korean society. Korea is a dynamic country with unique social realities and cultural responses to challenges, and my writing, while relatively straightforward, aims to leave a lasting impression. If readers choose my works as their first Korean novels, I would be honored for them to help explore the richness and complexity of Korean culture.

Excerpt from back cover of "A Nation of Youth": "Fold your dream until it fits in your heart. Even if I forget, it doesn't forget me." (Dazzling Inc.)

What common thread connects your novels as "Sohn Won-pyung stories?"

As I mentioned, I aim to write stories easy to read but leave a lasting impression. Many readers of "A Nation of Youth" told me that they turned the pages quickly but reflected on many things afterward. Hearing this brought me great joy.

If my novels have a common thread, it is ultimately for readers to decide. Still, I often explore the contradictions of humanity. People can be cruel and harsh yet at our core, we are capable of beauty, love and compassion. I believe this view runs through my works.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article was 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.