By Honorary Reporter Jadiene Shani Teng from Philippines

Author Kim Ho-yeon on Sept. 10 discusses his book "The Second Chance Convenience Store" at a talk hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines in the Metro Manila city of Taguig. (Jadiene Shani Teng)

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Taguig, the Philippines, on Sept. 10 hosted the book talk "Moments with Kim Ho-yeon: Where Second Chances Begin" at the center's library.

Kim is the award-winning author of the hit novel "The Second Chance Convenience Store" (2021) -- his fifth -- and a screenwriter who attended the Manila International Book Fair that ran from Sept. 9-13.

His debut work "Mangwon-dong Brothers" (2013) received an award, but he said he had doubts whether his work would be published and if readers would like it because his other stuff sold poorly. 

His hit book became a bestseller in Korea and abroad, translated into 30 languages and selling over a million copies. 

KCC PH Book Club members Zy Mateo (left) and Rebecca Mendoza (right) on Sept. 10 share their thoughts on "The Second Chance Convenience Store" at the KCC's library in Taguig. (Jadiene Shani Teng)

The event kicked off with two members of the KCC PH Book Club sharing their reflections on the work. 

Zy Mateo said she liked how the novel felt more human than fiction and how second chances can mean moving forward or a warning. Rebecca Mendoza said it wasn't just about a store but people who get another opportunity, with the store also offering a place to belong.

Kim shared his journey in writing the book and insights about the plot. He said he started with the question "What makes it inconvenient?" in mind and wrote the story around the people at the store. 

Since it was written during the COVID-19 pandemic, a difficult period in his life, he said, "When an author is having a hard time, that's when good works come out."

Attendees of the event with Kim Ho-yeon (third from left in second row) on Sept. 10 pose for a group photo before the book signing at the KCC in Taguig. (KCC)

He also gave a glimpse of the sequel "The Last Chance Convenience Store." Though he said he had not planned on writing it, he said he eventually gave in to high demand from publishers and readers for a second book. 

The audience seemed excited after he announced that the English-language edition of this book would come out in May next year. They also asked the author about his thoughts on the characters, second chances, healing fiction and his experiences in the Philippines.

ljyhwa@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.