10 of the Best Korean Crime Writers Today
- Patrick Powers
- Oct 9, 2024
- 4 min read
Learn from the masters.
There seems to be more freedom in Korean crime fiction compared to Japanese, albeit coming from my reading. Whereas Japanese crime fiction has a large tradition to look back on and adapt or not, Korean crime fiction appears to be less constrained by the weight of tradition. No honkaku here.
Korean crime fiction is more realistic and noir than cozy or puzzle. I would say more in the vein of Natsuo Kirino. They have grit, psychology, uncanny elements, social commentary, and darkness. These are not happy books. They express something more akin to Nakamura's existentialism. Perhaps this is why Korean fiction is taking off more in America than Japanese fiction. The general American audience seems to prefer darker crime fiction à la Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo.
Whatever the reason for their increased popularity, these books and their authors are really good and deserve as much praise as we can muster.
Jung-Myung Lee, The Investigation
Jung-Myung Lee, or JM Lee, is a South Korean writer who has significantly impacted the crime fiction landscape. Born in 1969, JM Lee has honed his craft through years of experience and has become a celebrated name in Korean literature. With several novels under his belt, Lee's work has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, earning him a loyal fan base.
The Investigation (first published in 2013) is a captivating crime fiction novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of history, mystery, and emotional depth. It has gained considerable international recognition and has been translated into multiple languages and adapted into a successful stage play in Korea.
The Investigation tackles the cultural tensions between Korea and Japan during the occupation with nuance and skill. Lee's characters are complex and layered as they grapple with their loyalties, beliefs, and the difficult circumstances they find themselves in.
Set in 1944, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the story follows the journey of Watanabe Yuichi, a young Japanese officer at Fukuoka prison, tasked with solving the murder of Sugiyama, a feared prison guard.
As Watanabe digs into the case, he discovers a mysterious, unfinished poem. Watanabe soon finds himself caught between duty to his superiors and a growing sense of sympathy towards the Korean prisoners.
Not only does The Investigation offer a fresh perspective on the crime genre, but it also provides a fascinating look at a turbulent period in Korean history, leaving readers with an unforgettable experience.
You-Jeong Jeong, Seven Years of Darkness
You-Jeong Jeong is well-established as a leading writer in her native country but has been making waves in the larger literary world with her intense, character-driven stories. Having been compared to Stephen King and Stieg Larsson, Jeong has earned a well-deserved place among the greats of the psychological thriller genre. Her writing often deals with themes like vengeance, obsession, and the darkness that lies within the human mind.
Seven Years of Darkness was first published in 2011 and has since been translated into multiple languages, including English in 2020. The story follows Sowon, a young man whose life is upended when his father is accused of a heinous crime. The novel alternates between the present day and the past, slowly revealing the truth behind the events that led to Sowon's father's conviction.
The story is intricate, and the suspense keeps building up with each new revelation. Jeong weaves together the two timelines creating a sense of unease and tension. Sowon is a sympathetic protagonist, and his journey to uncover the truth is both heart-wrenching and captivating. Jeong challenges the reader to consider what they might be capable of under extreme circumstances, and how the darkness within us can be triggered.
Gu Byeong-Mo, The Old Woman with the Knife
Gu Byeong-Mo is a rising star in the world of Korean literature, known for her quirky and darkly humorous style. She has a knack for creating memorable characters and weaving complex narratives that keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The Old Woman with the Knife is Gu's first novel translated into English.
The novel tells the story of a 65-year-old female killer. Despite her age, she is a highly skilled and efficient assassin. What's truly fascinating about this book is how Gu Byeong-Mo explores the motivations and emotions of a character who, on the surface, may seem difficult to empathize with.
As the story unfolds, we discover more about the Old Woman's past and the circumstances that led her to become a hitwoman. Gu Byeong-Mo does an excellent job of humanizing this seemingly cold-blooded character by delving into her struggles, loneliness, and desire for connection. Gu Byeong-Mo skillfully balances the novel's darker themes with moments of levity, which not only lightens the mood but also serves to heighten the emotional impact of the story.
Older protagonists are often underrepresented in literature, particularly in the crime and thriller genres, so it's refreshing to see a character like the Old Woman.
The Old Woman with the Knife may not be your typical thriller, but its unique premise, engaging narrative, and compelling characters make it a must-read for those seeking a fresh and thought-provoking story.
Un-Su Kim, The Plotters
Born in Busan in 1972, Un-su Kim is a well-known name in Korean literary circles having one of its most prestigious prizes. His writing often delves into the underworld, exploring themes like power, corruption, and the complexities of human nature. The Plotters is Kim's second book and was translated into English in 2019.
The novel is set in an alternate version of modern-day South Korea, where contract killers are hired by powerful organizations known as "plotters." The story follows Reseng, a seasoned assassin who begins to question his role in this violent world and the morality of his actions. As Reseng uncovers a web of secrets and betrayals, he must decide whether to conform to the system or forge his own path.
The world of the plotters is both fascinating and chilling, pulling readers into a realm of secrecy, intrigue, and danger. The atmosphere is further enriched by Kim's engaging writing style, which balances the novel's dark themes with moments of dark humour and introspection.
What sets The Plotters apart from other crime fiction is its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those who live in the shadows. Un-su Kim challenges readers to consider the consequences of power and the choices we make in pursuit of survival.
