Min Jin Lee on “American Hagwon,” Her First Novel After the Phenomenon of “Pachinko”
Summary
Min Jin Lee discusses her new novel, American Hagan, and her journey from corporate lawyer to acclaimed author. She reflects on her immigrant childhood, the decade-long process of writing her debut, and her obsession with diaspora. Lee explains her rigorous research methods and how reading the Bible daily influences her work. She also shares her views on social novels, moral storytelling, and her plans for future projects.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Brooklyn Solarworks, NYC Votes, Jewish Museum
Introduction: Min Jin Lee and her new novel
Arriving in America: Disappointment and first impressions
Learning English and school placement struggles
Career as a corporate lawyer and decision to quit
The long road to publishing: Writing bad novels
Research process and finding plot in contradictions
The theme of diaspora and its modern relevance
Jewish American literature and the concept of assimilation
Explaining the Hagon: Shadow education in Korea
Personal anecdote: Teacher violence and extortion
Thesis statements: History and changing rules of engagement
Sponsors: Quince, NY Community Trust, Mint Mobile, Bombas
Personal defiance and political advocacy
The novel as a vehicle for moral argument
Reader reactions and the power of specific storytelling
Daily ritual: Reading the Bible before writing
Reflections on time, aging, and creative limits
Future plans: Marshall Plan and memoir
Credits and Public Theater promotion
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