South Korean novelist Kim Ho-yeon to visit PH in September

MANILA – Korea is set to fly acclaimed Korean novelist Kim Ho-yeon for a five-day literature program from Sept. 9 to 13 in the Philippines to bring Korean literature closer to Filipino readers.

Kim is best known internationally for his novel “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” which explores kindness, community, healing, and the possibility of starting over.

The novel became a bestseller in Korea, selling more than 2 million copies, and has since been translated into English, Japanese, Polish, Chinese, and Spanish.

The author will lead the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines’ “Moments with Kim Ho-yeon: Where Second Chances Begin,” a series of activities in partnership with the 45th Manila International Book Festival (MIBF).

The program will connect Kim with Filipino readers, students, and the KCC Book Club through talks, discussions, and book signing sessions.

“Through these events, we hope to create a meaningful space for Filipino readers to connect with Korean literature and discover the stories and perspectives it offers,” said KCC Philippines Director Myeongjin Kim on Tuesday.

“We also hope that this program will further strengthen the growing exchange between Korean and Filipino readers and contribute to a deeper appreciation of each other’s literary cultures,” he added.

The program comes as interest in Korean literature increases among Filipinos. Over the past years, Korean titles such as Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop and Love in the Big City have gained popularity among Filipino readers, while the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Korean author Han Kang further increased international interest in Korean literature.

The “Moments with Kim Ho-yeon: Where Second Chances Begin” will begin on Sept. 9 with the KCC’s K-Story Convenience Store Booth at the MIBF, held at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

On Sept. 10, the KCC will host a meet-and-greet session and book signing with Kim Ho-yeon at the KCC Library, to be followed by the author’s special talk at the University of the Philippines Diliman the next day.

The program will culminate on Sept. 12 at the MIBF, where Kim will take part in a stage interview, followed by a book signing and meet-and-greet at the National Book Store stage. 

-Philippine News Agency