What happens when a ghost tries to cross the DMZ dividing North and South Korea? Author Joseph Han’s debut novel “Nuclear Family” explores themes of separated families, generational trauma and the Korean immigrant experience in Hawaii. Upon the release of the Korean translation of his book to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War in 1953, we interviewed Joseph about his diaspora experience, journey to writing fiction and more.

We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode, or suggestions for other Korean books you’d like us to review or discuss. Tweet us (Beth @betheunheehong / Naomi @ngnaomi) or leave a message on The Korea Herald’s Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram page. You can also email us at bethhong@heraldcorp.com or ngnaomi@heraldcorp.com.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/khbookspodcast

Intro: ♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo)
Outro: ♪ Wine (Prod. by Lukrembo)

0:00 Introduction
1:27 “Nuclear Family” in Joseph’s words
2:24 Joseph’s Third Culture Kid roots in Seoul and Hawaii
3:55 Joseph’s journey to writing and self-discovery
7:31 What inspired “Nuclear Family”?
10:41 Joseph’s reaction to the Korean translation
12:31 Uncanny coincidences
16:31 Key takeaways from the book
19:40 Autobiographical elements in “Nuclear Family”
22:41 Books to read about the Korean War and separated families
24:47 Joseph’s upcoming publications
26:50 What’s an interesting Korean word/phrase you’d like to share?
29:55 A Korean book pick from our listener Courtney