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Min Jin Lee's 'American Hagwon' Explores Korean Family Resilience

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Min Jin Lee will publish American Hagwon, a novel about a middle-class Korean family affected by the financial crisis, releasing September 29.
The book is the third in a planned quartet about Korea and its diaspora.
Lee aims to address gaps in Western education on Asian history and highlight diverse experiences.
The narrative travels from Korea to Southern California, showing the family's journey to regain stability amid changing social norms.

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Story summary

Min Jin Lee will publish American Hagwon, a novel about a middle-class Korean family affected by the financial crisis, releasing September 29.
The book is the third in a planned quartet about Korea and its diaspora.
Lee aims to address gaps in Western education on Asian history and highlight diverse experiences.
The narrative travels from Korea to Southern California, showing the family's journey to regain stability amid changing social norms.