4 Underrated Korean Thriller Books
Truly, these books should be more popular
Some read thrillers for that adrenaline rush after a rough day. Some do it for escapism.
Some others find them to be intellectually stimulating and satisfying.
I have been exploring Korean thrillers lately and could not believe how criminally underrated some of them are (this can be true about most Korean fiction; they have some insane gems there).
These books range from utterly shocking to fairly predictable but give social commentary as in the movie Parasite.
Here are four such books I think deserve more recognition:
1. Counterweight
Counterweight by Djuna has an intriguing epigraph that encapsulates the essence of the story:
If I have to climb to heaven on a ladder, I shall decline the invitation.
It is a fast-paced cyberpunk novel set in a predominantly AI-controlled world.
It thrills you from the get-go with an intriguing prologue.
The story revolves around a conglomerate called LK that has built a space elevator on a fictional island called Patuson.
We see this incredible world through the eyes of the narrator Mac, who heads the company’s external affairs.
The world created by Djuna is so fascinating that you would not want to leave once you enter.
It is full of never-seen-before characters, convoluted events and fake identities, for this world is more AI than human.
The plot twists are some of the best you could find in speculative fiction. It’s part noir as the protagonist tries to decipher the hidden truths which constitute his world.
But it won’t be easy for him for any person he encounters would not be what he thinks them to be.
I loved that everything in this world happens for a human reason, even though the narrator fails to notice it.
Djuna is South Korea’s beloved writer who writes sci-fi. Their personality is as intriguing as their novels since their identity is unknown. The award-winning Anton Hur is the translator of Counterweight.
2. Lemon
Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun follows the trope of sensational murder (The High School Beauty Murder).
But it is not what you expect it to be. It is not the typical Agatha Chritiesque whodunnit. Finding the culprit is not the central focus here.
The writing cleverly focuses on the effect a murder has on the characters. It is a brilliant blend of murder mystery and psychological thriller.
It is written with utmost empathy and is not about blaming someone.
The narrative shifts perspective among three women who are affected by this murder in one way or another, giving the readers an in-depth detail of the characters and their predicament.
Lemon has an intriguing storyline, emotionally broken characters, and shocking revelations. The ending of this novel is heartbreaking and beautiful.
Kwon Yeo-sun takes a popular trope as a tool to explore grief, privilege, class division and gender. The book is accurately described as “Parasite meets The Good Son.”
Here 👇 is a quote from the book:
“We can’t say we believe in God. I can’t ever say all this is divine providence; not in a million years. It’s not providence it’s ignorance. We should be saying everything is divine ignorance. That it’s God who doesn’t know.”
3. The Good Son
The Good Son is one of a kind; the most shocking book I have ever read.
It’s a completely unpredictable thriller with some insane plot twists. The most important one happens right at the beginning of the novel.
One cannot help but wonder how the story would be taken forward from there. But it is a series of revelations that the protagonist makes after this crucial event which could alter his life forever.
Here👇🏽is a spoiler-free review of The Good Son.
The Only Child
The Only Child by Mi Ae-so begins with three parallel narratives which would converge towards the middle of the novel.
This coming-of-age thriller follows the intertwined lives of a little girl, a criminal psychologist, and a murderer.
The protagonist’s life takes a turn when two new people come into her life, uninvited, on the same day. Everything starts being strange and eerie from then.
This book is a fairly predictable thriller but is enjoyable. The best part of it is the shocking climax that takes place on a blackout night.
The author addresses whether life circumstances and past experiences shape a person for the better or worse.
What could have been better in this book is that there should have been more showing than telling.
These books will engage you emotionally, taking you through fear, anxiety, anticipation (of course in a good way) and catharsis.
I hope you find your next favourite read from this list.
Stay curious and happy reading!
Here are some more Korean literature for you to explore:
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© Arya James 2024
