Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Min Jin Lee's New Book Explores Korean Education Obsession
Min Jin Lee, who wrote the famous book 'Pachinko', is writing a new book called 'American Hagwon'.
This book is about how much Koreans care about education.
It tells the story of a Korean family who moves around the world, including to Korea, Australia, and Southern California, after a big money problem in Asia.
The family is trying to get back on track.
Min Jin Lee is known for writing big books that take a long time because she does a lot of research and talks to many people.
She went to really good schools in the United States.
Her new book is going to come out in September.
Min Jin Lee's new book, 'American Hagwon', explores the Korean obsession with education.
The story follows a middle-class Korean family affected by the Asian financial crisis.
Lee's previous book, 'Pachinko', was a National Book Award finalist and ranked among the best novels of the 21st century.
The book is set in multiple locations, including Korea, Australia, and Southern California.
Lee is known for her extensive research and travel for her books.
- Who
- Min Jin Lee, a Korean-American author
- What
- Her new book, 'American Hagwon', explores the Korean obsession with education
- When
- The book is scheduled for release on September 29
- Where
- The story is set in Korea, Australia, and Southern California
- Why
- To explore the Korean diaspora and the impact of the Asian financial crisis on a middle-class Korean family
- Author
- Min Jin Lee
- Book Title
- American Hagwon
- Release Date
- September 29
- Publisher
- Cardinal, a Hachette Book Group imprint
- Previous Work
- Pachinko
- Education Background
- Bronx High School of Science, Yale University, Georgetown University
- Hagwon Definition
- For-profit tutoring centers in Korea