Sejong Cultural Society free virtual book club series

The Sejong Book Club is a Zoom-based free series designed for the average adult reader to learn more about Korean literature in translation.

The upcoming meeting will be a discussion of Un-Su Kim’s novel The Plotters (translated by Sora Kim-Russell) to be held Thursday, July 23,  7 p.m. (Central). The novel describes a dystopian  Seoul where asassination guilds compete for dominance. Kim blends descriptions of the workings of a criminal underworld with dark comedy and psychology in a persuasive alternative reality.

Each session in the series will include guided reading notes and discussion points. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and discussion outline. Registration is at this link.

The Sejong Book Club invites readers from around the world to explore Korean literature in English translation. Led by distinguished professors of literature, the online discussions offer a welcoming space to connect through reading, reflection, and cultural exchange.

Each session highlights a major Korean work translated into English, examining its themes, historical background, and artistic vision. Discussions are held several times a year, and all sessions are conducted in English.

The book club is one offering of the Sejong Cultural Society, a Chicago-based non-profit organization that offers annual music and sijo (Korean poetry) competitions for adults and youth, along with other cultural events.  Its programs are targeted to a wide audience and designed to teach Korean music, literature and culture through fun and interactive events, workshops and performances.

Future Sejong Book Club meeting dates  and titles:

Thursday, September 24  The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Thursday, November 19 Hello Baby by Eui-Kyung Kim

More information on the Sejong Cultural Society is available at the link.