Min Jin Lee's 'American Hagwon' Explores Korean Diaspora and Family Dynamics

The narrative centers on the Koh family, consisting of parents Helen and John and their three children, Bo, DH, and Mido. All were born in Paramus, New Jersey, where John worked at a Japanese trading company in New York City. This passage reflects Lee's precise and factual writing style, characterized by a brisk delivery of information that allows readers to engage deeply with the characters without needing a character chart.

A hagwon refers to a tutoring center primarily in Korea, often used by students aiming to enhance their academic performance for college admissions. The pressures associated with these schools are immense, with parents often resorting to bribery and students facing psychological stress. However, hagwon teachers are depicted as passionate and dedicated, contending with the ethical implications of their work in a competitive educational environment.

Set from 1992 to 2007, the novel chronicles the Koh family's struggle for better opportunities amidst the intense socio-economic pressures of Seoul. Helen faces the cultural expectation of paying a corrupt teacher to ensure her daughter Mido receives better treatment, illustrating the pervasive culture of compliance in their world. The family's challenges are compounded by a betrayal from John’s childhood friend, Taehun Shin, which disrupts their stability and reverberates into their new lives in Orange County, California.

As they transition to their new environment, the adult children of the Koh family work at establishing hagwons while grappling with their own educational philosophies. Lee emphasizes the role of women, particularly through the character Danbi Jung, who represents both ambition and malice against the backdrop of limited options for women in Korean corporate culture. This dynamic showcases the struggles faced by women aiming for power in a male-dominated society.

Central to Hagwon is the theme of financial survival, depicted in Mido's reflection on the cost of living and familial responsibilities. The narrative lays bare the relentless pressure to succeed, tempered by the unyielding love and support within the Koh family. The question, “Have you eaten?” often arises as a poignant reminder of their shared sacrifices and devotion to one another, highlighting how deeply interconnected their lives are amidst the struggles they face.