Korean novelist Jeong You-jeong, often referred to as the "Stephen King of Korea," has gained fame for her psychological thrillers that explore the darker aspects of human nature. During a recent interview in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul, Jeong’s colorful attire and lively demeanor stood in stark contrast to the unsettling themes of her bestsellers.
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Jeong explained that her cheerful disposition stemmed from extended periods of solitude while writing. "Once I start writing a book, I'm the type who holes up at home and never goes out," she said, adding that her infrequent outings make her eager to engage in conversation.
Her latest work, "Bonobo," marks a departure from her previous thriller novels. This English translation of her 2019 novel, published in Britain by Honford Star, is the first of her non-thriller works to be made available to English-speaking audiences. Translated by Brother Anthony (An Seon-jae), "Bonobo" follows the story of primatologist Jini, who, after a car crash, finds her consciousness entwined with that of a bonobo named Jinny. The narrative centers on themes of empathy, community, and the experiences of animal trafficking.
Jeong's decision to focus on a female protagonist came from the story's requirements. "This novel needed a woman. It truly couldn't have been written without a female protagonist," she stated, emphasizing the need for empathy and maturity in the character.
To enhance her understanding of bonobos, Jeong consulted with ecologist Choe Jae-chun and visited primate research facilities in Japan. She observed their contrasting societal structures, noting that while chimpanzees are male-dominated, bonobos thrive in female-centered groups known for their compassion and cooperation. Jeong recalled Choe’s illustration of how bonobos interact compared to chimpanzees, which influenced her decision to feature bonobos in the narrative.
When it comes to translations of her works, Jeong opts for a hands-off approach, trusting translators to interpret her stories as they see fit. She expressed confidence in Brother Anthony’s translation, sharing that he did not ask about her humor, which tends to differ between her thrillers and coming-of-age novels.
At the core of "Bonobo" lies a message about life’s approach. "If a reader feels encouraged to live more fiercely after reading this book, I would be thrilled," Jeong remarked. She expressed concern that young people often hold back due to fear, urging them to embrace love and life fully while they have the chance.
Jeong will discuss her new novel further during a book talk at the dbBOOKS warehouse in Seoul on November 7. This event, part of a fall warehouse sale, promises to connect her with readers both familiar and new. As she reflects on life’s transient nature, she urges individuals to "love one another fiercely and live with everything we have" before it’s too late.