Hagwon's Grip: Family's Global Journey for Education

Min Jin Lee's latest novel, "American Hagwon," delves into a Korean family's extraordinary sacrifices for their children's education. The Koh family's journey, spanning nearly three decades from 1992, begins in Seoul and extends across Sydney and California before returning to Korea. They navigate personal betrayals and the late 1990s Asian financial crisis, consistently prioritizing their children's futures and academic careers above their own comfort.

The novel highlights the critical role of hagwons, private after-school academies, in Korean society. These institutions are depicted as symbols of fierce competition for scarce university places and desirable jobs, embodying themes of country, culture, success, and the ultimate purpose of achievement. The story expands to encompass the wider Korean diaspora community, illustrating the intricate web of relationships that support and sometimes challenge the family's aspirations.