Jeon Ari (1986-present) is a South Korean novelist. Since her youth, she has won literary awards and received recognition from literary circles. Her novels deal with a wide range of topics—from the unique and lively coming-of-age of teenagers to her obsession with issues of desire and violence, along with her interest in the underprivileged.
1. Life
Jeon Ari was born in Seoul in 1986. She grew up in a family that loved to read, so she naturally started writing stories.[1] She received many literary awards in middle school and high school, and she continued writing novels during her college years. She made her debut in 2008 in the most unconventional way. Unlike most Korean writers who go through a formal process of receiving an award at an annual literary contest or a new author award in literary journals, Jeon Ari signed a contract with Munhakdongne, one of the biggest publishers in Korea, and published simultaneously a collection of stories called Jeulgeoun jangnan (즐거운 장난 Fooling Around) and a novel called Sigyetap (시계탑 Clock Tower).[2] While being a college student, she continued to publish many works. She was concerned with the writer’s role in a changing society and the publishing market,[3] and she aimed to become a “trans-creator,” someone who goes beyond being a simple novelist.[4]
2. Writing
Early Works
Jeon Ari’s early works, which include the ones she wrote as a teenager, show a refreshing sensibility of the youth. Clock Tower (2008) is an honest portrayal of teenagers’ struggles and concerns.[5] Jingnyeoui ilgijang (직녀의 일기장 The Diary of a Female Weaver) (2008) delivers a bold and bright coming-of-age narrative through the depiction of an eighteen-year old girl.[6] Her early works contain cynicism, but through her protagonists, who still have faith in humanity, she is able overcome life’s misfortunes with a good sense of humor.[7] She has a unique and frivolous imagination while, at the same time, showing her awareness of serious social problems.[8] She has been recognized for developing a solid and honest narrative style rather than displaying flashy writing techniques.[9]
Stories about the Underprivileged
Yeopjip aineun ulji anneunda (옆집 아이는 울지 않는다 The Child Next Door Doesn’t Cry) (2018) is a collection of stories that goes beyond the theme of coming-of-age and presents a variety of characters, paying attention to underprivileged individuals facing problems in life and the vicious groups that cause these problems.[10] By presenting issues of love, desire, and violence, Jeon began to show a different aspect in her work which contrasted with her earlier works that dealt with teenage emotions. For instance, stories in Juinnim, naui juinnim (주인님, 나의 주인님 Master, My Master) (2012) delves into characters involved in the reality of rampant violence.[11] Aen (앤 Anne) (2012) is about high students who murdered a fellow female student out of envy and later in their adulthood they each face their ruin.[12][13] Dari tteumyeon nega boinda (달이 뜨면 네가 보인다 I Can See You in the Moonlight) (2016) examines a twisted love story from a dangerous relationship between a female college student and her lecturer.[14]
Reference
1) Park Yeongdae. “Part 12 of 21st Century New Genius Theory: Jeon Ari Swept the Youth Literary Award.” Dong-a Ilbo, June 6, 2007.
http://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20070606/8450873/1
2) Kim Jiyeong. “Author Jeon Ari “If the story is funny, you’ll fall into it naturally” A Variety of Genres: Youth, Romance, Mystery.” Dong-a Ilbo, August 23, 2018.
http://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20180823/91635541/1
3) Kim Jiyeong. “Author Jeon Ari “If the story is funny, you’ll fall into it naturally” A Variety of Genres: Youth, Romance, Mystery.” Dong-a Ilbo, August 23, 2018.
http://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20180823/91635541/1
4) Jeon Ari and Heo Hui (reporter). “Jeon Ari Interview: From a Novelist to a Trans-Creator.” Gihoeghoeyi volume 334, Hangukchulpanmaketingyeonguseo, December 20, 2012, p. 28-34.
5) Shim Jaecheon. “Jeon Ari the Recipient of the Second Annual World Youth Literary Award.” Segye, May 27, 2008.
https://www.segye.com/newsView/20080526002083
6) Kim Ilju. “A Glimpse of Daring and Jolly Sensibility.” Hankyoreh, August 8, 2008. http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/culture/book/303163.html
7) Kim Yongeon. “Jeon Ari: Alcohol provides a simple fantasy.” Cine 21, September 11, 2009. http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=57735
8) Shim Seonhye. “At the age of 23, literary genius Jeon Ari’s writing methodology.” Weekly Chosun, September 1, 2009.
http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/09/04/2009090401086.html
9) Jeong Yeoul. “Curveless fastball: Jeon Ari’s Fooling Around.” Munhakdongne, 2008, pp. 259-276.
10) Kim Dalho. “A strong cry from those driven into a corner.” Daejon Ilbo, April 18, 2018. http://www.daejonilbo.com/news/newsitem.asp?pk_no=1311840
11) Kim Taehun. “A distorted society addicted to violence.” Segye, November 2, 2012. http://www.segye.com/newsView/20121102022822
12) Choe Yeogyeong. “A fatal catastrophe brought on by an uncomfortable incident.” Seoul Shinmun, February 18, 2012.
http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20120218019006
13) Han Yujeong. “Memories of Murder: the secret that destroyed them.” Kyunghyang Shinmun, February 17, 2012.
http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201202172055395&code=900308
14) Yu Sora. “I Can See You in the Moonlight.” Chungbuk Ilbo, October 18, 2016. http://www.inews365.com/news/article.html?no=467781
