“When I say ‘not working hard,’ I don’t mean living an irresponsible life, but rather living without pushing yourself too hard; I mean a life that allows you to relax. I believe that you can take responsibility for your own life without having to live so intensely.” (Hamateomyeon Yeolsimhi Sal Ppeon Haetda [I Almost Worked Too Hard]. Woongjin Knowledge House, 2018)
Ha Wan is an illustrator and author who writes essays that redefine the dynamics between personal life and work.
1. Life
Ha Wan (Song Hawan) studied visual design at Hongik University. While he worked as a salaryman for six years, he also worked as a freelance illustrator, leading a “two-job” life. He resigned from his company at the age of forty and is currently working as a freelance essayist and picture book illustrator.
2. Writing
The illustrator and essayist Ha gained the empathy of many readers with Hamateomyeon Yeolsimhi Sal Ppeon Haetda (I Almost Worked Too Hard), which depicts his life after leaving his job and became a bestseller. In this essay, he confesses his fear that his love for something he enjoys might diminish once it becomes a means of making a living and explores the relationship between individuals and labor in Korean society in a humorous and succinct manner. He also declares that he “won’t work hard” as he shares his view on society’s mainstream pursuit of growth and success. His declaration shatters the contemporary fantasy that working hard to succeed will enable us to live happily. He opposes “effort supremacy,” the idea that one can achieve anything through effort, and seeks to find a way to make the most of one’s passion instead of exhausting it.
Reference
Essays
Hamateomyeon Yeolsimhi Sal Ppeon Haetda (I Almost Worked Too Hard). Woongjin Knowledge House, 2018)
Jeoneun Cheungmyeoni Jom Deo Natseumnidaman (I’m a Little Better on the Side). Semicolon, 2020
Ilhaneun Maeumgwa Alneun Maeum (A Heart That Works and A Heart That Aches). Yibom, 2022 (multiple authors)
Picture Books
Eoriniege Ireul Sikineun Geon Banchigieyo (Making Children Work Is Unfair). Pulbit Media, 2012
Gasi Sonyeon (Thorny Boy). Little See & Talk, 2012
Wae Neohuiman Meongneun Geoya? (How Come Only You Guys Are Eating?). Pulbit Media, 2013
Dodamiwa Mujigae Dokkaebi (Dodam and the Rainbow Goblin). Arbol, 2013
Nuga Haengbokanji Boseyo (See Who’s Happy). Pulbit Media, 2014
Na Honja Haebollae Undonghagi (I’ll Try Exercising on My Own). Little See & Talk, 2014
Honjaraseo Jineun Geoya (You’re Losing Because You’re on Your Own). Pulbit Media, 2014
Mobeom Hangeul Pengeulssi (Exemplary Korean Handwriting). See & Talk, 2014
Gwahagi Haegyeolhaejuji Ana (Science Doesn’t Solve It). Pulbit Media, 2016
Gyotongsagoreul Josimhae! (Watch Out for Car Accidents!). Arbol, 2016
Eunggeup Cheochiga Pillyohae! (We Need First Aid!). Arbol, 2016
Nogyeongsil Seonsaengnimi Deullyeojuneun Eorini Talmudeu (No Gyeongsil’s Talmud for Children). Danielstone Children, 2016
Jiguchon Areumdaun Georae Tamgusaenghwal (Exploring Beautiful Trade Around the World). Blue Bicycle, 2016
Mattanghi Nuryeoya Hal Ingwon Tamgusaenghwal (Exploring Our Human Rights). Blue Bicycle, 2018
Jabonjuuiga Sseuregireul Mandeureoyo (Capitalism Creates Waste). Pulbit Media, 2018
Jiguga Tteugeowoseo Beoseuga Muryorago? (The Bus is Free Because the Earth Is Hot?). Pulbit Media, 2024
LTI Korea 
DLKL 
SIWF 
