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[DUTCH] A Slice of Crypto Life: The Universal Charm of the Office Escape Plan scrap
by Christian Jongeneel
November 27, 2025
Author Bio 작가 소개
Jang Ryujin
By the time readers reach the bottom of the first page of To the Moon, Jang Ryujin’s bestselling novel, they will already have slightly different impressions of the story’s setting, depending on whether they are reading the Dutch, English, or German translation. The English translator, Sean Lin Halbert, has omitted how long the protagonist Jeong Dahae has been working for the confectionery company Maron. The Dutch translator, Mattho Mandersloot, has explicitly placed her in the back seat of a taxi with her boss, while the other two versions simply note them taking a cab. These are minor discrepancies, but they do serve as a reminder that Korean reality is presented differently to foreign readers, depending on their language. This matters especially in this type of story.
To the Moon is a slice-of-life novel, a genre that has become popular across the globe lately. It offers relatable stories about ordinary people with little drama or plot. Kang Eunsang, Kim Jisong, and Jeong Dahae are office workers at Maron, with few exciting tasks to fulfill. Then Eunsang, the most entrepreneurial of the three, decides to invest in cryptocurrency, figuring that the rate will keep rising. After some hesitation, Dahae follows her, while Jisong holds out for a long time, thinking it too risky.
With this effective setup, Jang accomplishes two things at once. First, she characterizes the three women and their mutual relationships. All three dislike their jobs, but Eunsang leads the way in trying to get ahead in life. Dahae is the most thoughtful, hedging her bets, while Jisong’s timidity impedes her in bonding with her friends and taking (financial) initiatives. Second, the crypto business inserts some mild tension in the narrative: Will the three women succeed in multiplying their life savings, or will they lose everything?
The story does not dwell much on crypto-currency except for the joy it evokes in the women as the price skyrockets. Rather, it describes some moderate office excitements and chores in a light-hearted tone that is at times funny, verging on slapstick, such as when Jisong spills the contents of her suitcase all over the floor of Jeju airport. The charm of slice-of-life novels lies in the reader’s familiarity with the setting and events: office life, dreams of being rich, the hunt for a more spacious apartment, a nice holiday.
Authors of such novels must have a keen sense of what appeals to readers, as Jang clearly does. Much of what goes on in To the Moon has universal allure, like the obsession with what’s going on online, and conversations in trendy coffee shops that seem almost obligatory in slice-of-life novels. Inevitably, though, there are also elements that are distinctly Korean.
For instance, to Korean readers, the simple mention of Jeju is likely enough to conjure images and perhaps memories of the subtropical island south of the mainland. Jang has little need to describe Jeju for her original audience. However, the English translator thought it wise to explicitly add that Jeju is an island. Dutch readers could be forgiven for thinking Jeju is a mainland beach resort. The Dutch edition is more faithful to the original text, while the English translator adapted the text to add context for non-Korean readers. As a result, the reading experiences of both translations differ in the way they convey Korea.
Though the backdrop of Jeju may be experienced differently by readers of distinct nationalities, the three women’s trip to Jeju has recognizable components for those aspiring to be rich: a posh hotel with an infinity pool, luxury services, and voguish parties. The circumstances magnify the differences between the three. Eunsang relishes the holiday, but also displays her mean streak. Jisong is happy to go along, but is insecure about almost everything. Dahae is keeping her options open, while sympathizing with both her friends as they clash. Of course, everything ends well, in a fitting but not overtly remarkable way. To the Moon merrily accomplishes what it aims to do, offering a pleasant read to enjoy at your lunch break, a coffee shop, or perhaps, if you’re lucky, your infinity pool.
Writer 필자 소개
Christian Jongeneel
Christian Jongeneel is an author and journalist based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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