Min Jin Lee Returns With Highly Anticipated Third Novel 'American Hagwon'

The author of the bestselling 'Pachinko' discusses the challenges of creating art in a divisive era.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:54pm

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An abstract, minimalist composition featuring bold, jagged shapes in shades of red, black, and white, conceptually representing the themes of literary storytelling, cultural identity, and the creative process.Min Jin Lee's thoughtful, measured approach to storytelling offers a model for navigating the challenges of the current moment.NYC Today

Nearly a decade after the release of her acclaimed novel 'Pachinko,' author Min Jin Lee is set to publish her highly anticipated third book, 'American Hagwon,' this fall. In a new interview, Lee reflects on the difficulties of making art during a time of deep political and social turmoil, emphasizing the importance of taking a thoughtful, measured approach rather than rushing to judgment.

Why it matters

Lee's work has resonated with readers around the world, and the upcoming release of 'American Hagwon' is a major literary event. Her insights on the creative process and the role of the artist in turbulent times offer valuable perspective for both readers and fellow writers navigating the challenges of the current moment.

The details

In the interview, Lee discusses the daunting task of delivering the prestigious Ellman lectures at Emory University, where she will explore modern literature. She acknowledges the struggle of this undertaking, but sees it as an opportunity for growth. Lee also reflects on the complexities of the current political and social climate in the US, noting the difficulty of responding to events when there is 'so much disbelief in what people are experiencing.' As a 'slow processor,' Lee says she is careful to thoughtfully consider multiple perspectives before speaking out, as her role as a fiction writer is to 'create a composed narrative that should be edifying and entertaining and moving' rather than to simply 'take somebody down.' Despite the distractions of the era, Lee finds solace in the legacy of creative pioneers who have persisted through challenging times.

  • Min Jin Lee's debut novel 'Free Food for Millionaires' was published in 2007.
  • Her second novel 'Pachinko' was published in 2017 and became an international bestseller.
  • Lee's third novel 'American Hagwon' is set for release in Fall 2026.

The players

Min Jin Lee

An acclaimed novelist whose works include the bestselling 'Pachinko' and the upcoming 'American Hagwon.' Lee is known for her thoughtful, measured approach to storytelling and her ability to explore complex social and political themes.

Tayari Jones

An author who will be participating in a conversation with Min Jin Lee as part of the Ellman lectures at Emory University.

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What they’re saying

“It's really daunting. It's kind of kicking my ass, and whenever I do these really difficult things that I didn't know that I was going to do because I didn't really understand them when I said yes to them, I have to tell myself that the struggle is part of how I grow.”

— Min Jin Lee, Author

“What's most confusing about this era, as an artist, is seeing that there's so much disbelief in what people are experiencing. And I think that's probably the hardest part, because it's one thing to say, 'I don't like what I see, but I'm fully cognizant.' There's a portion, a large portion of the country that I love, that's saying, 'All of this is great.' That part is very unfamiliar and new to me, and that's probably the hardest part because I don't want to demonize the people that I disagree with.”

— Min Jin Lee, Author

What’s next

Min Jin Lee will deliver the Ellman lectures, including a conversation with author Tayari Jones, at Emory University in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

As a thoughtful, deliberate writer, Min Jin Lee offers a valuable perspective on the role of the artist in turbulent times. Rather than rushing to judgment or demonizing those with differing views, Lee emphasizes the importance of careful consideration, empathy, and the creation of work that is 'edifying and entertaining and moving.' Her approach serves as an inspiring model for navigating the challenges of the current moment.