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Novelist Jo Jung-rae chooses love for his final novel

Published 2026-08-25

Jo Jung-rae had spent more than five decades writing about war, history and the upheavals of Korean society. He had never written a love story. "I'm getting older, and the time I have left to write stories is growing shorter as I approach the final chapter of my life," Jo, 83, said at a press conference Monday in central Seoul. "The thought suddenly came to me: Why not write a love story now?" Jo made his literary debut in 1970 and devoted much of his career to exploring Korea's turbulent histor

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jo Jung-rae's final novel about?

Jo Jung-rae's final novel is a love story, marking a departure from his previous focus on war and history.

Why did Jo Jung-rae choose to write a love story now?

At 83, he feels the time remaining to write is limited and wanted to explore new themes before his life chapter closes.

What themes did Jo Jung-rae explore in his earlier works?

He primarily focused on Korea's turbulent history, war, and societal upheavals throughout his five-decade career.