Adam Lee

Min Jin Lee, born in Seoul in 1968, is a Korean American author and journalist whose work often focuses on the Korean diaspora. After immigrating to the United States at a young age, she was raised in New York City. Lee pursued higher education, studying history at Yale College and law at Georgetown University Law Center, and briefly worked as a corporate lawyer before dedicating herself to writing. Her literary career gained significant recognition with her novels "Free Food for Millionaires" (2007) and "Pachinko" (2017). "Pachinko," a historical novel about Korean immigrants in Japan, was a finalist for the National Book Award and has been translated into numerous languages. Lee has also contributed to various periodicals and served as a guest editor for "The Best American Short Stories" in 2023. She has held writer-in-residence positions and delivered lectures at academic institutions.

Min Jin Lee's writing primarily centers on the experiences of the Korean diaspora, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and resilience. Her novels, such as "Free Food for Millionaires" and the critically acclaimed "Pachinko," delve into the lives of Korean immigrants and their descendants, often navigating complex cultural landscapes and historical contexts. "Pachinko," in particular, traces the journey of a Korean family over several generations as they migrate to and live in Japan. Lee's work has been recognized for its depth in portraying these narratives, earning her accolades and widespread readership. She has also expressed that influential works for her include George Eliot's "Middlemarch," Honoré de Balzac's "Cousin Bette," and the Bible, suggesting an engagement with classic literature and foundational texts.

Lee's career as an author and journalist has been marked by significant achievements. Her debut novel, "Free Food for Millionaires," received positive reviews and was named a notable novel by several publications. The subsequent novel, "Pachinko," garnered even greater acclaim, being a finalist for the National Book Award and receiving praise from major literary outlets. It was also selected as one of the "Best Fiction of 2017" by numerous publications and recommended by figures like President Barack Obama. Beyond her novels, Lee has published short fiction, including "Axis of Happiness" and "Motherland," both of which received awards. Her non-fiction contributions span prestigious publications like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Vogue, covering a range of topics and reviews.

Min Jin Lee has actively engaged with academic and literary communities. She has served as a writer-in-residence at Amherst College and was the guest editor for "The Best American Short Stories" in 2023. Lee has also delivered lectures and keynotes at various institutions, including Harvard's Radcliffe Institute, where she gave the Julia S. Phelps Annual Lecture. Her talks often address themes relevant to her writing, such as identity and the Korean diaspora. Furthermore, she has participated in public conversations and interviews, discussing her artistic process, influences, and her commitment to addressing issues like anti-Asian racism. Her work has also been adapted for television, with "Free Food for Millionaires" and "Pachinko" being developed into series.