Min Jin Lee’s novel “American Hagwon,” the third installment in a planned quartet centered on the Korean diaspora, offers an extensive exploration of immigrant experiences and the complex education culture among Korean Americans. Published by Cardinal with 644 pages, the work follows the trajectory of the Koh family and a network of characters over a 15-year period spanning 1992 to 2007.
Set across multiple locations including Seoul, Paramus, New Jersey, Sydney, Australia, and Cypress, California, the narrative delves into the pressures surrounding education within the Korean immigrant community. The title refers to "hagwons," private educational institutes that supplement regular schooling in South Korea and among Korean expatriates. These institutions often focus on language acquisition and standardized exam preparation, responding to an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.
The story centers on Exodus Academy, a fictional hagwon serving Korean expatriates in Orange County, along with its lucrative offshoot, Fortress. Both are operated by Lion Han, an ex-Princeton student who abandoned a music career after familial disapproval. Despite their commercial success in securing admission for elite colleges, Lion and his colleagues are portrayed as questioning the relentless competition, advocating instead for a more genuine love of learning.
The narrative opens in Seoul with John Koh, a man working at a trading company, moving frequently as dictated by his employer. His family’s journey—from America to Australia and back to Korea—frames the immigrant experience. John, characterized by his integrity, becomes embroiled in false harassment allegations, which precipitates his fall to a menial job, while his wife Helen supplements the family income through retail work. Their three children—Bo, DH, and Mido—are all portrayed as engaged with Lion’s hagwon as they pursue various academic and artistic paths.
The novel unfolds against the backdrop of significant historical and social developments including the Asian financial crisis, the events of September 11, and the early rise of social media and smartphones. Lee’s writing intertwines personal struggles with broader cultural themes such as meritocracy, as exemplified in Lion’s lectures that challenge idealized notions rooted in Korean folklore.
While “American Hagwon” incorporates elements reminiscent of soap operas, including romantic entanglements and familial conflict, it also stands out for its meticulous depiction of everyday pragmatism. The detailed treatment of financial arrangements, contracts, and estate planning adds a distinctive dimension to the narrative, highlighting often overlooked aspects of immigrant family life.
Overall, the novel has been praised for its depth, accessibility, and rich characterizations, making it a significant literary contribution to portrayals of the Korean diaspora in contemporary fiction.