Min Jin Lee, author and writer-in-residence at Amherst College, recently discussed her latest book launch, her approach to mentorship, and her ongoing literary projects. Known for her novels that explore Korean diasporic experiences, Lee spoke about the intimate, selective nature of her teaching, where she deliberately chooses students who do not fit the typical mold of aspiring writers.

At Amherst, Lee’s fiction and non-fiction classes are limited to just 15 seats each, allowing her to focus on individuals who may never have considered themselves writers. She emphasized that beyond technical skills, she aims to equip students with broader life lessons, particularly about navigating contemporary challenges like loneliness intensified by social media and the pandemic, as well as the rapid technological shifts brought on by artificial intelligence.

“I was trying to teach them also how to talk. I said, ‘I’m going to teach you how to do interviews, which means that you need to make eye contact, you need to speak,’” she said, describing her hope that her classes would foster a sense of community and shared identity among participants.

In addition to her work in academia, Lee has taken on a role as a mentor and cultural advocate within the Asian American literary community. Author Crystal Hana Kim credits Lee with paving the way for Korean American writers by demonstrating that success in mainstream literature is possible. “She’s become more than just a writer. She’s become this kind of cultural leader and community maker,” Kim said.

Lee’s editor, Reagan Arthur, noted parallels between Lee’s protagonist Min in her latest novel and John Koh, a central character in the story. Arthur described them as figures embodying quiet moral steadiness and integrity.

Lee is currently developing the final book in her Diaspora Quartet, titled *Marshall Plan*, which will focus on the Korean miners who worked in Germany during the 1960s and 1970s, sending remittances back home in the post-Korean War period. She also plans to write a memoir, *Name Recognition*, upon completing the series.

With the release of *Hagwon*, Lee is experiencing a new phase in her career, marked by an extensive book tour scheduled to continue through July 2027. The novel sees a significant initial print run of one million copies, marking a sharp contrast to the modest launches of her previous works. Reflecting on the often-romanticized idea of being a writer, Lee commented on the realities behind the career, recounting years of struggle and self-doubt prior to gaining recognition.

Despite the pressures accompanying this heightened visibility, Lee remains focused on her responsibilities to her readers and supporters. She acknowledged the unprecedented level of backing for *Hagwon* and expressed a deep desire not to disappoint.

In conversation, Lee also emphasized the meaningfulness of human interactions, whether in interviews or personal encounters, viewing each as an opportunity for shared understanding and growth. “We’re both making something right now of our conversation,” she said, underscoring her commitment to fostering connection through storytelling.