Magazine
A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
Interview and Writing by Minjeong Son
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Frances Cha
Frances Cha, also known as Cha Hee-won, is a mother of two daughters residing in Brooklyn, New York. Born in Minnesota, Cha has lived in various places, including Texas, England, and Hong Kong, following her economist father. Having spent some time in Seoul, she returned to the United States during her third year of middle school, eventually completing her education in creative writing at Dartmouth and Columbia University. Despite her studies in the US, she frequently visited her parents in Korea during school breaks. Cha's multifaceted life experiences in different countries, along with her identity as an Asian minority, have uniquely shaped her perspective and aspirations. This April, she realized her dream by publishing her first novel, If I Had Your Face (Penguin Random House), in the United States. We spoke with the talented Korean-American author, who is realizing her dreams while managing her life as a working mother in the heart of New York.
"I wanted to be a novelist since I was about eight years old. I studied creative writing in college and worked as an editor for the school literary magazine before continuing the same major in graduate school. I began writing If I Had Your Face during my first year of grad school, and it took me almost ten years to get it published. During that time, I did many things. Although I kept writing the novel whenever I had the time, I also worked at a company in Korea, lectured at university, and served as the Korean editor for CNN's travel and literature section. I met my husband while he was on a business trip to Hong Kong, where CNN's Asia headquarters is located. After marrying, I moved to New York and continued writing while raising our two children. When I received a publishing offer, I couldn't believe it — and that was already two and a half years ago."
Cha moved from Manhattan to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, about a year and a half ago. Her life as a busy mother who managed to publish an English novel while navigating her hectic schedule raises curiosity about her work.
"If I Had Your Face is a novel set in contemporary Korean society. It’s my debut novel. Growing up, I read many English novels set in Korea, but most were war stories or historical novels, which was disappointing. During college and grad school, most of my peers were white, which made me feel like a minority. While they wrote short stories or novels about American white society, my desire to write about Korea grew. Later, while working in Korea and at CNN, I personally experienced the intriguing and splendid aspects of modern Korean society and felt compelled to delve deeper into these subjects through fiction. I closely observed Korea's places, culture, and people. Up until a few years ago, I was deeply immersed in K-pop culture and fascinated by its rich fan culture. The protagonists of my novel are four young women living in an officetel in Seoul's Yeoksam-dong. Some of them grew up together in an orphanage in the countryside and strive to overcome reality and find a new life in Seoul. Through these characters, various issues of modern Korean society are addressed, such as K-pop, plastic surgery, room salons, low birth rates, high suicide rates, and more. While there may be some dark aspects, my aim was to portray Korea as a vibrant society, alive beyond its flaws and complexities. I visited many places featured in the book and collected stories and experiences from many people. If readers become curious about Seoul and Korea or wish to visit after reading my novel, I believe that signifies my intentions were successfully conveyed."
Despite the novel's focus on contemporary South Korea, there are no plans for a Korean edition yet. After its U.S. release on April 21, the novel is being published in Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Russia, and other English-speaking countries. The book has garnered impressive reviews from various media outlets. We applaud her for fulfilling a lifelong dream since childhood.
Named a most anticipated novel of 2020 by O, The Oprah Magazine • The Millions • PureWow • The Rumpus
“Magnificent . . . With unblinking focus, [Cha] confronts some of the darkest consequences of contemporary gender inequity.” —Booklist (starred review!)
“This is an insightful, powerful story from a promising new voice . . . Cha navigates the obstacles of her characters’ lives with ease and heartbreaking realism.” —Publishers Weekly
“[A] timely debut . . . Multifaceted portraits of working women in Seoul reveal the importance of female friendships amid inequality . . . Cha's empathetic portraits allow readers to see the impact of economic inequity, entrenched classism, and patriarchy on her hard-working characters' lives.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Searing . . . Essential reading in what Jia Tolentino memorably called the age of Instagram face.” —Vogue (UK)
“Absolutely stunning. Assured, bold, and electrifying, If I Had Your Face marks the entrance of a bright new voice in fiction." —Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six
"We lived in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle for five years after moving to the U.S., and both of my daughters were born there. Life was too hectic and crowded, so we moved to Brooklyn for a more relaxed lifestyle. While living in Columbus Circle, I would pass by Random House’s headquarters every day, dreaming of becoming an author. It was right after moving to Brooklyn that I secured a book deal with Random House. Last year, the office was just a five-minute walk away, but now, I have to take the subway to attend meetings. Yet, I’ve found joy in this work."
"My children, now 4 and 2 years old, attend a Chinese immersion school right in front of our house. The teachers conduct lessons entirely in Chinese, which sometimes concerns me. My husband and I lived in Hong Kong for a long time, so we considered the significance of China in the world when deciding on their education. However, we're worried they might not master Korean, English, and Chinese effectively. Every summer, we visit my parents in Korea with the kids, and after spending a month there, they start speaking Korean again. The adaptability of children never ceases to amaze me."
Author Frances Cha's Home Studio
Despite her debut as a lauded novelist, photos with her family reveal her undeniably happy nature. Her family remains her strongest support both in her personal and professional life. Are there any other invaluable connections in Cha's journey as a writer?
"The person who has helped me the most in my career is Janice Y. K. Lee. She wrote The Piano Teacher and The Expatriates, and I have profound respect and gratitude for her. I first saw her interview in Elle Korea, only to discover that our parents knew each other. As she was living in Manhattan, we met in person, and she has since been incredibly supportive during my publishing process, offering necessary advice and insights. Another friend I’d like to thank is Helen Oyeyemi, whom I met while attending Columbia’s graduate program. I always felt like a minority at school, but one day, I met a Black student from the UK in my class, who was Helen. After the semester, she left, and I was alone again in the minority status. However, she became a famed author in Europe, releasing seven novels to date. When preparing for my book's release, I reconnected with her, and she praised my novel as marvelous, which was featured on the book cover."
Curiosity surrounds Cha’s daily life as a writer and her future plans.
"I usually work after dropping the kids off at school at 8 AM, mostly from home. Sometimes, I work in a kids’ café or during their swimming lessons. I prefer writing fiction in the mornings when my mind is fresh, while in the afternoons, I focus on essays and other projects. I’m currently working on my second novel, which I aim to complete by November. I also have a keen interest in children's picture books and animated musicals, so I’m brainstorming ideas in these domains. I intend to continue working on topics related to Korea. Although there’s no Korean edition of If I Had Your Face, a series adaptation is under discussion. The studio has contracted the rights, and an announcement is expected soon. Filming is anticipated to take place in Korea, New York, and Boston."
A ceaseless work schedule is impressive, especially given that her debut work will be adapted into a series. With a novel set in Korea, could we expect a cast of Korean actors? The absence of a Korean edition may feel lacking, but a series could fill that void in a remarkable way. If the series is well-received, a Korean translation of If I Had Your Face might soon grace the shelves.
"I'm passionate about contemporary art and enjoy visiting open studios of active artists. Brooklyn and LIC frequently host these events. Once my novels are released, I dream of returning to teaching. While the global publishing market, like the rest of the economy, faced tough challenges earlier this year, I'm approaching given opportunities with gratitude. I aim to work diligently and joyfully in areas that inspire me. While New York is home, I often travel to New Jersey, and it's a pleasure to connect through Mom and I. Thank you."
**Frances
