A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
By John Kim
Editor: With support from Special Bookshelf, a publishing house established in 2017 under the banner “New Era, New Book,” comes a story that delves into our fascination with literature. As a member of the Mom & I Book Club, John Kim shares his reflections on the novel Gumiho Restaurant by Park Hyun-sook.
By John Kim (Book Club Member, Chef)
Time tends to slow down as school vacations approach, only to race forward with increasing speed as they come to an end. This perception of time is both physical and psychological, as childhood memories of anticipation and urgency suggest.
In the novel Gumiho Restaurant, characters are given 49 days—a period that can seem either brief or endless depending on one’s perspective. This is a waiting period in the afterlife where their fates are decided. In this tale, Im Min-seok, a man clinging to life’s attachments, and Wang Do-yeong, a student relieved by death, form an alliance with Seo-ho, a thousand-year-old fox fully intent on reaping eternal life from them. They consent to return to the living world for 49 days at her behest.
Yet these returns come with complications. The realm between life and death is not to be navigated at will, as mythological stories like Orpheus and Eurydice reflect. The narrative draws on this boundary with a twist—Face Off—allowing characters to return in altered forms, highlighting the opportunity to hear candid reflections from those who knew them.
Min-seok’s time is rushed, fueled by resolving past relationships, particularly with Seo Ji-young. In contrast, Do-yeong moves through life with detachment, recalling few positive memories. Yet, the narrative unfolds with encounters that reveal the unadulterated truths of their past through the eyes of others. The realization brings Min-seok to confront his own obsessions and Do-yeong to reinterpret his familial relationships, ultimately leading them back to the afterlife with a renewed perspective.
The evolution in the tempo of Min-seok and Do-yeong’s lives intrigues, mirroring their emotional transitions. Notably, Wang Do-soo, Do-yeong’s half-brother, emerges as a compelling character. Initially depicted as antagonistic, his genuine nature slowly surfaces, playing a pivotal role in balancing the story's gravity. His reconciliation with Do-yeong marks a memorable moment.
Gumiho Restaurant captures profound narratives with lively character dynamics and offers a place where individuals confront their lives directly, encouraging readers to contemplate their own existence. It is a celebration of interconnectedness, emphasizing life’s value.
This review reflects the spirited journey into life’s complexities through the captivating narrative of Park Hyun-sook’s novel.
