Korean bestseller on single life lands six-figure English rights deal
"We are so proud to announce that Sharika Teelwah, editor at Transworld, part of the Penguin Publishing Group, in UK pre-empted World English rights for six figures to Seen Aromi's bestselling Korean book," Seen's New York-based literary agent Barbara J. Zitwer said in a statement.
Originally published in 2024 by the Korean publisher Bookrum, the book quickly became a bestseller in Korea. In it, Seen reflects on her choice to live alone and the freedom and fulfillment she has found in an independent life.
Zitwer said she first discovered the book through Seen's interview article in The Korea Herald and was 'immediately captivated by Seen Aromi's voice and energy.'
'I had no doubt and moved quickly to sign her,' she said.
Zitwer is known for her role in bringing Korean literature to international audiences. She represented Han Kang's "The Vegetarian," which won the International Booker Prize in 2016.
Meanwhile, the agent added that there's already strong interest in a film adaptation of Seen's book. UK-based The Artists Agency is handling film rights.
The agent has previously sold screen rights for several prominent Korean works, including "The Good Son" and "Perfect Happiness" by Jeong You-jeong and "Walking Practice" by Min Dolki.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
2 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Saunter into wonderland of cocktails and creativity at Alice Cheongdam
Securing No. 13 spot on list of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, Alice Cheongdam proves in world of mixology, only limit is imagination. Tucked deep in the streets of Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul, Alice Cheongdam offers a unique sanctuary where mixology meets surrealism. Inspired by 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' the upscale cocktail bar has earned a coveted spot at No. 13 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, capturing the hearts of both local and international cocktail enthusiasts. Enter the unknown Stepping into Alice Cheongdam, one is immediately transported to an alternate universe. The dimly lit corridors, quirky art and mysterious ambiance reflect the whimsical world of Wonderland. The wall of the bar showcases the achievements of the head bartenders at both national and international competitions, solidifying the establishment's dedication to excellence in mixology. Alice Cheongdam has earned multiple accolades, including Best Bar in Korea at the 2017 Korea Best Bar Awards, and its recent recognition on Asia's 50 Best Bars confirms its standing as more than just a bar: It is a cultural hub for cocktail lovers. Wonderland of cocktails The menu at Alice Cheongdam is as imaginative as its decor. The bar offers 12 signature cocktails, each drawing inspiration from the fantastical elements of Wonderland. Priced at 27,000 won each, these drinks come in whimsical presentations that push the boundaries of traditional mixology. "Our concept is about recapturing the sense of childlike wonder," said one staff member. "Through these cocktails, we want to evoke that innocent curiosity and creativity we lose as we grow older." The welcome drink — a soju-based cocktail with Campari and raspberry — sets the tone for a night of sensory exploration. For nondrinkers, a mocktail version is available, ensuring everyone can join in the adventure. The bar also offers a card-themed menu book priced at 30,000 won. This collectible item features detailed artwork and insights into each drink, making it a sought-after keepsake. A charming touch at Alice Cheongdam is the fresh white rose given to each guest upon seating — a nod to the iconic element from 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.' Signature cocktails and mocktails One standout cocktail is the Face to Vase, inspired by Alice's tea party. Made with gin, eucalyptus, sake and mango, the drink is served in a vase, with light herbal and floral notes in every sip. "We wanted to capture the absurdity of Alice's world — where flowers grow in unexpected places," explained a bartender. The Okie Dok is another creative offering. This dessert cocktail combines traditional Korean ingredients of soju, strawberry gochujang (red chile paste), rice ice cream and walnut. Served in a glass resembling a jangdok, or Korean earthenware jar, the drink blends savory, sweet and spicy elements, with a subtle heat from the gochujang and a refreshing strawberry flavor. Topped with a crispy cracker and safflower oil, the drink offers a sophisticated yet playful experience. For those choosing not to imbibe in intoxicants, the Snooze mocktail is a refreshing option. Made with kiwi, apple and botanicals, it mimics the crispness of a gin and tonic, without the alcohol. Served on a glowing box, Snooze evokes the magical realism of Wonderland. "Our mocktails aren't just imitations; we use fresh ingredients and techniques to create complex, satisfying flavors," a staff member explained. International vibe Alice Cheongdam attracts a diverse clientele from around the world, including visitors from India, Hong Kong and the US. To accommodate this international crowd, many staff members are fluent in English, helping to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience. The bar's food offerings complement its drink menu. Guests can enjoy a cheese platter (30,000 won) with Manchego, smoked cheese and chorizo, or a fruit platter (30,000 won). For something more casual, crispy french fries (20,000 won) are also available. Adding to the surreal charm is the bar's hidden bathroom door, offering another playful layer of intrigue to the Alice Cheongdam experience. More than just a bar, Alice Cheongdam is an immersive journey where imagination runs wild. Whether you're there for the cocktails, the ambiance or the sense of adventure, Alice Cheongdam invites you to step into its wonderland and lose yourself in its magic.
Korea Herald
20 hours ago
- Korea Herald
K•FISH Shines in Hawaii: Korean Seafood Receives Enthusiastic Response from Local Visitors
"K•FISH Cooking Show & Promotion Booth" Wraps Up Successfully at the Hawaii Korean Festival SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, August 2, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Korea Fisheries Association, successfully hosted the K•FISH Cooking Show and Promotion Booth at the Hawaii Korean Festival, held at the Honolulu Civic Center. The event was organized to promote K•FISH, the Korean government-certified seafood export brand. This program was designed to showcase the premium and trendy image of Korean seafood in a way that feels familiar and approachable to Hawaiian consumers. The event aimed to raise awareness of Korean seafood in both Hawaii and the U.S., and to introduce the quality and diversity of K•FISH-certified products to local audiences. Despite being a one-day event, the K•FISH Cooking Show and Promotion Booth drew approximately 45,000 visitors, reflecting the high level of local interest in Korean seafood. The promotion booth featured top Korean seafood export items such as gim (seaweed), abalone, fish roe, and fish cake—all of which have been gaining popularity in the global market. Each product was showcased alongside its manufacturer, enabling visitors to quickly understand the export potential and variety of K•FISH products. To further engage visitors, the booth included interactive programs such as SNS events, a photo zone, and tasting events, which boosted interest in the products and helped create a positive image of the K•FISH brand. These activities were well received by a wide range of attendees, from children to families. One of the highlights was the four tasting sessions, which featured easy-to-make dishes using K•FISH products, including Gim Bugak with Tuna Mayo and Canned Abalone with Local Sauces. These menu items, praised for both their flavor and practicality, effectively conveyed the appeal of Korean seafood and sparked strong interest from local consumers, with many asking where they could purchase the products. The most popular program was the K•FISH Cooking Show, which featured world-renowned chef Andre Rush. He performed a live cooking demonstration of his original recipe, Gim Bugak Abalone Tacos, using K•FISH-certified products. Following the demo, 100 servings of the dish were offered to visitors, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience. The program earned praise not only from general consumers but also from culinary professionals. Kang Do-hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who led the event, remarked: "K•FISH is no longer just about seafood—it's becoming a premium brand that represents safety and health. We will continue to carry out various initiatives in the U.S. and Hawaii to promote the excellence and potential of K•FISH." K•FISH is Korea's official government-certified seafood export brand. It is awarded only to products that pass strict screening procedures, thorough quality control, and a systematic evaluation process.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Korea Herald
Bibigo's collaboration with Seventeen takes center stage at KCON LA
Korean food giant CJ CheilJedang is leveraging the global popularity of K-pop sensation Seventeen to boost its flagship brand Bibigo, drawing major attention at KCON LA 2025. As global brand ambassadors for Bibigo, the 13-member boy band was the highlight of Bibigo's largest-ever booth — triple the size of previous years — helping the company deliver an immersive K-food experience tailored to global fans. The booth, decorated with photos of Seventeen members and the band's signature green, was a magnet for young visitors, many of whom posted selfies with Bibigo dumplings and joined TikTok challenges inspired by the band. The event took place from Friday through Sunday at Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center, where KCON — the world's largest K-pop festival — gathered fans from across the globe. Throughout the three-day festival, Bibigo handed out over 30,000 servings of Korean dishes, including mini dumplings and bibimbap. A limited-edition 'Seventeen x Bibigo' product line also debuted at the booth. 'Since Bibigo first joined KCON in 2013, K-food has evolved from a novelty to a part of daily life,' said Stephan Czypionka, global chief marketing officer at CJ CheilJedang. 'We will continue to lead the global expansion of Korean food and culture.' CJ CheilJedang has seen double-digit annual growth since Bibigo dumplings first surpassed 1 trillion won ($720 million) in global sales in 2020. In the US, the brand claimed a 41 percent share of the business-to-consumer frozen dumpling market last year. Bibigo plans to roll out more Seventeen collaborations across the US and Asia throughout the year, reinforcing its drive to for Korean food to be a global staple.
