Gyeongseong Brown

Other
Year of Production
2023

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Summary

This novel is about the lives and loves of young Joseon people in 1919 during Japanese colonial rule.

Gyeongseong Brown is a novel about the chaotic times during Korea’s (Joseon) independent movement under Japanese colonial rule. The story centers around captivating characters such as Hongseol, an employee at a café called Gyeongseong Brown; Yohan, an independence fighter for Joseon who hopes at the chance of revolution; Myeonghwa, a gisaeng or female entertainer, who was once a court lady and stands by Yohan; and Mr. Lee, a grandson of Lee Wanyong, one of the main traitors to Joseon. This story gives readers a glimpse of not only love and conflict among the characters but also a glimpse into the motivations and lives of the Joseon people who lost their country. The author vividly depicts the sufferings of its young protagonists who fiercely sought direction in their lives as well as the tragic lives of Joseon people under Japanese imperialism more than 100 years ago.

Gyeongseong Brown is a café located in the center of Jingogae, Gyeongseong, a city where various cultures mix and mingle.
This is Gyeongseong of the late 1910s, where exotic goods from Western countries and Japan are mixed with Joseon culture, and Japanese police officers, Joseon beggars, and rich and corrupt government officials walk the streets. Hongseol works at Gyeongseong Brown. Two men, Yohan and Mr. Lee, who both had feelings for Hongseol in the past, happened to see her working there. Yohan is the man who saved her life at risk of his own in the past, and Mr. Lee suggests that she leave for Tokyo to start a new life there with him. But what Hongseol finds the most important, despite the fated encounters with these men, is a new task to be completed only by her: serving coffee for Emperor Gojong who is confined to his palace and kept under guard. Not long after she starts this special job, the emperor asks her to join the Sonagi Operation which plans for the exile of the emperor. Hongseol agonizes over her decision: the life-risking operation, the man she loves, or leaving for Tokyo for a brighter future. What will she choose during this dark, chaotic era?

Faithful to history based on intensive research, the author vividly describes the scenes and lifestyles of Gyeongseong at the time and relays the inner lives of the young people and the episodes surrounding the independent movement.

Company Profile

Other

SANZINI

"Sanzini", which means the highest and furthest-flying hawk born in the mountains, is a publishing company located in Busan, Korea. Since its establishment in 2005, Sanzini has published more than 750 books in various fields such as humanities, society, literature, social sciences, and children's books. Among them, approximately 160 titles have been selected as outstanding books. In 2015, We won the management and sales category of the Korea Publishing Association.
We plan and produce various contents that go beyond the limits of the region, and also focus on exporting copyrights to Thailand, Taiwan, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Japan, France, and other countries. We also annually import about 10 titles, introducing good foreign content to domestic readers.
Since 2013, we have consistently participated in international book fairs. Last year in 2022, we attended various international book fairs including Frankfurt, Gothenburg, and Guadalajara. In 2023, we also participated in the Taipei and Bologna International Book Fairs.

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