English Translation:
K-Literature Captivates Hollywood… “Don’t Follow Trends—Create Them”
Last month, author Cheon Seon-ran’s novel The Thousand Blues (published by Hubble) made headlines after securing a film rights deal with Warner Bros. worth around 600 million won (approx. $430,000 USD). Less publicly known is that Jung Yoo-jung’s The Origin of Species (published by EunHaengNaMu) was also sold three years ago to the multinational production company RT Features, known for Call Me by Your Name. Just last week, it was confirmed that Norwegian director Thea Bystedal will helm the adaptation. Korean literature is increasingly emerging as a rich source of inspiration for global film production companies.
Barbara Zitwer, a prominent agent in the Anglophone world who has brokered numerous overseas translation and film adaptation deals for Korean literature, noted in a recent interview, “Now that all the major U.S. publishers have released at least one Korean title, film companies are eager to jump into ‘the Korean business’ as well. Korean literature is at a turning point.”
“Spielbergian” Praise and a Record-Breaking Deal
Zitwer, who helped bring Han Kang’s The Vegetarian to the international stage and is considered one of the first-generation literary agents specializing in Korean works, also facilitated the recent Thousand Blues film deal. In a written interview, she said, “This was the fastest film deal I’ve ever closed.” The bidding war included Warner Bros., an Oscar-winning Hollywood producer, and a well-known UK studio—but Warner ultimately made the highest offer. Zitwer noted, “Usually, film rights only sell if there’s a confirmed big-name actor or director, but Warner demanded none of that. They were simply confident in the strength of the story itself.”
The novel tells the story of the bond between a robot jockey named Collie and a racehorse named Today. Zitwer likened the tale to Steven Spielberg’s A.I. and the Hollywood film Seabiscuit. “It’s a classic tale of sacrifice for love—timeless, yet refreshingly original,” she said. The story’s focus on horse racing is a plus in the U.S., where it remains a popular pastime. “Following the success of shows like Yellowstone, Westerns are trendy again in the U.S. The film might even incorporate cowboy elements. The ranch landscapes of Colorado, Utah, and Montana would make a perfect backdrop.”
Warner Bros. is currently searching for a director. It typically takes 16 to 18 months to hire a director and screenwriter and complete a first draft of the script.
“Korean Literature Is Both Universal and Unique”
Among Korean works making headway in Hollywood, Pyun Hye-young’s The Hole (published by Moonji Publishing) is the furthest along—distribution has already been finalized, with a release anticipated as early as next year. The film is being produced by Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), directed by Kim Jee-woon, and stars Theo James, Jung Ho-yeon, and Yum Hye-ran. Meanwhile, Dol Ki-min’s sci-fi novel Walking Practice (published by EunHaengNaMu) was sold to Dakota Johnson’s production company and is currently in the scripting phase.
Zitwer believes Korean literature resonates beyond Korea because it taps into universal emotional codes. For example, The Hole has narrative and character elements reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock or Patricia Highsmith. “It has a classic feel,” she said, “but its Korean setting and Pyun’s distinctively Kafkaesque tone make for a deeply compelling cinematic experience.”
The global success of Korean content—such as the Oscar win for Parasite (2019) and Han Kang’s Nobel Prize nomination—has undeniably drawn attention to Korean literature. But Zitwer warns against complacency: “Korean authors must continue striving for the absolute best to keep readers engaged. Don’t imitate others or write just to chase the bestseller list. Write the stories you truly need to tell.”
Her advice? “Don’t follow trends—create them.”