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MOCA - Meet Our Collaborating Authors
Cho Yeeun

Cho Yeeun

BIO

Cho Yeeun has enthralled the Korean literary scene since her notable debut clinched the Kyobo Book Award. She is known for weaving chilling, genre-bending stories set in dystopian worlds teetering on the edge of collapse. Young female readers have particularly connected with her stories, enthusiastically immersing themselves in what they’ve dubbed “Yeeun’s World” and celebrating her complex, unconventional female characters. Her English-language debut, New Seoul Park Jelly Vendor Massacre (Honford Star, 2024) cemented her reputation as a bold and daring voice in horror.

MOCA Q+A : PART 1 (The Person)

Tell us about your name.
“My real name is Cho Yeeun; I don’t have a pen name.”

If you were not an author, what other career would you have pursued?
“I’d still want to work with my hands. I majored in metalcraft, so I’ll always love small, shiny things.”

If you could have dinner with any writer, who would it be (and what would be your first question)?
“I’d want to meet female writers who have passed, particularly Françoise Sagan, Marguerite Duras, and Edith Wharton. My first question would be: ‘What do you do when a novel just isn’t working?’”

What other types of media inspire you?
“I’m inspired by all kinds of art and media, including films, dramas, graphic novels, paintings, and crafts. Recently, I’ve enjoyed the Korean dramas Undercover Miss Hong and Fine, and the Japanese drama Brush Up Life (Rebooting). I love the films of directors Edward Yang and Park Chan-wook, and the installation works of artist Lee Bul.”

When you are not working, what do you do for fun?
“I almost always have an OTT streaming service playing in the background no matter what I’m doing. When my mind feels cluttered, I usually end up playing with blocks or cleaning my house.”

MOCA Q+A : PART 2 (The Author)

What is a universal theme in your writing everyone can relate to?
“Desire, love, and death.”

How has your experience living as a woman in Korea influenced your writing?
“Whether intentionally or not, a writer’s stories are always rooted in their own experiences. As a Korean woman, my life is absolutely reflected in all of my books.”

What work are you most proud of in your portfolio (and why)?
“Cocktail, Love, Zombies. The collection includes my very first published short story and allowed me to pursue writing as a career, so I’m especially grateful for it.”

Tell us about your latest literary project.
“I’m currently writing a full-length pseudo-occult novel!”

AUTHOR'S FEATURED BOOK

A young woman and a possessed teddy bear set out on a revenge quest unlike any other in this stylish slasher.

"Cho Yeeun is amazing. Insanely amazing."
―Bora Chung, author

"The perfect mix of horror and heart."
―Kylee Lee Baker, author
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When the fledgling coastal town of Yamu is rocked by a mass-poisoning attack at the Seaview Parc, a luxury high-rise apartment, Hwayoung is one of many who lost family members. Except, she has never believed that her mother was poisoned. Now, fueled by grief and a desire for revenge, Hwayoung spends her time hustling to save every penny and bring those responsible to justice. Across town, Doha wakes up in a teddy bear and realizes something sinister has taken his body. When fate brings Hwayoung and Doha together, the two team up for a revenge quest that will shake the city’s shiny façade to its rotten core. This time, revenge is not just personal—it’s supernatural.

MOCA Q+A : PART 3 (About the Book)

Why did you decide to write Teddy Bears Never Die?
“Inspired by the teddy bears that have surrounded me since childhood, I wanted to write something abstract and strange, but cute and youthful at the same time.”

How would you describe the genre of the book?
“I intentionally blended multiple genres together, but horror and coming-of-age fiction come out strongest.”

Which character was the most fun to write?
“The female hitman Jae, a very honest character who’s very clear about her ambitions. I really enjoyed crafting her ending.”

Which aspect of the book is most personal to you?
“The first meeting between the two main characters on the rooftop annex feels especially meaningful to me. I also love the reunion scene between Hwayeong and Jae.”

What do you hope readers take away from the book?
“I always hope my readers experience the joy of becoming completely immersed in my stories, and maybe a bit of charm and loveliness, too [laughs].”

MOCA Q+A : PART 4 (The Influences)

What was your favorite childhood book?


“Greek and Roman Myths in Comics from Gana Publishing Company - pretty much every Korean born in the ’90s grew up loving those comics. I also loved every novel by Gu Byeong-mo, and still do.”

What books have inspired you?


"That Man’s House by Park Wan-suh,"


"The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers,"


"And Hoping That It Wasn't Only Me (그것이 나만은 아니기를),a short story collection by Gu Byeong-mo."

What’s the most recent book you’ve read?



“Dawn, the first book in Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy. The worldbuilding was fascinating, and the relationship between the protagonist and the alien species felt fresh and original. I want to read the next volume right away, so I’m disappointed that it’s not translated to Korean yet.”

What book are you most looking forward to reading?

“Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier. It was recommended to me by a friend who has a similar taste in books. I’m also a fan of manhwa artist Sanho, so I’m looking forward to finally getting to his graphic novel And the Witch Went Into the Forest.”

What is a K-Lit title that you would recommend to readers?
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"I will always recommend Human Acts by Han Kang. And for something with a completely different mood, I’d recommend The Hole by Pyun Hye-Young.”


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