American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee
A sweeping multigenerational novel about immigration, ambition, and family from the acclaimed author of Pachinko.
From National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Min Jin Lee comes American Hagwon, a powerful contemporary epic that explores the sacrifices families make in pursuit of opportunity, education, and belonging.
Once comfortably middle class in Seoul, John and Helen Koh see their lives unravel after a devastating betrayal and the shockwaves of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Determined to rebuild their future, they leave Korea for Sydney and eventually settle in Southern California, where their children—Bo, DH, and Mido—discover new possibilities while their parents struggle to adapt to a country that does not recognize their past achievements.
Across churches, schools, nail salons, apartments, and gated communities, the Koh family and those around them navigate the complexities of immigrant life, cultural identity, and the relentless pursuit of success. In a world that feels increasingly unforgiving, they cling to one belief above all: that education will create a better future for the next generation.
Spanning continents and decades, American Hagwon is a richly layered literary novel about family loyalty, personal ambition, cultural displacement, and the enduring power of hope.
Why readers love American Hagwon:
A sweeping immigrant family saga across Korea, Australia, and America
From the bestselling author of Pachinko
A deeply human story about sacrifice, ambition, and belonging
Literary fiction with unforgettable characters and emotional depth
Perfect for fans of:
Multigenerational literary fiction, immigrant family sagas, and novels like Pachinko, Free Food for Millionaires, and Real Americans.
American Hagwon Min Jin Lee, books like Pachinko, Korean American immigrant fiction, multigenerational family saga novels, literary fiction about immigration and identity