Picture a Korean-American storyteller who weaves tales of family, culture, and love with the delicate precision of a poet—meet E.J. Koh! Known for her award-winning memoir The Magical Language of Others, Koh captures the beauty and pain of human connection, drawing from her Korean heritage and the untranslatable concept of jeong—a deep, heartfelt bond. Her work, infused with poetry and translation, has made her a rising star in contemporary literature, inviting readers to explore the spaces where language and love intertwine.
From her soulful memoirs to her handwritten love letters to strangers, Koh’s storytelling is a bridge across generations and cultures. Let’s dive into her journey, from her roots to her remarkable impact!
The Making of E.J. Koh
Born in 1988 in San Jose, California, to Korean immigrant parents, E.J. Koh grew up navigating the complexities of a dual identity. Her father’s tech industry success brought opportunity, but her family’s move back to South Korea when she was 15 left her and her brother in California, sparking a journey of self-discovery. Koh’s love for words bloomed early, fueled by her trilingual fluency in Korean, Japanese, and English. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing and Literary Translation at Columbia University and is pursuing a PhD at the University of Washington, studying Korean-American literature.
Her early career was marked by poetry, with her collection A Lesser Love winning the Pleiades Press Editors Prize. This foundation in verse shaped her lyrical prose, setting the stage for her breakout memoir and novel. Koh’s experiences as a translator also honed her ability to capture the nuances of language and emotion.
E.J. Koh’s Unforgettable Stories
Koh’s memoir The Magical Language of Others (2020) is a heart-wrenching love story told through letters from her mother, written during their seven-year separation. Interweaving translations of these Korean letters with stories of four generations of women, Koh explores intergenerational trauma, forgiveness, and the Korean concept of han—a collective sorrow. The book won the Pacific Northwest Book Award, Washington State Book Award, and was longlisted for the PEN Open Book Award, earning praise for its poetic prose and emotional depth.
Her poetry collection A Lesser Love (2017) showcases her ability to distill complex emotions into spare, evocative verse. Poems like those exploring Korea’s history and her family’s diaspora resonate with readers seeking connection. Koh’s debut novel The Liberators (2023) expands her scope, blending personal and political narratives to trace a Korean family’s journey through a divided country. Her translations, such as Yi Won’s The World’s Lightest Motorcycle, further highlight her skill in bridging cultures.
Koh’s style is lyrical yet accessible, blending poetry, history, and memoir to create narratives that feel both intimate and universal. Her focus on jeong—the unspoken bond that ties people together—infuses her work with warmth, making readers feel seen and understood.
Why E.J. Koh Matters
E.J. Koh’s work resonates deeply in the Korean diaspora and beyond, offering a voice to those grappling with identity, family, and cultural heritage. Her exploration of han and jeong elevates Asian-American literature, fostering empathy and understanding across cultures. By sharing her family’s story, she invites readers to reflect on their own, making her a vital figure in contemporary storytelling.
Beyond her books, Koh’s unique projects—like writing love letters to strangers—spread joy and connection, embodying her belief in the power of words. Her awards, including the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the Young Lions Fiction Award for The Liberators, cement her as a literary force to watch.
- Born: 1988, San Jose, California
- Key Works: The Magical Language of Others, A Lesser Love, The Liberators
- Awards: Pacific Northwest Book Award, Washington State Book Award, Young Lions Fiction Award
Ready to fall in love with E.J. Koh’s lyrical world? Grab The Magical Language of Others and immerse yourself in her poetic storytelling!