Picture a Korean-American storyteller who spun a dazzling tale of modern Seoul, peeling back its glittering facade to reveal the raw struggles of women—meet Frances Cha! A former CNN travel and culture editor, Cha swapped newsrooms for novels, captivating readers with her debut, If I Had Your Face. Her sharp, empathetic voice has made her a rising star in contemporary fiction, bridging cultures and sparking conversations about beauty, class, and resilience.
The Making of Frances Cha
Born in the United States and raised across the U.S., Hong Kong, and South Korea, Frances Cha’s global upbringing shaped her unique lens on culture and identity. A graduate of Dartmouth College with a BA in English Literature and Asian Studies, she later earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. Before turning to fiction, Cha honed her storytelling as a travel and culture editor for CNN in Seoul and Hong Kong, covering K-pop, plastic surgery trends, and South Korea’s vibrant cultural scene. This immersion in Seoul’s fast-paced world laid the groundwork for her literary career, infusing her work with authenticity and insight.
Frances Cha’s Unforgettable Stories
Cha’s debut novel, If I Had Your Face (2020), is a vivid portrait of four young women navigating Seoul’s cutthroat society. Kyuri, a room salon hostess altered by plastic surgery, Miho, an artist grappling with class divides, Ara, a mute hairstylist obsessed with K-pop, and Wonna, a pregnant office worker, embody the pressures of beauty standards, social hierarchies, and survival. Cha’s prose crackles with wit and empathy, blending gritty realism with tender moments of female friendship. The novel, praised by outlets like Oprah Magazine and Vanity Fair, captures Seoul as a character—dazzling, relentless, and complex.
In 2023, Cha ventured into children’s literature with The Goblin Twins, a playful picture book inspired by Korean folklore’s mischievous dokkaebi. Its sequel, The Goblin Twins: Too Hard to Scare (2024), follows the prankster twins Doki and Kebi as they stir up trouble in New York City. Cha’s ability to weave cultural nuance into accessible, humorous tales showcases her versatility, making Korean heritage vibrant for young readers. Her upcoming second adult novel, set in Korea and the U.S., promises to further explore her signature themes of identity and ambition.
Why Frances Cha Matters
Frances Cha’s work transcends borders, offering a fresh perspective on South Korea’s hyper-competitive culture while resonating universally with themes of self-worth and resilience. Her debut was among the first English-language novels set in modern Seoul, earning accolades from Time, Esquire, and the BBC for its bold feminist lens. By spotlighting women’s friendships and societal pressures, Cha challenges stereotypes and amplifies marginalized voices. Her shift to children’s books introduces Korean folklore to new audiences, cementing her as a cultural bridge in literature.
- Born: United States, raised in U.S., Hong Kong, South Korea
- Key Works: If I Had Your Face (2020), The Goblin Twins (2023), The Goblin Twins: Too Hard to Scare (2024)
- Education: Dartmouth College (BA), Columbia University (MFA)
- Notable Roles: Former CNN travel and culture editor, lecturer at Columbia, Yonsei, and Seoul National Universities
Snag If I Had Your Face or The Goblin Twins and dive into Frances Cha’s vibrant, thought-provoking world—where Seoul’s neon glow meets timeless human struggles!