Picture a Korean American storyteller who brought a time-bending sci-fi thriller to life—meet Jinwoo Chong! With his debut novel, Flux, Chong has captivated readers with a dazzling mix of speculative fiction, queer narratives, and sharp cultural commentary. Hailed as a New York Times Editor’s Choice, his work explores identity, trauma, and technology with a wit that’s both tender and electrifying.
Born and raised in the United States, Chong’s journey from a Georgetown English major to a celebrated author is as dynamic as his stories. His unique voice, shaped by his Korean heritage and love for ’80s detective shows, has made him a rising star in contemporary science fiction.
The Making of Jinwoo Chong
Jinwoo Chong’s path to literary acclaim began at Georgetown University, where he majored in English and dove into extracurriculars like editing The Hoya and performing with the Phantoms. His first short story, inspired by his parents’ childhood tales, emerged during his senior thesis. After graduating in 2017, Chong applied to Columbia University’s MFA program on a whim, a decision that transformed his hobby into a career. At Columbia, he honed his craft, publishing short stories in prestigious journals like The Southern Review and Guernica.
Influenced by the Theranos scandal and Silicon Valley’s glossy promises, Chong began outlining Flux, spending three years crafting its intricate timelines before drafting it in just four months. His multicultural background and fascination with pop culture infuse his work with a distinctive, layered perspective.
Jinwoo Chong’s Unforgettable Stories
Chong’s debut, Flux (2023), is a genre-blending masterpiece that weaves time travel, neo-noir, and speculative fiction. Following three characters—8-year-old Bo, 28-year-old Brandon, and 48-year-old Blue—the novel explores grief, Asian American identity, and corporate deceit at a Theranos-esque startup. Critics, including The New York Times, praised its emotional depth and thrilling unpredictability, earning it a spot as a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award.
His second novel, I Leave It Up to You (2025), shifts gears to a poignant contemporary tale. Jack Jr., a man awakening from a coma, returns to his family’s struggling sushi restaurant in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Critics have lauded its mouthwatering food descriptions and tender exploration of family and second chances. Chong’s short stories, published in outlets like Electric Literature, showcase his versatility, often blending speculative elements with personal narratives.
Chong’s style is cinematic yet intimate, marked by sharp dialogue, queer representation, and a knack for knitting complex themes—like memory and cultural heritage—into propulsive plots. His work feels like a puzzle, inviting readers to piece together timelines and emotions with every turn.
Why Jinwoo Chong Matters
Jinwoo Chong is redefining science fiction by grounding speculative concepts in deeply human experiences. His focus on Asian American and queer identities brings fresh perspectives to a genre often dominated by conventional narratives. Flux’s critical acclaim, from Esquire to Cosmopolitan, signals Chong’s influence on contemporary literature, while his upcoming works promise to cement his legacy.
By tackling themes like grief and capitalism with humor and heart, Chong resonates with readers navigating a hyper-connected, uncertain world. His ability to blend genres—sci-fi, thriller, literary fiction—makes him a must-read for those craving stories that challenge and comfort.
- Born: United States, exact date unavailable
- Key Works: Flux (2023), I Leave It Up to You (2025)
- Awards: PEN/Hemingway Award Finalist, VCU Cabell First Novelist Award Finalist
- Notable Fact: Spent three years outlining Flux before drafting it in four months
Snag Flux or I Leave It Up to You and dive into Jinwoo Chong’s thrilling, heartfelt sci-fi world!