Picture a Korean-born storyteller who weaves tales of love, war, and nature with a poet’s touch—meet Juhea Kim! This literary fiction author, raised in Portland, Oregon, burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Beasts of a Little Land, a sweeping epic that’s as much about humanity as it is about history. With a heart for ecological preservation and a knack for bridging cultures, Kim’s work is a vibrant tapestry of her multicultural roots and environmental passion.
Kim’s unique perspective shines through her writing and advocacy. As the founder of Peaceful Dumpling, a sustainable lifestyle magazine, she champions veganism and wildlife conservation, infusing her stories with a deep reverence for the natural world. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and works of this rising literary star!
The Making of Juhea Kim
Born in Incheon, South Korea, Juhea Kim moved to Portland, Oregon, at age nine, carrying with her a love for stories and the natural beauty of her homeland. A graduate of Princeton University with a degree in Art and Archaeology, Kim’s early career as an editorial assistant in New York sparked her creative fire. Her Korean heritage and Oregon’s lush landscapes shaped her storytelling, blending cultural identity with environmental consciousness. Founding Peaceful Dumpling in 2013, she created a platform to celebrate sustainable living, setting the stage for her literary journey.
Juhea Kim’s Unforgettable Stories
Kim’s debut, Beasts of a Little Land (2021), is a historical epic set in Japanese-occupied Korea from 1917 to the 1960s. Following a young girl sold to a courtesan school and a hunter’s son, the novel explores love, redemption, and the fight for independence. Critics praised its lush prose and vivid characters, earning it a spot as a finalist for the 2022 Dayton Literary Peace Prize and the 2024 Yasnaya Polyana Award. Kim donates a portion of its proceeds to Siberian tiger and Amur leopard conservation, reflecting her environmental ethos.
Her second novel, City of Night Birds (November 2024), shifts to a modern, introspective tale of a ballerina navigating art and love. A Reese’s Book Club pick, it showcases Kim’s versatility, blending poetic sensuality with emotional depth. Her short story “Biodome,” a dystopian sci-fi romance set in a futuristic Seoul, is also slated for film adaptation. Kim’s writing style—elegant, compassionate, and infused with nature—draws readers into worlds where history and humanity collide.
Kim’s essays and translations, published in outlets like Granta, Zyzzyva, and Sierra Magazine, further highlight her range. Her translation of Korean author Choi In-Ho for Granta and her narrative journalism on environmental issues underscore her commitment to cross-cultural storytelling and ecological advocacy.
Why Juhea Kim Matters
Juhea Kim’s work transcends the label of “historical fiction,” offering a universal exploration of what it means to be human. Her stories challenge stereotypes, particularly around Asian narratives, advocating for their place in literary fiction. Through Peaceful Dumpling and her conservation efforts, including her role as a goodwill ambassador for the Korean Tiger Leopard Conservation Fund, Kim inspires readers to embrace sustainability and compassion. Her ability to weave cultural identity with environmental themes makes her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Born: Incheon, South Korea
- Key Works: Beasts of a Little Land (2021), City of Night Birds (2024)
- Awards: Finalist, 2022 Dayton Literary Peace Prize; Winner, 2024 Yasnaya Polyana Award
- Fun Fact: Lives with her two rescue cats, Kili and Zeus, in a solar-powered home
Snag Beasts of a Little Land or City of Night Birds and dive into Juhea Kim’s lush, soulful storytelling—you’ll be swept away by her worlds!