Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS

Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS by BTS and Myeongseok Kang, translated by Anton Hur, Slin Jung and Clare Richards

BTS is one of the biggest musical acts in the world. They are also Korean and part of the K-Pop idol system, yet they exerted much greater creative control over their music. Their experience is different from those of western musicians. There are a number of subtleties that come out in this story and make it very different from western musical hagiographies.  There is a strong attachment to fans that is different than what is seen in western rock bands. There is also a greater respect for authority and cultural norms. They are breaking with Kpop idol norms in creating their own hip-hop music with personal lyrics. Yet they are still very much part of the system. They are dedicated to working hard to perform the best for their fans. They can move the boundaries without completely tearing them down. Performance is an important part of what they do. I find it takes extra work to relate to people of very different cultures, however, it is often worth it.

I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki: Further Conversations with My Psychiatrist

I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki: Further Conversations with My Psychiatrist by Baek Sehee, translated Anton Hur

The author struggled with suicidal thoughts and self harm and saw a psychiatrist to talk about the problems. She wanted to quit her job. She felt bad when she succeeded. She did harm herself once and came close to checking herself into a hospital. She also has thoughts about diet and working out. She likes working out, but struggles to determine whether it is for her or just to support men. She does have a partner and a job, so there must also be a more positive side to her life that she is not expressing in the book. She spends time exploring areas both within and out of her control. The book feels more powerful coming from her cultural point of view. She does not have the "I deserve it all" brashness of Americans. She has worked hard and has humility. Her timidity masks deep internal struggles. However, she is also willing to be vulnerable in open about them. (Alas, she died at a young age not long after writing this book.)

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki: A Memoir

The author details her struggles with mental illness and self esteem. She lives in Korea and has a moderately successful career, yet she does not feel great. She has trouble with relationships. She doesn't like being with people, but needs them. She struggles with drinking and overeating. The book starts with her view, but also provides some details from her psychiatrist (who is also quite open with her personal struggles.)