Author So Jae-won, the author of the movies ‘Tunnel’ and ‘Wish’, searches for his benefactor who gave him a book as a gift when he was homeless.
On the 13th, author So shared an anecdote through social media ‘Thread’ and online community ‘Bobae Dream’.
He said, “About 20 years ago, when I was homeless, I read books for three days at a bookstore near Seoul Station. “I had nowhere else to go, and the bookstore, where I could read stories, was the only leisure place rather than the station,” he said. He continued, “On the third day, the employee who was watching me said, ‘There have been complaints about the smell, so please leave.’ “My face turned red for a moment and I quickly left the bookstore,” he explained the situation.
It is said that at this time, another employee ran towards author So, who was leaving the bookstore, saying, ‘Hey!’ Writer So said, “I took a step back without even realizing it. Homeless. “I was labeled as a potential criminal,” he said. “The employee must have noticed my behavior and shouted, ‘Wait a minute.’”
The employee had a book in his hand. He said to Author So, ‘You only read this book. You didn’t read everything. “I’ll give it to you as a gift,” he said, handing me the book.
Author So said, “Have I ever received a gift, having been mired in poverty since birth? “It was a gift I had never received, even on my birthday,” he recalled, adding, “I burst into tears.” Instead of thanking the employee at the time, he promised, ‘I will personally give you my work as a gift later.’
Author So said, “Does the employee know? “The homeless young man who read the book I gifted is now living as an established writer,” he said. “He was the only person who gave me the confidence that I could become a writer.”
Then he said to the employee, “How are you? Thanks to you, I have become a good writer. “Whenever I am still shaken or have difficulty, I think of that time,” he said. “I always think and resolve to see if I am writing a work that I can give to you as a gift. “I really wanted to keep my promise,” he said.
Lastly, “I think it shouldn’t be too late. “I want to confess my gratitude to you for the time that has passed over 20 years since we met,” he said. “I really miss you, who first introduced me to the feeling of kindness. “Thanks to your kindness, people now call me a writer who represents the weak, not the homeless.”
According to Hankook Ilbo, the book that author So received as a gift from a bookstore employee was Lee Cheong-jun’s novel ‘Your Heaven’, set on Sorok Island. Author So was influenced by this book and published a novel
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com Reporter [email protected]
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What was the key moment in So Jae-won’s life that inspired him to become a writer?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Author So Jae-won
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, So Jae-won! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your recent social media post about the impactful encounter you had two decades ago really resonated with many people. Can you tell us what inspired you to share that story now?
So Jae-won (SJW): Thank you for having me! I felt compelled to share my experience because it illustrates the profound impact a single act of kindness can have on someone’s life. Reflecting on my past and how far I’ve come brings both humility and gratitude. I wanted to remind others of the power of generosity, especially in today’s sometimes harsh world.
TNE: Your story reveals an influential moment that changed your life trajectory. Can you describe the emotions you felt when that employee handed you the book?
SJW: It was overwhelming. At that time, I was living in such bleak circumstances, feeling invisible and rejected. When he handed me that book, it felt like I was being seen for the first time. The gift wasn’t just a book; it was a signal that I mattered, that my dreams were valid. I burst into tears—it was a poignant reminder that kindness exists even in the darkest times.
TNE: It’s incredible how that moment ignited your journey into writing. How did that experience shape your identity and your work as a writer?
SJW: That encounter gave me the confidence to pursue writing. I realized that stories have a profound ability to transform lives—just as that book transformed mine. It compelled me to promise myself that I would create works that reflect the kindness I once received. Today, every story I write is a tribute to that moment and to the anonymous employee who believed in me.
TNE: You mentioned a desire to keep your promise to that employee. How do you integrate that sentiment of gratitude into your writing today?
SJW: I constantly remind myself of that moment when I’m feeling uncertain or lacking inspiration. It drives me to craft stories that can inspire or uplift others. I strive to write works that I would proudly share with him or anyone in need of encouragement. It’s about paying it forward—creating a cycle of kindness through literature.
TNE: That’s a beautiful philosophy, and it certainly seems to have guided your success in films like Tunnel and Wish. What themes do you think resonate most with audiences in your work?
SJW: I think the themes of survival, hope, and compassion resonate strongly. People are drawn to stories of triumph over adversity and the simple acts of kindness that can help us through difficult times. My journey has taught me that everyone carries their battles, and literature can offer both solace and understanding.
TNE: As you reflect on your journey, what message do you hope to impart to aspiring writers or individuals in challenging circumstances today?
SJW: I want to tell them that no situation is permanent. Every one of us has the power to change our narrative. Seek out those small moments of kindness—never underestimate their impact. And if you’re passionate about your craft, hold on to that passion, because with perseverance and belief in oneself, change is possible.
TNE: Thank you, So Jae-won, for sharing your inspiring story and insights with us today. Your journey is a testament to the strength of kindness and creativity. We look forward to seeing where your writing takes you next!
SJW: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share my story. I hope it inspires others to find their own paths and celebrate the kindness they encounter along the way.