Min Jin Lee: Pachinko Author on Writing, Health, and New Novel 2026

Min Jin Lee, the celebrated author of Pachinko, has led a life as compelling as her fiction. In a recent interview, she revealed how a grave health diagnosis in her 20s spurred her to quit corporate law and pursue writing, a decision that eventually led to international acclaim and her latest novel, American Hagwon.

From Law to Literature: Min Jin Lee's Leap of Faith

In 1995, at just 26, Min Jin Lee left her job as a corporate lawyer. She had been diagnosed as a hepatitis B carrier, and doctors warned she was likely to develop liver cancer in her 20s or 30s. "I thought, if I’m going to die, I’m going to write a book first," she recalls. That stark realization drove her to abandon a steady paycheck and healthcare for the uncertain life of a writer.

Now 57, Lee is healthy thanks to experimental drugs and is working on her fourth novel, completing what she calls her "Korean quartet." Her journey from law to literature is a testament to resilience and the power of following one's passion.

The Korean Quartet: A Literary Journey

Lee's literary career spans decades, with each book taking about ten years to complete. Her debut, Free Food for Millionaires, took 11 years to write and was published in 2007. It was followed by the international bestseller Pachinko in 2017, which was adapted into a stylish Apple TV series in 2022. Now, with American Hagwon, she concludes her Korean quartet.

Despite the long gaps between books, Lee's dedication to her craft remains unwavering. "Before I turn 70, I should turn in my manuscript," she jokes. "I’m writing the four books that I wanted to write and after that I’m going to take a long nap."

Comparison of Min Jin Lee's Novels

Key Takeaways from Min Jin Lee's Journey

• Embrace urgency: A health scare prompted Lee to pursue her dream of writing.
• Persistence pays off: Each novel took about a decade to complete.
• Critical acclaim: Pachinko became an international bestseller and TV adaptation.
• Continued creativity: Lee is now working on her fourth novel, completing her Korean quartet.

Health, Writing, and the Future

Lee's health journey is as remarkable as her literary one. Once facing a dire prognosis, she now feels healthy enough to commit to another book. "Thanks to experimental drugs, she is now so healthy she can commit to another book," the interview notes. This renewed vitality fuels her writing, allowing her to plan for the future.

Her advice to aspiring writers? Start now, regardless of circumstances. Lee's story is a powerful reminder that life is precious and dreams are worth chasing.

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