Do you consider yourself a book lover? Do you read often?
S : I read a lot as a child, stopped during high school, and picked it up again in college.
C : I enjoy books and reading in general. Some might call it a print addiction…
What’s your favorite genre?
S : Novels, especially those by Korean authors, and science fiction. SF stories depict the future while remaining tied to reality. I love Kim Choyeop’s works and enjoyed '무언가 위험한 것이 온다' (If Something Dangerous is Coming) by Kim Heesun.
C : I like novels and essays. While I read a lot of Korean authors, I also enjoy international writers like Françoise Sagan, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Haruki Murakami.
Why do you like that genre?
S : Because it’s fun! Poetry can be hard to interpret intuitively, but novels tell stories that are easy to grasp. They allow me to experience things I never have.
C : I’m curious about how different people think and live. My friends often joke that I lack empathy, so I try to develop it through books. Novels introduce fictional perspectives, while essays let me peek into real ones.
When do you usually read?
S : Mostly during commutes. I don’t like wasting time, so I always carry a book.
C : I prefer setting aside dedicated reading time. On weekdays, I read after work (though I often get sleepy), and on weekends, I have full reading sessions at cafes or at home with music.
What do books provide for you?
S : I spend a lot of time reflecting on myself. When I find my thoughts mirrored in a book, it’s comforting to know I’m not alone. Reading broadens my perspective beyond my own experiences and strengthens my ability to think deeply.
C : People who think a lot tend to love books. I’m one of them. Reading helps me momentarily set aside my own worries and focus on the story. Also, paper books feel more calming than screens—streaming all day drains me, while books offer a quiet, slow pace I can control.
Do you have a reading goal?
S : At least 50 books this year. I also want to track the titles I’ve read at least.
C : I aim for two books a month, though ideally, I’d read one per week.
A book recommendation for grds paper subscribers?
S : 나주에 대하여 (About Naju) by Kim Hwajin. Short stories explore human nature’s ugliness and warmth, offering both comfort and humor. Also, The 5th Korea Science Fiction Award Collection—a great intro to Korean SF through imaginative short stories.
C : 나의 사적인 도시 (My Private City) by Park Sangmi. Reading it made me want to write daily (though I only lasted three days!). The author, who lived in New York for years, shares honest reflections on art and literature, making me want to visit the city someday. | 
