American Hagwon

American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee is a sweeping, character-driven novel that follows a Korean family and their community as they pursue stability, belonging, and purpose across continents. Set in places as varied as churches, classrooms, nail salons, and gated neighborhoods, the story portrays the quiet struggles and ambitions of immigrants seeking meaning in an increasingly unforgiving world.

After a devastating betrayal and the economic fallout of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, John and Helen Koh see their comfortable middle-class life in Seoul collapse. Determined to rebuild, they move first to Sydney and later to Southern California with their three children—Bo, DH, and Mido. While the children encounter new opportunities in America, their parents must grapple with the painful reality that their education and professional experience carry little weight in their new country.

Over the years, the Koh family and those around them—friends, relatives, and rivals—intertwine in a complex web of relationships shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and hope. At the heart of their journey lies a deep belief that education can secure a better future for the next generation. Through intimate moments and life-altering decisions, American Hagwon explores family bonds, memory, and the enduring power of devotion and self-sacrifice.