What are the characteristics of the best Korean novels?

Korean best novels often have very strong emotional cores. They tend to explore complex family dynamics, like in 'Please Look After Mom'.

The best South Korean novels tend to have very distinct characters. In 'Almond', the boy with alexithymia is a character that stands out. His unique way of experiencing the world and his growth throughout the story make the novel engaging. Also, the use of vivid descriptions in South Korean novels helps to bring the settings and emotions to life, whether it's the bustling city streets or the quiet interiors of homes.

Well, many of the best Korean mystery novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, they might set the story in a particular neighborhood in Seoul, which adds an authentic touch. Also, they usually feature complex characters with hidden motives. Take 'The Guest' again. The psychic has his own demons and past traumas that are intertwined with the mystery he's trying to solve.

Often, they tend to focus on family and human relationships. For example, many explore the complex dynamics between parents and children, like in 'Please Look After Mom'.

A common characteristic is the exploration of emotions in a rather nuanced way. In 'Love Class', the feelings of the characters are not just simple love, but also include confusion, fear of being rejected, and the courage to face their true selves. This makes the story more complex and engaging.

Typically, the best Korean gangster novels have complex characters. These characters are often morally ambiguous, not simply good or bad. For example, a gangster might have a soft side for his family while being ruthless in business.

Unique story settings are also common in the best Korean romantic novels. Take 'My Love from the Star' as an example. The idea of an alien in modern - day Korea and his relationship with a human is a very novel concept. It's this kind of out - of - the - box thinking that makes these novels stand out in the romantic genre.

They often focus on the individual experiences. For example, in 'The Bridges at Toko - Ri', it's about the personal journey of the pilots. They also show the harshness of war. 'M*A*S*H' shows how the medical staff had to deal with the constant influx of wounded soldiers in difficult conditions.

The best Korean crime novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Guest', the main character has a unique ability that makes him both an outcast and a valuable asset in crime - solving. They also tend to have dark and gritty settings. 'The Chaser' is set in the seedy underbelly of the city, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the story. Another characteristic is the exploration of social issues. 'Memories of Murder' reflects on the flaws in the criminal justice system at that time.

They also tend to have strong character development. The characters in these novels grow and change in response to the various challenges they face, whether it's family drama, career issues or personal identity crises. A good example is how the characters in 'Kim Ji - young, Born 1982' evolve as they confront gender - based discrimination.