Joining K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty is K-healing fiction, a growing literary genre centering contemporary characters facing timely challenges with (realistically) happier endings: The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-yeon checks all the boxes, enhanced with additional charm and empathy, and smoothly translated by Janet Hong.
Mrs. Yeom is on the Seoul-to-Busan fast train when she realizes her wallet is missing. A lucky phone call leads to its return, sparking a startling relationship between the septuagenarian and Dokgo, an unhoused stranger whose alcohol-induced dementia has not affected his gentle, caring heart. Mrs. Yeom, a retired history teacher, runs a neighborhood convenience store. She's comfortable enough with just her pension, but she knows she's providing much-needed jobs. Despite complaints, she adds Dokgo to her roster of part-timers that includes employees Sihyeon and Mrs. Oh after he saves her again, this time subduing a quartet of violent teens--although Mrs. Yeom's own son might prove to be the store's greatest threat. Sihyeon reluctantly trains him, but Dokgo shows her how to handle bullies. Mrs. Oh belittles him, but he teaches her how to listen. Regular customers discover understanding and insight while picking up snacks and drinks. With warmth and stability, Dokgo begins to remember his troubled past.
In what might initially seem to be a light, breezy novel, Kim seamlessly inserts sharp commentary about society's failures concerning people late in life, people experiencing homelessness, corporate greed, compromised ethics. At one convenience store, Kim creates an inviting microcosm in which simple acts of unexpected kindness build new paths toward change and connection. --Terry Hong