Grief-Inspired Novel ‘The Apology’ by Jimin Han

Jimin Han’s novel, “The Apology,” introduces us to 105-year-old Hak Jeonga, who navigates her past from the afterlife. The story begins with Jeonga being hit by a bus in Chicago and waking up in the afterlife. Through the novel, we uncover the reasons behind her panicked run and follow her postmortem efforts to rectify her past mistakes and protect her family. As the youngest of four sisters, Jeonga assumed the responsibility of safeguarding her family’s home and honor during the Korean War. She made sacrifices, even sending away her son’s love interest to prevent her family from discovering her son’s illegitimate child. Now living in modern Seoul, Jeonga realizes that her past actions might still hold repercussions.

Author Jimin Han drew from her personal experiences of grief, including the loss of her mother and a close friend. The novel artfully balances humor and heartache as it delves into Jeonga’s perspective as a 105-year-old. Han discusses the process of turning family stories into fiction, creating a character-driven dark comedy, and the importance of intergenerational learning. The narrative explores themes of trauma’s impact across generations and the need for mutual understanding between elders and youth.

Han shares that the book provided a therapeutic outlet during a challenging period marked by losses and the pandemic. The story centers on second chances and laughter, even as it addresses profound subjects. Through Jeonga’s lens, Jimin Han intertwines folklore and family history, resulting in a poignant and entertaining novel.

–Re-reported from the article by Shelbi Polk, published in Shondaland