Min Jin Lee’s upcoming novel set for release this autumn

Min Jin Lee, the talented Korean American author of the bestselling novels Pachinko and Free Food for Millionaires, has exciting news for readers. Her latest novel, American Hagwon, is set to be released on September 29, 2026. Hagwons, which are for-profit tutoring centers in Korea, serve as the backdrop for this intriguing new story.

Lee, a writer and journalist known for her deep explorations of culture and history, describes herself as an “accidental historian” who uses storytelling to shed light on important issues like race, gender, and class. With American Hagwon, she continues her quartet of books that delve into the Korean experience and diaspora.

Her previous novel, Pachinko, was a National Book Award finalist and received widespread critical acclaim. It followed the story of a Korean family over multiple generations living in Japan, grappling with issues of identity and belonging. Lee’s ability to weave complex narratives that resonate with readers has earned her a dedicated following.

In American Hagwon, Lee tells a compelling tale of a middle-class Korean family navigating the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis. Set in locations ranging from Korea to Australia to Southern California, the novel promises to offer a reflection of society and a “vibe check” on our values and priorities.

As readers eagerly await the release of American Hagwon, they can look forward to another thought-provoking and moving story from Min Jin Lee, a writer whose work invites us to see the world through a different lens.