In anticipation of Min Jin Lee’s upcoming novel *American Hagwon*, let’s get a sneak preview through her recent short story *Testing,* published in *The New Yorker* on July 19, 2026.
The story, adapted from *American Hagwon*, explores Korea’s highly competitive university entrance system and the enormous pressure surrounding education, success, and social mobility.
To deepen our discussion, we’ll also explore the stories and issues raised in the hit K-drama *SKY Castle*, where the pursuit of academic success takes center stage in the lives of Korea’s elite families.
🔔 Please Note
• This meetup will take place at a different venue.
• Registration is limited to 8 participants to keep the discussion intimate and engaging.
Discussion Topics
· Why does education carry so much weight in Korean society?
· What makes Korea’s university entrance system so intensely competitive?
· How much influence should parents have over their children’s education and future?
· How are education, wealth, social class, and opportunity connected?
· What does it really mean to “succeed” in Korean society?
· What can *Testing* and *SKY Castle* teach us about Korea’s education culture?
Join us for a meaningful conversation about education, family, ambition, social mobility, and the price of success in contemporary Korea.
⚠️ Before You Join
· Registration is limited to 8 participants to keep the discussion intimate and engaging.
· Before You Attend: Please either read *Testing* or watch part of *SKY Castle* to get a sense of the story and themes before joining the discussion.
· Here is the [link](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/07/27/testing-fiction-min-jin-lee) to *Testing* on the New Yorker website. If you have trouble accessing the story, please DM Tina with your email address, and she will send you a digital copy of *Testing* so you can read it before the discussion.
곧 출간될 Min Jin Lee 의 신작 *American Hagwon* 을 앞두고, *The New Yorker* 에 최근 발표된 단편「Testing」을 통해 한국의 치열한 입시 경쟁과 교육 문화를 살펴봅니다.
여기에 인기 K-드라마《SKY Castle》도 함께 이야기하며, 교육·가족·성공·사회적 계층에 대해 자유롭게 이야기를 나눠봐요.
함께 이야기해 볼 질문
• 왜 한국 사회에서 교육이 이렇게 중요할까요?
• 부모는 자녀의 미래에 어디까지 개입해야 할까요?
• 교육과 부, 계층, 성공은 어떻게 연결되어 있을까요?
• *Testing* 과 *SKY Castle* 은 한국의 교육 문화를 어떻게 보여줄까요?
• 참가 인원은 8명으로 제한하여 편안하고 깊이 있는 대화를 나눌 예정입니다.
• 이번 모임은 평소와 다른 장소에서 진행됩니다.
• 한국어 원어민 참가자분들도 환영합니다! 한국에서의 교육과 입시 경험을 한국어로 자유롭게 나눠주세요.
🗣 Language:
The discussion will be conducted primarily in English, with Korean naturally mixed into the conversation.
✨ The Vibe:
Easygoing and engaging.
👥 Who it’s for:
– Korean literature fans/fans of Min Jin Lee
– K-drama fans
– Korean/English speakers and learners. (Calling all Korean native speakers! Don’t be shy—come join us! 한국어 네이티브 분들, 다들 환영해요—부끄러워하지 마세요!)
– Anyone interested in contemporary Korean culture.
