South Korean readers mourn novelist Higashino KeigoーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

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Video Summary

South Korean readers are mourning the loss of celebrated Japanese novelist Higashino Keigo, who passed away last month at 68. A major bookstore in Seoul has dedicated a memorial space where fans are paying their respects, expressing heartbreak over the end of new releases from the prolific author.

Higashino's works hold immense popularity in South Korea, with his novels adapted into films and TV shows. His Korean translator, Kim Son-young, described his writing as "vast and all-embracing," noting its remarkable variety of themes and narrative approaches that connected with a broad audience. One devoted fan, Park Ing-won, has amassed a collection of over 500 Higashino books, cherishing the "excitement and joy" and the unique thrill his stories provided.

Short Highlights

South Korean readers are deeply mourning the death of acclaimed Japanese novelist Higashino Keigo.
His works are immensely popular in South Korea, inspiring film and TV adaptations and a dedicated fanbase.
Devoted fans, like Park Ing-won with over 500 books, express profound gratitude for the joy and excitement his stories provided.

Key Details

Memorials in Seoul [0:13]

A major bookstore in Seoul has established a memorial space to honor the late Japanese author Higashino Keigo.
A continuous stream of visitors has been stopping by to pay their respects to the best-selling writer.
"I'm heartbroken. He kept releasing one bestseller after another. It's such a shame to think there won't be any more to read. It's a great loss. He was such a creative and unconventional writer."

Higashino's Popularity in South Korea [0:34]

Higashino Keigo is one of the most beloved Japanese novelists in South Korea, with his works enjoying huge popularity.
His novels have been adapted into successful film and TV series, further cementing his appeal.
"His works are hugely popular and have spawned film and TV adaptations."

Translator's Perspective [0:46]

Kim Son-young, the Korean translator of two of Higashino's recent books, highlighted his impact on mystery fiction.
She stated that Higashino helped make mystery fiction accessible to a wider audience in South Korea.
"Higashino was a writer like the sea. The sea is vast and all-embracing. In the same way, his works had a remarkable variety of themes, storylines, and narrative approaches, which resonated deeply with a wide range of readers."