Exploring the Fictional City of Anjin: An Interview with Novelist Kang Hwa-gil

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet novelist Kang Hwa-gil (39) in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul, where he discussed his latest novel, Healing Light (치유의 빛). While an interview about his work was published on June 19, there were additional insights regarding the fictional city of Anjin that he frequently incorporates into his stories.

Kang revealed that Anjin originated from his short story "Nicola Kindergarten," published in the summer 2016 issue of Munhakdongne. This peculiar kindergarten set the stage for Anjin, which has since appeared in various works, including his first short story collection, Good People (괜찮은 사람), and his novel Other People (다른 사람). In Healing Light, the narrator's hometown is also Anjin, which has become a symbolic space within the "Kang Hwa-gil Universe."

During our conversation, I asked Kang about the significance of Anjin, which has appeared consistently throughout his works. He explained that he initially did not plan to use Anjin for such an extended period. The idea for Anjin came from needing a unique setting for his stories, and as he wrote, he felt the space lacked depth. He envisioned it as more than just a kindergarten, imagining lakes and various characters that could inhabit this world. Over nearly a decade, he has developed Anjin into a more vibrant and complex place.

When I inquired about the name Anjin, Kang mentioned that he wanted it to be a fictional location that does not exist in Korea. He intentionally avoided assigning it a specific meaning by not choosing a Chinese character for it. He sees Anjin as a blend of both a regional city and a representation of Seoul, reflecting his own experiences of moving frequently during his childhood. This sense of transience and the emotional connections tied to various places have shaped Anjin into a composite of his past.

Kang also noted that while some readers speculate that the name Anjin could imply safety (안전), he enjoys the irony of a seemingly peaceful place where unsettling events occur. He elaborated that Anjin could represent any small city in Korea, but it has become more defined in his mind over time, evolving from a vague concept to a more concrete setting.

The theme of regional identity is significant in Kang's work, as he grew up in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, before moving to Seoul in his mid-twenties. He expressed that the disparities between the provinces and the capital have influenced his writing, prompting him to explore the regions he has lived in through his stories.

As we wrapped up our discussion, I asked if Anjin would continue to appear in his future works. Kang expressed uncertainty, noting that while he once thought he would only use it for a limited time, he finds himself drawn back to it. He acknowledged that the city holds a nostalgic allure for him, making it likely that he will revisit it in his writing.

Kang's characters often recur in his stories, leading to questions about their identities. He explained that he enjoys creating a sense of continuity by reusing names and traits, allowing readers to recognize familiar elements while also exploring new dimensions of these characters.

In conclusion, Kang Hwa-gil's exploration of Anjin reflects his deep connection to place and identity, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with readers. As he continues to develop this fictional universe, it will be fascinating to see how Anjin evolves further in his future works.