Djuna, the Enigmatic Sci-Fi Legend of South Korea, Opens Up About Their Highly Anticipated New Book and Influences
In a rare interview, Djuna, South Korea’s renowned science fiction writer, discusses their upcoming book, Counterweight, and touches on themes such as space elevators, artificial intelligence, and the influence of Ursula K. Le Guin. Djuna, who has been writing under a pen name for over two decades, has gained a dedicated following in Korea but has remained largely unknown among English-language readers. However, with the release of the English translation of Counterweight, Djuna’s captivating work will finally become accessible to a wider audience.
Counterweight, a thrilling cyberpunk tale centered around memory implantation, space colonization, and identity, is set in Patusan, a fictional tropical nation that is also home to the world’s first space elevator. The protagonist, Mac, is a disillusioned executive at LK, a Korean mega-corporation responsible for constructing the space elevator. As Mac investigates a subordinate’s increasingly bizarre behavior and its connection to the recent death of LK’s CEO, he delves into a web of intrigue and mystery.
To unravel the many questions surrounding Counterweight, WIRED reached out to Djuna via their translator, Anton Hur, for an email interview. Djuna revealed that their pen name originated from an online service signup, where they needed a screen name within an eight-character limit. They settled on Djuna due to its association with Djuna Barnes, an American writer. However, Djuna initially encountered the name in an Ellery Quin novel featuring a Romani character named Djuna who also became a famous literary detective. The pseudonym, which Djuna admits they did not give much thought to, has since become an integral part of their identity.
Interestingly, Djuna did not consciously choose to publish under a pseudonym. Their editors and publishers began using the name without consulting them, and over time, it stuck. Djuna admits to growing fond of the name and likens it to a K-pop idol name. When asked about the challenges of maintaining anonymity, Djuna revealed that it has not been particularly difficult, as the general public seems to be less interested in unearthing their true identity compared to other pseudonymous authors like Elena Ferrante. Writing under a pseudonym has also allowed Djuna to escape the strict hierarchies prevalent in Korean society related to academic backgrounds, upbringing, age, and gender.
With the release of Counterweight in English, Djuna’s unique storytelling and thought-provoking narratives are set to captivate a whole new audience. As readers delve into the cyberpunk world of Patusan and follow Mac’s investigation, they will undoubtedly be enthralled by Djuna’s imaginative blend of science fiction and social commentary. This long-awaited translation will undoubtedly cement Djuna’s status as a literary giant in the English-language sci-fi community.
