Shoko's Smile

Shoko’s Smile by Choi Eunyoung is a beautifully quiet and thoughtful collection of seven short stories, each exploring the lives and emotional struggles of women in contemporary South Korea. The stories touch on friendship, grief, love, and memory—often set against significant historical and political backdrops. In the title story, a Korean woman reflects on her complex, long-standing friendship with a Japanese exchange student. Other stories deal with the aftermath of personal loss or national tragedy, always with a gentle, introspective tone. Choi’s writing is subtle yet deeply moving, offering a powerful look at how personal and collective histories shape our lives.