K-LIT REVIEW Cho Yeeun’s ‘Shift’ reveals true cost of a miracle
Cover of Cho Yeeun's "Shift" / Courtesy of Honford Star
What are you willing to trade for a miracle? Your life, or someone else’s? And if that’s the price, then which lives are worth saving?
These questions lie at the heart of Cho Yeeun’s debut full-length novel, “Shift,” which won the grand prize at the 4th Kyobo Bookstore Story Contest in 2016 and is newly published by U.K.-based imprint Honford Star with an English translation by Yewon Jung.
The setup of “Shift” is immediately compelling: Detective Yi Chang, whose sister’s life was prolonged by a miracle 10 years ago, now needs another one to save his niece, who suffers from the same ailment. His biggest lead is a corpse covered in malignant tumors, found in a secluded beach hideout. The more Yi Chang learns about the truth behind that long-ago event, the more he realizes that miracles aren’t such an innocent matter — that even the smallest blessing can incur a terrible price.
Divided into three sections, “Shift” first follows Yi Chang in his quest, then turns its attention to a young man named Lan who holds the secret to the much-coveted miracle, before weaving their stories together in the final part. Lan’s brother, Chan, plays a pivotal role, and the events of their childhood shape the plot as they grow up under the cruel thumb of two brothers running a religious cult. Cho’s unflinching depictions of child abduction, abuse and physical suffering may be tough to read, but nevertheless resonate deeply.
The mechanism behind the miracles ties back to both the title of the novel, which is the same in both Korean and English, and the inspiration behind it. “When a family member is sick, people often say things like, ‘I wish I could take their pain instead.’ The story began with that simple thought,” she shared in an interview last year with K-Book Trends. From that well-meaning wish, however, emerges the fog of moral quandaries that permeates the novel, lingering alongside the fishy smell that haunts Lan’s memories.
Cho is not concerned with a larger exploration of these philosophical questions, nor with the supernatural or spiritual implications of miracles, but rather focuses on the people affected by those decisions. The villains are almost comically evil, defined by rough hands, senseless violence and eyes that gleam like those of a snake; all the depth and human complexity belong to Yi Chang and especially Lan.
When Yi Chang finally confirms the truth, one that implicates both the miracle worker and the miracle seeker, he has an unexpected emotional response. “It wasn’t the acute shock that comes from realizing something entirely new; it was the dull kind that comes when the worst you’d vaguely assumed proves to be true.”
Readers may have a similar reaction to the revelations in “Shift” — as the events unfold and the past is made known, the twist of the knife feels slow and excruciating rather than abrupt. Additionally, the horror elements go beyond the physical world: Scars aren’t always visible, desperation makes people do terrible things and trauma gets buried deep, becoming “ruins that shouldn’t ever be excavated.”
Despite the heavy emotional burden shouldered by both characters, their humanity keeps them afloat as they seek a way forward. Yi Chang may be jaded, but his devotion to his niece is pure, and Lan may be out for revenge against his tormentors, but he still maintains the capacity for kindness and a steady moral compass. The novel ends on a cathartic note, albeit an ambiguous one, leaving behind only footprints and the sound of waves — no miracles to be found.
Author Cho Yeeun / Courtesy of Haeran
As a debut novel, “Shift” reflects Cho’s nascent storytelling style rather than an author fully hitting her stride. English-language readers seeking something bolder or weirder may find “The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre” (2024) and the upcoming “Teddy Bears Never Die” more fulfilling. Still, despite some repetitive prose in the translation, the novel reflects a strong moral core and showcases some of her signature themes and motifs, primarily the jelly-like substances that feature in the eye-catching illustrated covers by Jee-ook Choi for the Honford Star titles.
A book launch for both “Shift” and “Teddy Bears Never Die” will be held Saturday at Youngpoong Bookstore Jongno Main Branch, in the book and beer salon. Cho Yeeun will be on site to discuss her two new works in translation and sign copies. The event is co-hosted by Youngpoong Bookstore, Hachette Book Group, Honford Star, Seoul Silent Book Club and dbBOOKS. Admission is free; check @dbbooks.co.kr on Instagram for detailed information.
“Shift” can be purchased online from dbBOOKS.co.kr or honfordstar.com (ebook available).