Translator: Gene Png
Genres: Genre Fiction in Translation
Hwihyeon is always in control. On the surface, she presents as a sharp, attractive, no-nonsense young woman effortlessly cruising through life. But underneath, she’s a chronic avoidant – eschewing emotions, deep relationships, and that most despicable thing of all: true love.
On the run from love and heartbreak, she moves to California to pursue a coveted advertising course in graduate school. But her plans hit a snag when she ends up living with Eden, a warm-hearted and cheery Korean adoptee who’s in the same advertising course. Unlike Hwihyeon, who keeps everyone at arm’s length, Eden is easy-going and kind— too kind, for her liking.
Over dinner one night with Eden, Hwihyeon suddenly experiences a severe allergic reaction and collapses. At the hospital, she’s diagnosed with a rare condition: a ‘love allergy’. The suggested cure? A combination of exposure and touch therapy involving spending 18 consecutive hours with Eden no more than 2 meters apart. With time, Hwihyeon overcomes her initial scepticism and her symptoms gradually begin to fade.
But just as Eden’s warmth starts chipping away at her walls, her past comes crashing back in the form of her ex- boyfriend Doha. Huihyeon must finally confront her fears of love and choose between the familiarity of old, unresolved yet safe patterns, or the risk, vulnerability and promise of the unknown.
Translator: Gene Png
Genres: Genre Fiction in Translation
Hwihyeon is always in control. On the surface, she presents as a sharp, attractive, no-nonsense young woman effortlessly cruising through life. But underneath, she’s a chronic avoidant – eschewing emotions, deep relationships, and that most despicable thing of all: true love.
On the run from love and heartbreak, she moves to California to pursue a coveted advertising course in graduate school. But her plans hit a snag when she ends up living with Eden, a warm-hearted and cheery Korean adoptee who’s in the same advertising course. Unlike Hwihyeon, who keeps everyone at arm’s length, Eden is easy-going and kind— too kind, for her liking.
Over dinner one night with Eden, Hwihyeon suddenly experiences a severe allergic reaction and collapses. At the hospital, she’s diagnosed with a rare condition: a ‘love allergy’. The suggested cure? A combination of exposure and touch therapy involving spending 18 consecutive hours with Eden no more than 2 meters apart. With time, Hwihyeon overcomes her initial scepticism and her symptoms gradually begin to fade.
But just as Eden’s warmth starts chipping away at her walls, her past comes crashing back in the form of her ex- boyfriend Doha. Huihyeon must finally confront her fears of love and choose between the familiarity of old, unresolved yet safe patterns, or the risk, vulnerability and promise of the unknown.
Factory Nine (2023)
Avon
November 2026
