Stars: 4 out of 5
Lovecraftian existential horror meets the harsh realities of modern Korean culture, creating a compelling but deeply bleak story.
Despite its short length, this novella leaves a lasting impression. While I found it engaging and thought-provoking, it is undeniably dark and depressing.
One of the book’s strongest themes is its critique of modern Korean society, where beauty and wealth are often treated as measures of personal worth. Illness, disability, or physical differences are frequently viewed as personal shortcomings rather than circumstances beyond an individual’s control.
Against this backdrop, the government’s response to a village whose residents suddenly transform into grotesque monsters feels disturbingly believable. Rather than helping them, authorities quarantine the village and effectively abandon its inhabitants, leaving them to survive—or perish—on their own.
The protagonist, Mu-young, is a survivor carrying significant trauma and depression. She attempts to maintain order and a sense of control in an impossible situation, even though this means killing those who violate self-isolation rules. Although she is far from a likable character, her motivations are understandable, making her a complex and sympathetic figure.
My main criticism is the ending. I feel like it was rushed, with all the plot threads converging into a chaotic and messy conclusion. But that is to be expected for such a short novella. Overall, I enjoyed A Plagued Sea and would gladly read more of Kim Bo-young’s work if it becomes available in translation.
PS: My thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy.