“Cursed Bunny” by Korean author Bora Chung is a bold and unsettling short-story collection that blends horror, fantasy, and dark satire to expose the hidden anxieties of modern life. Longlisted for the International Booker Prize, this collection has captivated global readers with its imaginative plots and sharp social commentary.
The book contains several surreal and thought-provoking stories, all connected by themes of fear, power, and the unexpected cruelty embedded in ordinary situations. Among the most memorable is the title story, “Cursed Bunny,” where a family of curse-makers creates a vengeful object to fight back against a ruthless corporation. Through this tale, Chung cleverly reveals how injustice can twist generations and how revenge often comes at a heavy cost.
Other stories in the collection explore the burdens of social expectations, the pressures placed on women, and the blurred lines between the human and the monstrous. In “The Head,” a woman is stalked by a speaking, severed head emerging from her toilet — a bizarre yet powerful symbol of guilt and responsibility that refuses to be ignored. While each story is unique, they collectively paint a vivid picture of how people navigate fear, trauma, and societal pressure in unexpected ways. Translated into English by Anton Hur, the collection retains all the eeriness, humor, and cultural nuance of the original Korean text. “Cursed Bunny” is not just a horror collection; it is a daring reflection on the systems that shape our lives and the strange, often haunting ways people cope with them.
—-Karen Mwenda
#CursedBunnybyBoraChung #BoraChung #CursedBunny #AntonHurtranslated #koreanauthor #kcrush #horror #injustice #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #koreanculture #koreanwriter #socialexpectations #burdens #humanversusmonstrous #shortstorycollection #InternationalBookerPrize #sharpsocialcommentary #fear #power #unexpectedcruelty #revenge
User Review
( votes)Related Articles
“The Second Chance Convenience Store” by Kim Ho Yeon
“The Second Chance Convenience Store” by Kim Ho Yeon is a heartwarming Korean novel that explores themes of redemption, community, and the transformative power of kindness. Originally published as “불편한 편의점”... Read More
“Snowglobe 2” by Soyoung Park
“Snowglobe 2” by Soyoung Park is a dystopian series that embodies a fast-paced examination of reality television and surveillance, drawing comparisons to works like “The Hunger Games” and “Squid Game” The... Read More
“The Healing Season of Pottery” by Yeon Somin
“The Healing Season of Pottery” by Yeon Somin is a heartwarming novel that delves into self-discovery, healing, and the transformative power of art. The story follows Jungmin, a former broadcast writer who becomes a recluse after... Read More
“A Thousand Blues” by Cheon Seon Ran
In “A Thousand Blues” novel, South Korean writer Cheon Seon Ran explores technology, humanity, and the bonds that connect us. the narrative is set in 2035 and focuses on two sisters with one forced to find solace in familial bond after... Read More
‘We Do Not Part’ by Han Kang
‘The Vegetarian’ writer and the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature winner Han Kang has released yet another masterpiece. We Do Not Part is a hauntingly poetic exploration of memories, trauma, and resilience. The novel follows Kyungha, a writer and... Read More
ROCK-STAR: Stray Kids Album Review
Stray Kids don’t miss! I had high hopes for their latest album drop, ROCK-STAR, and I have to say that I was not disappointed. Stray Kids brought their A-game and were as bold as ever! This group always has at least two or three hype... Read More
Read yourself into the K-pop Trainee World with Help from Jessica Jung
Have you ever wanted to explore the world of k-pop trainees? But more than just research, you wanted to walk a day in the kicks of an idol in training? Now you have your chance thanks to Jessica Jung, an inside source in the industry. Jessica Jung... Read More
Tell Her She’s Lovely – An Anthology By Dhara Singh
Dhara Singh is a New Jersey based South Asian author and financial journalist. She holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Tell Her She’s Lovely, an Anthology is her first book. When... Read More
The Power of Nunchi: The Korean Secret to Happiness and Success
The Power of Nunchi: The Korean Secret to Happiness and Success is out. Translation rights have been sold in 17 regions, and this US release comes on the heels of a triumphant debut in the UK and France. What is nunchi? To find out, read... Read More
Leave a Reply