Two internationally acclaimed science fiction authors explored the challenging and often contradictory aspects of human coexistence during a thought-provoking discussion at the Seoul International Writers' Festival on Sunday. Korean writer Kim Cho-yeop and American author Sarah Pinsker engaged in a deep conversation about truth, imagination, and the difficult realities of living together in an increasingly complex world.

Kim Cho-yeop, widely regarded as one of Korea's most influential science fiction writers, drew from her 2023 novel "Ground Explorers" to illustrate her views on coexistence. The novel, which has not yet been translated into English, depicts dispatchers exploring an Earth covered in cosmic dust while encountering humans who are struggling to survive attacks from spores that emerge from this dust. Through this narrative, Kim presents a stark vision of humanity's struggle for survival in an hostile environment.

When asked about her perspective on coexistence with others, Kim offered a refreshingly honest assessment that challenges romantic notions of harmony. "Far from being beautiful, peaceful or soft, coexistence can be quite violent and unpleasant," she explained. "But whether we coexist or not is not a matter of choice. We just have to live together and deal with it. And that's the bottom line in the story." This pragmatic view reflects the complex themes that run throughout her work.

Kim's journey to becoming a prominent science fiction author began with her literary debut in 2017 with "If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light," a bestselling collection of short stories that gained international recognition. The collection earned her the Galaxy Award for Most Popular Foreign Writer in China in 2023 and is scheduled for English publication in April 2026, translated by Anton Hur. This upcoming release is expected to introduce her work to a broader international audience.

The author's unique background significantly influences her writing approach. Born to a musician father and a writer mother, Kim studied chemistry and biochemistry at the Pohang University of Science and Technology, one of Korea's most prestigious institutions for science and engineering. However, she revealed that her scientific training can sometimes feel restrictive rather than liberating in her creative process. "Because I studied science, I find my thoughts become limited," Kim admitted. "So I try to tell myself, 'This story may be scientifically impossible, but let me imagine it's possible.'"

The discussion also addressed pressing contemporary social issues, including the proliferation of fake news and increasing political polarization. Kim offered thoughtful observations about Korea's sharply divided political landscape, noting that diversity of thought within society is natural and acceptable. "A society has many groups of people with different thoughts. It's okay for different groups to believe different things," she said. However, she identified a critical problem: "The problem is that each group refuses to consider that it might be wrong, and instead believes its views are the absolute truth."

Sarah Pinsker, who joined the conversation, brought her own acclaimed perspective to the discussion. The American author, who won the 2019 Nebula Award for "A Song for a New Day" and the 2020 Philip K. Dick Award for her short story collection "Sooner or Later Everything Falls into the Sea," echoed Kim's views on the transformative power of science fiction literature. "By putting aliens or new technology – or things we don't yet understand – into stories, it lets us understand ourselves a little bit better," Pinsker explained, highlighting how the genre serves as a mirror for human nature and society.

The Seoul International Writers' Festival, which runs through Wednesday, represents a significant cultural event that brings together diverse literary voices from around the world. This year's lineup features prominent Korean writers including Hyun Ki-young, Kim Soom, and Lee Jenny, alongside distinguished international authors such as China's Yan Lianke and France's Victoria Mas. Organized by the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, the festival serves as a vital platform for promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding across different languages and literary traditions, fostering connections between writers and readers from various cultural backgrounds.