When the tiger opens its eyes
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Description
Book Introduction
The emergence of K-story, which caught the world's attention first! A new work by Lee Yoon-ha, the first Korean-American Hugo Award nominee Author Lee Yoon-ha, who became the first Korean to be nominated for the Hugo Award for three consecutive years and win the Locus Award, and has joined the ranks of world-renowned authors, has returned with a new novel, “When the Tiger Opens its Eyes” (Novel Y). This work, which captivated international readers with its fantastical combination of Korean mythology and science fiction, is receiving even greater attention now that it has been confirmed to be adapted into a Disney+ series. "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes" is a space opera that tells the story of thirteen-year-old 'Sevin' from the Orange Tribe of the Tiger Territory who enlists as a cadet in the space force. The unique worldview where the official language is Korean and the official uniform is Hanbok is eye-catching, and the spectacular adventures unfolding against the backdrop of the vast universe provide a thrilling experience. You can also experience the unique fun of encountering Korean culture, such as tiger tales and nine-tailed fox legends, in a sci-fi world, and the thrilling action scenes that appear in the fast-paced development will keep your palms sweating. It's time for Korean readers to immerse themselves in the captivating narratives of K-Story, which first caught the world's attention. |
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index
When the Tiger Opens Its Eyes 009
Acknowledgments 374
Acknowledgments 374
Detailed image
Into the book
When the letter arrived, it should have been the best day of my life.
--- p.13
Normally, you had to be fifteen years old to join the Space Force.
However, due to the raids on the border of the Thousand Worlds, the Space Force began recruiting younger cadets.
It was to acclimate the cadets—I hope, me!—to the arduous task of space travel sooner.
The Space Force welcomed applicants with supernatural attributes that made them particularly suited for military service.
Goblins, celestial beings, and tigers like me were included here.
--- p.14
The matriarch sat cross-legged on an embroidered cushion with her back straight.
There was a single black strand in the matriarch's long white hair.
The matriarch's eyes were yellow, and thanks to those eyes, even when in human form, the matriarch looked extremely tiger-like.
I have never seen the matriarch wearing anything other than the hanbok, the old-fashioned garment of the 'Thousand Worlds'.
The jacket was a faded orange with subtle gold embroidery, and the skirt was an equally faded black.
--- pp.25~26
'That can't be!'
I wanted to shout like that.
I was relieved that Uncle Hwan didn't die, but this was worse.
My uncle is the one who taught me about honor.
There is absolutely no way he would have committed treason and run away.
If Uncle Hwan was branded a traitor, what would that mean for me? Was my dream of serving in the Space Force dashed with the arrival of the warrant for Uncle Hwan's arrest?
--- p.27
Although my mother emphasized honor above all else, I grew up hearing legends about tiger warriors who lured their prey with trickery.
The legend that haunted me was about an evil tiger that disguised itself as people's grandmothers to eat them.
It didn't fit with the story of the renowned, stern, and brave tiger warriors of the 'Thousand Worlds'.
I didn't dare ask about that discrepancy.
Because I felt that asking that would get me into trouble.
--- p.31
The matriarch picked up the bronze-hilted sword that was on his table.
I shivered.
There was no choice.
There was a faint scent of blood on the knife.
The matriarch said.
“Swear that you will serve the tribe in all things.
“I swear by the White Tiger of the West.”
“By the White Tiger of the West, I pledge to serve my tribe in all things.”
I repeated it obediently as my family watched.
I knew that this was an incredibly serious oath, and that if I broke it, I would pay a terrible price.
--- p.45
I followed a path marked by one broad stripe and two narrow dots.
It was full of green plants, including moss and terrariums.
There was an indoor bamboo forest towering over me.
The bamboo forest was surrounded by paper lanterns symbolizing good fortune and longevity.
It is certain that a first-class geomancer was involved in the construction of this place, so that good fortune could flow into every corner.
I suddenly wondered if geomancers and soldiers had ever argued over the layout.
--- pp.51~52
I turned my gaze back to my slate.
One last question remained.
I frowned and thought deeply.
Why do you want to join the Space Force? Answer in one sentence.
The question was so direct that it felt like a trap.
(…) I tapped my chin with the touch pen and soon wrote as clearly and distinctly as possible.
I want to show that tigers can serve with honor.
--- pp.58~59
“Now is the time for you to take the Space Force oath of service.”
The captain continued.
“Keep this in mind.
This oath supersedes any previous oaths or promises you may have made.
Loyalty to your family, loyalty to your home planet, is important.
But as a member of the Space Force, your most important duty is not to your family or your home, but to the entire Thousand Worlds.”
--- p.107
“Who is the oldest?”
We compared ages.
Namgyu was the top, then me, then Yuna, and last was Ji.
The hierarchy should be based on who has served the longest.
Then Namgyu and Yuna are superiors.
But since we are all in the same pecking order, we should be by age instead.
I'm glad I found out your age
--- p.122
I didn't know that mercenaries didn't know Hangul, the common language of the 'Thousand Worlds'.
Uncle Hwan must have chosen Rokuro because he was fluent in the language.
It was unclear whether the reason was because they could communicate, or because they could spy on what Ji, Yuna, and I were saying.
--- p.257
I crept along the side of the room, following the scent of food.
Once I had the luxury of not having to avoid angry dogs, I could tell that the combat rations were japchae.
A stir-fried dish of beef, vegetables, and glass noodles served during holidays.
The combat ration version of japchae looked like it would be tasteless due to the stringy meat and grayed vegetables.
--- p.13
Normally, you had to be fifteen years old to join the Space Force.
However, due to the raids on the border of the Thousand Worlds, the Space Force began recruiting younger cadets.
It was to acclimate the cadets—I hope, me!—to the arduous task of space travel sooner.
The Space Force welcomed applicants with supernatural attributes that made them particularly suited for military service.
Goblins, celestial beings, and tigers like me were included here.
--- p.14
The matriarch sat cross-legged on an embroidered cushion with her back straight.
There was a single black strand in the matriarch's long white hair.
The matriarch's eyes were yellow, and thanks to those eyes, even when in human form, the matriarch looked extremely tiger-like.
I have never seen the matriarch wearing anything other than the hanbok, the old-fashioned garment of the 'Thousand Worlds'.
The jacket was a faded orange with subtle gold embroidery, and the skirt was an equally faded black.
--- pp.25~26
'That can't be!'
I wanted to shout like that.
I was relieved that Uncle Hwan didn't die, but this was worse.
My uncle is the one who taught me about honor.
There is absolutely no way he would have committed treason and run away.
If Uncle Hwan was branded a traitor, what would that mean for me? Was my dream of serving in the Space Force dashed with the arrival of the warrant for Uncle Hwan's arrest?
--- p.27
Although my mother emphasized honor above all else, I grew up hearing legends about tiger warriors who lured their prey with trickery.
The legend that haunted me was about an evil tiger that disguised itself as people's grandmothers to eat them.
It didn't fit with the story of the renowned, stern, and brave tiger warriors of the 'Thousand Worlds'.
I didn't dare ask about that discrepancy.
Because I felt that asking that would get me into trouble.
--- p.31
The matriarch picked up the bronze-hilted sword that was on his table.
I shivered.
There was no choice.
There was a faint scent of blood on the knife.
The matriarch said.
“Swear that you will serve the tribe in all things.
“I swear by the White Tiger of the West.”
“By the White Tiger of the West, I pledge to serve my tribe in all things.”
I repeated it obediently as my family watched.
I knew that this was an incredibly serious oath, and that if I broke it, I would pay a terrible price.
--- p.45
I followed a path marked by one broad stripe and two narrow dots.
It was full of green plants, including moss and terrariums.
There was an indoor bamboo forest towering over me.
The bamboo forest was surrounded by paper lanterns symbolizing good fortune and longevity.
It is certain that a first-class geomancer was involved in the construction of this place, so that good fortune could flow into every corner.
I suddenly wondered if geomancers and soldiers had ever argued over the layout.
--- pp.51~52
I turned my gaze back to my slate.
One last question remained.
I frowned and thought deeply.
Why do you want to join the Space Force? Answer in one sentence.
The question was so direct that it felt like a trap.
(…) I tapped my chin with the touch pen and soon wrote as clearly and distinctly as possible.
I want to show that tigers can serve with honor.
--- pp.58~59
“Now is the time for you to take the Space Force oath of service.”
The captain continued.
“Keep this in mind.
This oath supersedes any previous oaths or promises you may have made.
Loyalty to your family, loyalty to your home planet, is important.
But as a member of the Space Force, your most important duty is not to your family or your home, but to the entire Thousand Worlds.”
--- p.107
“Who is the oldest?”
We compared ages.
Namgyu was the top, then me, then Yuna, and last was Ji.
The hierarchy should be based on who has served the longest.
Then Namgyu and Yuna are superiors.
But since we are all in the same pecking order, we should be by age instead.
I'm glad I found out your age
--- p.122
I didn't know that mercenaries didn't know Hangul, the common language of the 'Thousand Worlds'.
Uncle Hwan must have chosen Rokuro because he was fluent in the language.
It was unclear whether the reason was because they could communicate, or because they could spy on what Ji, Yuna, and I were saying.
--- p.257
I crept along the side of the room, following the scent of food.
Once I had the luxury of not having to avoid angry dogs, I could tell that the combat rations were japchae.
A stir-fried dish of beef, vegetables, and glass noodles served during holidays.
The combat ration version of japchae looked like it would be tasteless due to the stringy meat and grayed vegetables.
--- p.322
Publisher's Review
A unique blend of Korean mythology and science fiction that captivated the world.
Another masterpiece from world-renowned author Lee Yoon-ha
“My former agent, Jennifer Jackson, told me that Rick Riordan was starting a new project and suggested I write a story that combined Korean mythology and space opera.
Steph Lurie, an editor at Disney's Hyperion publishing house, said no one had created such a story yet.
That's how I got involved in Rick Riordan's project." - From an interview with author Lee Yoon-ha
In 2018, Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, which sold 180 million copies worldwide, came up with a project to have writers from various cultural backgrounds write science fiction/fantasy novels based on the mythology of their respective countries.
A series based on the mythology of various countries, including India, Cuba, and Mexico, is being planned, and Korean mythology is also included.
That is how the 'Thousand Worlds' series by author Lee Yoon-ha was created.
Lee Yoon-ha, the first Korean-American to be nominated for a Hugo Award and rise to fame as a world-renowned author, participated in the planning of Rick Riordan, another world-renowned author, and a unique story combining Korean mythology and science fiction was born.
"When the Tiger Opens His Eyes," a work in the "A Thousand Worlds" series, has been receiving enthusiastic responses from overseas readers since its publication in the United States last year.
As the reader review said, "Korean mythology and science fiction are fantastically combined," the story of Korean mythology naturally blended into the science fiction world captivated readers.
The appeal of K-stories that have captured the hearts of the world, such as 『Pachinko』, 『Beasts of a Small Land』, and 『The Forest of Lost Girls』, is now expanding its territory to science fiction.
A unique and fantastic worldview,
Set against the backdrop of vast space
Thrilling action and adventure
"A novel that is both fable-like and modern, a unique blend of the familiar and the unfamiliar." —Sim Wan-seon (science fiction critic)
"When the Tiger Opens its Eyes" depicts the adventures of thirteen-year-old tiger-human Sebin as he enlists as a cadet in the Space Force, a military unit he longs to serve in.
At first glance, it may seem like an ordinary space opera, but "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes" guides readers into a unique and fantastic worldview they have never experienced before.
The unique worldview that mixes space opera and Korean culture, including a world where the official language is Korean and the official attire is hanbok, a space base designed according to feng shui, and a shaman who appears on a spaceship and performs exorcism rituals, is captivating.
Korean readers will especially enjoy the unique fun in the part where Sebin grew up hearing the story of 'an evil tiger disguised as people's grandmother to eat them' ('The Brothers and Sisters Who Became the Sun and the Moon') and the scene where 'Japchae' appears as a space force combat ration.
This is a part that clearly shows the author's wish for 'Korean culture to become more known to people around the world.'
The thrilling adventure and action that appear in the fast-paced narrative are also elements that make 『When the Tiger Opens its Eyes』 immersive.
Sebin, aboard the space battleship 'Haetaeho', faces an unexpected crisis when the spaceship is attacked.
Sevin joins forces with his fellow cadets to fight against sinister enemies who seek to destroy the spaceship.
Sebin's relentless action as he transforms into a tiger and bravely fights to save his comrades is as thrilling as watching a movie.
As you follow the spectacular adventure and tense action set against the backdrop of the vast universe, it's easy to understand why Disney+ decided to adapt this novel into a film.
A narrative that overturns prejudice and stereotypes
Imagination that resists dichotomies
“I wanted to write a story with a non-binary character as the main character.” ―From an interview with author Lee Yoon-ha
Sebin, the protagonist of 'When the Tiger Opens its Eyes', is neither male nor female, but 'non-binary' (a gender identity that deviates from binary distinction).
In an interview, author Lee Yoon-ha said, "My non-binary friends often say that they have a hard time empathizing with the novels they read.
'I realized that in the novels I wrote, non-binary people only appeared as supporting characters,' he said.
In "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes," there are several characters with non-binary identities, including the main character Sebin, but they are not considered unusual at all.
'A Thousand Worlds' is a world where it is natural and normal for diverse identities to be respected as they are.
In "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes," author Lee Yun-ha demonstrates an imagination that resists dichotomies by overturning prejudice and common sense.
Behind this imagination are my experiences as a Korean-American and a trans man.
The memory of being told by the parents of a white friend during childhood, "You're Korean-American, so don't hang out with me," was portrayed in the novel as a gumiho who had to hide her identity because of discrimination.
Additionally, non-binary characters who are referred to as “they” and appear at the forefront of the narrative break down the gender binary.
The boundless imagination of "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes," transcending cultural and gender boundaries and as boundless as the universe, will open up new worlds for readers.
“I spent half of my childhood in Korea, and I heard many stories from my parents about clever tigers and nine-tailed foxes.
The old story we encountered then became a story of the future unfolding among the stars of the universe.
It's an honor to share this story with you.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
Thank you.” ―From a message to Korean readers on the occasion of the publication of “When the Tiger Opens its Eyes”
▶ Character Introduction
“I want to show that tigers can serve with honor.” ― Sevin
A thirteen-year-old tiger selected as a space cadet.
I dream of becoming an honorable space captain like my uncle.
“You are nothing but a traitor, Sebin.” ― Min
The legendary nine-tailed fox, believed to be extinct.
He works as an assistant to a special investigator and carries out covert missions.
“Sevin! You must come with me.” ― Hwan
Sevin's uncle and former captain of the space battleship 'Pale Lightning'.
He is on the run after being accused of treason.
“My role is to guide ghosts to the world of the dead.” ― Sena
A shaman who appeases spirits or expels evil spirits.
He carries around a magic-using shovel called 'Shield'.
▶ Recommendation
A captivating worldview, combining captivating Korean mythology with the dazzling action of space battles and the struggle for honor, will thrill you. This work weaves science fiction and Korean culture together to create a captivating experience.
_Kirkus Review
A delightful blend of Korean mythology and science fiction, this work expands upon the captivating world of its predecessor and presents a thrilling adventure.
_Booklist
The themes of courage and friendship are revealed in a fast-paced story filled with exciting twists and gripping scenes.
_School Library Journal
Another masterpiece from world-renowned author Lee Yoon-ha
“My former agent, Jennifer Jackson, told me that Rick Riordan was starting a new project and suggested I write a story that combined Korean mythology and space opera.
Steph Lurie, an editor at Disney's Hyperion publishing house, said no one had created such a story yet.
That's how I got involved in Rick Riordan's project." - From an interview with author Lee Yoon-ha
In 2018, Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, which sold 180 million copies worldwide, came up with a project to have writers from various cultural backgrounds write science fiction/fantasy novels based on the mythology of their respective countries.
A series based on the mythology of various countries, including India, Cuba, and Mexico, is being planned, and Korean mythology is also included.
That is how the 'Thousand Worlds' series by author Lee Yoon-ha was created.
Lee Yoon-ha, the first Korean-American to be nominated for a Hugo Award and rise to fame as a world-renowned author, participated in the planning of Rick Riordan, another world-renowned author, and a unique story combining Korean mythology and science fiction was born.
"When the Tiger Opens His Eyes," a work in the "A Thousand Worlds" series, has been receiving enthusiastic responses from overseas readers since its publication in the United States last year.
As the reader review said, "Korean mythology and science fiction are fantastically combined," the story of Korean mythology naturally blended into the science fiction world captivated readers.
The appeal of K-stories that have captured the hearts of the world, such as 『Pachinko』, 『Beasts of a Small Land』, and 『The Forest of Lost Girls』, is now expanding its territory to science fiction.
A unique and fantastic worldview,
Set against the backdrop of vast space
Thrilling action and adventure
"A novel that is both fable-like and modern, a unique blend of the familiar and the unfamiliar." —Sim Wan-seon (science fiction critic)
"When the Tiger Opens its Eyes" depicts the adventures of thirteen-year-old tiger-human Sebin as he enlists as a cadet in the Space Force, a military unit he longs to serve in.
At first glance, it may seem like an ordinary space opera, but "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes" guides readers into a unique and fantastic worldview they have never experienced before.
The unique worldview that mixes space opera and Korean culture, including a world where the official language is Korean and the official attire is hanbok, a space base designed according to feng shui, and a shaman who appears on a spaceship and performs exorcism rituals, is captivating.
Korean readers will especially enjoy the unique fun in the part where Sebin grew up hearing the story of 'an evil tiger disguised as people's grandmother to eat them' ('The Brothers and Sisters Who Became the Sun and the Moon') and the scene where 'Japchae' appears as a space force combat ration.
This is a part that clearly shows the author's wish for 'Korean culture to become more known to people around the world.'
The thrilling adventure and action that appear in the fast-paced narrative are also elements that make 『When the Tiger Opens its Eyes』 immersive.
Sebin, aboard the space battleship 'Haetaeho', faces an unexpected crisis when the spaceship is attacked.
Sevin joins forces with his fellow cadets to fight against sinister enemies who seek to destroy the spaceship.
Sebin's relentless action as he transforms into a tiger and bravely fights to save his comrades is as thrilling as watching a movie.
As you follow the spectacular adventure and tense action set against the backdrop of the vast universe, it's easy to understand why Disney+ decided to adapt this novel into a film.
A narrative that overturns prejudice and stereotypes
Imagination that resists dichotomies
“I wanted to write a story with a non-binary character as the main character.” ―From an interview with author Lee Yoon-ha
Sebin, the protagonist of 'When the Tiger Opens its Eyes', is neither male nor female, but 'non-binary' (a gender identity that deviates from binary distinction).
In an interview, author Lee Yoon-ha said, "My non-binary friends often say that they have a hard time empathizing with the novels they read.
'I realized that in the novels I wrote, non-binary people only appeared as supporting characters,' he said.
In "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes," there are several characters with non-binary identities, including the main character Sebin, but they are not considered unusual at all.
'A Thousand Worlds' is a world where it is natural and normal for diverse identities to be respected as they are.
In "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes," author Lee Yun-ha demonstrates an imagination that resists dichotomies by overturning prejudice and common sense.
Behind this imagination are my experiences as a Korean-American and a trans man.
The memory of being told by the parents of a white friend during childhood, "You're Korean-American, so don't hang out with me," was portrayed in the novel as a gumiho who had to hide her identity because of discrimination.
Additionally, non-binary characters who are referred to as “they” and appear at the forefront of the narrative break down the gender binary.
The boundless imagination of "When the Tiger Opens its Eyes," transcending cultural and gender boundaries and as boundless as the universe, will open up new worlds for readers.
“I spent half of my childhood in Korea, and I heard many stories from my parents about clever tigers and nine-tailed foxes.
The old story we encountered then became a story of the future unfolding among the stars of the universe.
It's an honor to share this story with you.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
Thank you.” ―From a message to Korean readers on the occasion of the publication of “When the Tiger Opens its Eyes”
▶ Character Introduction
“I want to show that tigers can serve with honor.” ― Sevin
A thirteen-year-old tiger selected as a space cadet.
I dream of becoming an honorable space captain like my uncle.
“You are nothing but a traitor, Sebin.” ― Min
The legendary nine-tailed fox, believed to be extinct.
He works as an assistant to a special investigator and carries out covert missions.
“Sevin! You must come with me.” ― Hwan
Sevin's uncle and former captain of the space battleship 'Pale Lightning'.
He is on the run after being accused of treason.
“My role is to guide ghosts to the world of the dead.” ― Sena
A shaman who appeases spirits or expels evil spirits.
He carries around a magic-using shovel called 'Shield'.
▶ Recommendation
A captivating worldview, combining captivating Korean mythology with the dazzling action of space battles and the struggle for honor, will thrill you. This work weaves science fiction and Korean culture together to create a captivating experience.
_Kirkus Review
A delightful blend of Korean mythology and science fiction, this work expands upon the captivating world of its predecessor and presents a thrilling adventure.
_Booklist
The themes of courage and friendship are revealed in a fast-paced story filled with exciting twists and gripping scenes.
_School Library Journal
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Date of issue: May 30, 2023
- Format: Hardcover book binding method guide
- Page count, weight, size: 376 pages | 412g | 128*188*30mm
- ISBN13: 9788936439071
- ISBN10: 8936439073
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