Seo Mi-ae : The Queen of Korean Mystery

Seo Mi-ae has established herself as a renowned mystery and thriller author, working across various media, including dramas, novels, and films, for nearly 30 years. She prefers Miss Marple over Holmes, as she’s more intrigued by criminal psychology than by intricate tricks. Her works, including Happy Killers, Thirty Ways to Kill a Husband, and Her Secret Hobby, have been adapted into dramas, films, and plays.

Early Life and Debut

Born in Punggi, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, Mi-ae moved to Seoul at the age of eight, where she has lived and worked ever since. Her fascination with mystery novels in middle school ignited her literary journey, leading her to major in Korean literature in college. During her studies, she tried her hand at poetry, and one of her poems won the New Year’s Literary Contest in the Daejeon Ilbo when she was 20.

Upon graduating from university, she began her career as a drama writer for a national broadcasting station and soon became a lead writer. However, Mi-ae always aimed to focus on novels, as they allowed her the creative freedom to fully express her love for mystery, free from the collaborative constraints of broadcasting. She debuted as a novelist with Thirty Ways to Kill a Husband, which won the New Year’s Literary Contest. The provocative title generated much public curiosity, even prompting calls to the newspaper to confirm its accuracy. This work was adapted into a play immediately after her win and became a hit with female audiences, receiving continuous stage adaptations for over 30 years.

A Leading Figure in Korean Mystery

Having established herself as one of Korea’s most celebrated mystery thriller writers, Mi-ae continues to blend psychological depth with mystery. Her focus on criminal psychology over intricate tricks was evident in her first full-length novel, The Garden of Doll, inspired by infamous South Korean serial killers Yoo Young-chul and Jeong Nam-gyu. Collaborating with top experts, including detectives, forensic scientists, and criminal psychologists, Mi-ae created a work that delves deeply into the psychology of those entangled in crime. The Garden of Doll won the Korean Mystery Literature Award in its publication year.

Her second novel, The Only Child, marked the beginning of the Ha-young Trilogy, a series that has been translated and sold in 18 countries and is especially beloved by European mystery readers. Mi-ae Seo actively participates in European literary festivals and discussions to connect with her international fanbase. The Ha-young Trilogy continues to expand, with the second book, Every Secret Has a Name, and the upcoming third installment, which is under translation. Meanwhile, the trilogy is also being adapted into a TV show by a major Korean studio, following in the footsteps of her other novels, Happy Killers (2010) and Her Hobby (2023), which have also been made into feature films.

Active Contributions to the Mystery Genre

Mi-ae continues to passionately create new works and engage in external activities to support the growth of the content industry.

In 2023, she launched an online course on mystery writing and is preparing to publish a new book on the craft.

As a board member of the Jeonnam Film Commission, she also contributes to the operation and judging of the Namdo Film Festival, which is now entering its second year.

Upcoming Works

The final novel of the Ha-young Trilogy is set for release in late 2024, with a new full-length novel anticipated in 2025.

Works

[Collections]

• Seo Mi-ae Collection Volumes 1, 2, 3

[Novels]

• The Garden of Doll – Winner of the 2009 Korean Mystery Literature Award

• The Only Child

• Arin's Eyes

• The Night Your Star Disappeared

• Every Secret Has a Name

[Notable Stories and Adaptations]

• Thirty Ways to Kill a Husband

• Happy Killer – Adapted into a feature film (2010)

• Her Secret Hobby – Adapted into a feature film (2023)

• If You Give Me a Rice Cake, I Won’t Eat You

• The Crow’s Funeral

• I Didn’t Mean to Kill You

[Screenplays]

• My Beautiful Girl, Mari (2000, Animation) – Winner of the Grand Prix at the 26th Annecy International Animation Festival in France

• Her Technique (2007, TV movie series Eve’s Temptation)

• Kiss (2007, TV movie series Eve’s Temptation)