Kim Ho-yeon is a South Korean novelist, screenwriter, and comic book writer. He is best known for The Second Chance Convenience Store (2025), a bestselling novel translated into multiple languages and praised for its warmth and insight. His works often explore ordinary lives through human-centred storytelling across genres and formats.
Born and based in Seoul, Kim began his writing career in comics, winning the Grand Prize at the Bucheon Cartoon Story Contest in 2005. In 2013, he received the 9th Segye Literary Prize. Kim Ho-yeon worked across various media over the following decade, writing plays, film scripts, and novels. He has stated, “I’m a storyteller… writing stories that the public might like,” and believes that novels are the best form to engage readers’ imagination and emotions.
In 2021, Kim received both the Yes24 Book of the Year and the Millie Audiobook of the Year awards. His novel Uncanny Convenience Store became a steady seller in Korea and was adapted into a drama.
When asked what matters most in writing, Kim answered, “First, characters. Second, characters. And third? Characters.” His works are known for depicting lives that reflect the struggles and joys of daily life, using humour, sincerity, and quiet empathy.
The Second Chance Convenience Store (2025) follows Dok-go, a man without a past, and Mrs Yeom, a retired teacher who runs a corner shop. After returning her lost purse, Dok-go is invited to share a meal and, later, offered a night shift job.
Despite scepticism from others, his presence gradually transforms the neighbourhood and restores a sense of belonging among its residents. The story explores themes of memory, dignity, and quiet resilience, as Dok-go finds purpose and connection in unexpected places.
The novel blends light suspense with social insight. As the community grows closer around the shop, questions about Dok-go’s past begin to surface. Still, at its heart, the book is a hopeful tale about second chances and the fragile but enduring links between strangers.
Kim Ho-yeon continues to reside in Seoul.
Born and based in Seoul, Kim began his writing career in comics, winning the Grand Prize at the Bucheon Cartoon Story Contest in 2005. In 2013, he received the 9th Segye Literary Prize. Kim Ho-yeon worked across various media over the following decade, writing plays, film scripts, and novels. He has stated, “I’m a storyteller… writing stories that the public might like,” and believes that novels are the best form to engage readers’ imagination and emotions.
In 2021, Kim received both the Yes24 Book of the Year and the Millie Audiobook of the Year awards. His novel Uncanny Convenience Store became a steady seller in Korea and was adapted into a drama.
When asked what matters most in writing, Kim answered, “First, characters. Second, characters. And third? Characters.” His works are known for depicting lives that reflect the struggles and joys of daily life, using humour, sincerity, and quiet empathy.
The Second Chance Convenience Store (2025) follows Dok-go, a man without a past, and Mrs Yeom, a retired teacher who runs a corner shop. After returning her lost purse, Dok-go is invited to share a meal and, later, offered a night shift job.
Despite scepticism from others, his presence gradually transforms the neighbourhood and restores a sense of belonging among its residents. The story explores themes of memory, dignity, and quiet resilience, as Dok-go finds purpose and connection in unexpected places.
The novel blends light suspense with social insight. As the community grows closer around the shop, questions about Dok-go’s past begin to surface. Still, at its heart, the book is a hopeful tale about second chances and the fragile but enduring links between strangers.
Kim Ho-yeon continues to reside in Seoul.
years of life: 1974 – present
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