The novel "One Day" by author Kim Mi-jo, who has been actively writing not only in literature but also in sociology, history, and philosophy, has been published.

The novel acutely addresses pressing issues facing our society in 2026, including △lonely deaths, △social isolation, and △broken relationships.

The story begins at the afterlife's "Return Service," the reception center for "undiscovered deaths."

Hwang Ik-ju, a "caretaker" who grants one day back to those with unaddressed deaths, returns to the living world with individuals referred to by codes instead of names. The novel asks what one would leave behind when given only one day to live.

Small traces left behind, such as uncollected mail or severed contact information, illustrate how lonely deaths and social isolation can normalize such circumstances.

The novel takes a detached view of death, not as an incident but as a result of societal structures, and examines how data and efficiency reduce individuals to records and codes. It suggests that the cruelty lies not in the afterlife but in an everyday life accumulated with indifference.

Kim Mi-jo's sentences do not force emotions; they follow dignity to the end. Instead of offering consolation or lessons, the novel leaves behind the "sadness of being unable to do anything" and asks how we can discover each other while alive. Therefore, the ending of this novel is not warm; it is simply accurate.

To commemorate the publication of "One Day," a book talk with author Kim Mi-jo will be held at Gallery Raonje (3rd floor, 82 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul) on Wednesday the 14th, from 5 PM to 7 PM.

As a special performance, singer-songwriter Bbak Se will perform "Don Don Don Don" and two other songs.

By Lim Yo-hee