This blog post—an interview with author Jessica "Jess" Yoon (Jeong is Jeong and The Legend of Ban-Dal) for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI)—is by Biblio Lotus team member Megan H., Kirk-Bear Canyon Library.
Can you please describe your journey to become a published writer. What motivated you to write?
My writing journey began at the end of 2021 amidst the surge in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. This turbulent time filled me with an urgency to see more Asian stories, so I decided to write children's stories so that my kids could see themselves positively represented as main characters in books.
Your book Jeong is Jeong was published in February 2026. The story follows young Luna as she discovers the meaning of "jeong" throughout her day. What does jeong mean to you and how do you practice jeong with your family and friends?
I think my umma said it best when she described jeong as "the stickiness of relationships." In essence, jeong means all the big and small things that make you feel more connected to someone over time. For me, a vital component of jeong is also the connection we must have with all people because we see in them our shared humanity. In practice, this looks like everything from having a homemade dinner together as a family, going to the park with my kids, sending a care package to a friend, volunteering at my local food bank, or speaking out about injustices around the world.
Jeong is a word that does not have a direct translation in English. Are there any other untranslatable words from Korean or other languages that you enjoy?
I really like the word nunchi, which literally translates to "eye power." Nunchi is a practiced skill that requires you to look beyond yourself and make the effort to learn what others think and feel. It's a combination of reading the room and empathy.
There is another word that I don't necessarily enjoy, but I have a deep respect for and it's called han. Han is a collective grief, anger, and melancholy borne out of historical injustices such a Japanese colonization and the Korean War. It's often thought of as the opposite or counterpart to jeong.
How much does Jeong is Jeong reflect your own childhood?
While the book is a work of fiction, I definitely drew from my childhood experiences. Like Luna, I was born in the US and am not fluent in Korean. Even today, I will call my parents to explain the nuances of certain Korean words or concepts. And I have tons of memories of delicious family meals with lots of banchan!
Luna's dog is named Jindo, which is both a species of dog and the name of an island in Korea. Is Jindo the dog named after either of these?
Jindo was named after the dog species, but the dog species was in fact named after its native Jindo island!
Who are some of your favorite children's book writers?
I have so many! But a few of my favorites include Rajani LaRocca, Adam Rex, and Antwan Eady.
What are some of your favorite children's books?
Again, there are so, so many children's books that I love, but I'll name a few recent picture books: The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung and Hanna Cha, The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi, and Don't Eat Eustace by Lian Cho.
Where are some of your favorite places to write? Do you have a special desk set up, favorite coffee cup, or music that you listen to while you write?
I have a desk at home that is probably the most ergonomic place for me to write (and it has lots of happy decorations!), but I often write at my kitchen table because I'm always heading to grab a snack or beverage. I'll have multiple cups beside me, usually water and a matcha oat milk latte or some kind of tea. I also enjoy writing at a local coffee shop or at my library where there are fewer distractions.
Whether or not I listen to music during depends on my mood, but if it's on, it's usually K-pop! Lately, it's been a lot of BTS, especially since their new album "Arirang" came out.
Your latest book, The Legend of Ban-Dal is a modern Korean folktale about how Asian bears got their iconic patch on their chests and the fractured relationship between nature and mankind. Can you share more about the book?
This book came about because I was researching animals that are native to Korea. When I saw the moon bear, I was so intrigued by its crescent-shaped patch. I looked to see if there were any folktales about how it originated, and when I couldn't find one, I wrote my own! I call it my book about the perils of late-stage capitalism, but the heart of the story is the idea that we are interconnected with nature and each other. I hope it inspires readers to make choices to strengthen those connections.
Do you have a favorite Korean folktale?
Growing up, I really enjoyed "Heungbu and Nolbu," particularly for the unexpected things the brothers found inside the gourds. My favorite modern folktales are Hanna Cha's Tiny Feet Between the Mountains and Julie Kim's Where's Halmoni? series.
What is your dream writing project?
I don't know if I have a dream project per se, but I really want to publish a novel one day!
