September 2025

Oxford Soju Club - Jinwoo Park

I have been following Jinwoo Park for ages on TikTok. From the moment I heard him talk about this book I knew I wanted to read it. Get your library holds and pre-orders in quick because I have a feeling this is going to be a hit.

When North Korean spy YOHAN KIM’s handler and mentor DOHA KIM is assassinated, Yohan finds himself on the run within Oxford, where he has spent the last several years as JUNICHI NAKAMURA. At his heels is YUNAH CHOI, a Korean American CIA officer who has been observing Yohan for a long time. Disguised as SEONHYE, Yunah attempts to bring in Yohan for a chance at a coveted promotion. In the center of this spy game is JIHOON LIM, a humble restauranteur who runs the Soju Club, the only Korean restaurant in Oxford.

As unknown enemies close in on the city, Yohan attempts to fulfill Doha’s last words and await DR. RYU for further instructions, a senior North Korean intelligence officer. However, as Yohan and Yunah will each discover, the truth of the situation is more complicated. Loyalties will be tested, and false identities will crack. But one thing is for certain: anyone is welcome at the Soju Club for a drink.