Yeonnam-Dong's Smiley Laundromat by Kim Jiyun

aired the week of June 15, 2026

Yeonnam-Dong's Smiley Laundromat by Kim Jiyun is a first novel by a Korean author.  The Smiley Laundromat in the Yeonnam-Dong district of Seoul, South Korea. It is a place where people go when they need a little peace.  The notebook on the table in the middle of the laundromat has become a message board of sorts.  Old Jang reads the note that no one has responded to, "I don't want to live anymore.  Why is life so hard?"  He tries to figure out how to help give this individual some hope.  Read the five interconnected stories that all revolve around the Smiley Laundromat.  Recommended for those who enjoy novels about connection and community like How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley or We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Ishida Syou