American Hagwon

The opening line of American Hagwon—“The rules of engagement have changed already”—serves as a thesis statement for the novel. What does the line mean to you, and how does it set the tone for the story?

How would you describe hagwons? Can you identify hagwon-like programs from your own experience, and how are they similar to hagwons in Korea? How are they different?

What are Helen and John’s views on hagwons? Why is it important to them that their children receive a good education? What responsibilities do Helen and John have to their children?

How does Mido and Yun’s friendship shape their lives? Does it differ from the ways in which DH and Peter’s friendship shapes theirs?

Mido weighs leaving Australia for the US, joining her parents and leaving Tek behind. Yun wants to stay in the US—even with her father’s exit and her mother’s desire to leave—and marrying Lion would simplify her road to citizenship. What roles do geography and citizenship play in these and other relationships in the novel?

After arriving in the US, John and Helen Koh have very different experiences than those of their children; what do those differences say about immigration? Do you see historic parallels, either in the stories of your own family or those you may have read about?

What are the effects of class on the Kohs’ and Ginny’s pursuit of education? What are the effects of class on college admissions where you are today?

Lion’s first hagwon is named Exodus to represent his own freedom. When he expands his business, he names his second hagwon Fortress. Why do you think he chooses this name?

Compare the marriages between Helen and John, Danbi and Taehun, and Sonya and Yong-gil.

Sonya remarks, “A mother is a child’s first teacher.” Throughout the novel, how do parents take on the role of teachers and vice versa?

When Sung isn’t admitted to Eagle Academy/Fortress Seoul, how do he and his parents fight the result? Peter ends the conversation by saying, “It’s like a disease, I think. This constant battle between greedy ambition versus moderation.” What did you think of the whole exchange?

What played into Mido’s final decision, and do you think she made the right one?

What did you think of the ending? What does John’s act signify, and how does it relate to the story as a whole?

Recall Yun’s words in her letter to Mido: “How do you live a wise life, I wonder.” What answers does American Hagwon provide to this question?

Who were your favorite characters?