Renowned Korean novelist Gu Byeong-mo, celebrated as one of Korea's most imaginative storytellers, has released a new supernatural thriller titled "Cutting Wound," published by Munhakdongne Publishing. The haunting novel centers on a woman who possesses the extraordinary ability to read people's thoughts by touching their wounds.
The story follows an orphaned protagonist who was raised in an institution and discovers her unique gift in an unexpected moment. When she presses her hand against a friend's bleeding cut, she suddenly experiences a flood of the person's thoughts. Despite possessing this remarkable power, she grows up feeling uncertain about how to properly use her supernatural ability.
Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Moon O-eon, a shrewd businessman who immediately recognizes the immense value of her gift. O-eon takes her under his wing, providing her with a new identity, elegant clothing, and a secluded mansion where she can remain hidden from the outside world. His character presents a complex duality, being simultaneously manipulative and strangely kind, ultimately becoming the first person in her life to show her genuine care and attention.
The relationship takes a dark turn when O-eon commits what the protagonist considers an unforgivable act, completely shattering her fragile trust in him. Desperate to repair their connection, he asks her to read his mind so she can understand his motivations as only she can. However, she refuses with fierce determination, declaring that he will be the one person whose mind she will never read.
The novel blends elements of mystery with an unsettling romance, building its central tension around this troubled relationship between a woman who can peer into others' minds and a man desperately seeking to have his own thoughts understood. This psychological dynamic drives the narrative forward as both characters navigate their complex emotional connection.
Gu Byeong-mo has established a strong track record in both literature and entertainment adaptations. Her 2013 novel "The Old Woman with the Knife" was successfully adapted into a stage musical last year and transformed into a feature film that premiered at the prestigious 75th Berlin International Film Festival this year. The novel is currently available in English translation by Chi-Young Kim, making it accessible to international readers interested in contemporary Korean fiction.
