Interview by Jonah Lee

Tell me your name and age.

My name is Jung Jae-seung. I also use my Korean name in the U.S. I am 55 years old.

Where is your hometown?

I was born in the south of Gyeongsang Province in Korea. I spent my childhood there and grew up in Namhae County until high school. I didn't have any hopes or dreams in my childhood. I didn't have any particular dream for the future. It wasn’t until I turned 20 and entered university that I began to seriously and deeply reflect on my values. I started reading a lot of books during that time, and I began to think about the direction my life should take. What direction could I go in to help others in the future? I wanted to be able to help others in whatever way I could, within the limits of my abilities. So, my thoughts and goals from when I was 20 have led me to where I am today.

Can you tell us about your family? How many people are in your family, and what did your parents do for a living?

Currently, it's just my son and me living in the U.S. My parents have passed away, so my family includes my brother and sister, their families, and my son and me. My son is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.

Can you share the story of how your business started and why you chose to open it on Western Avenue?

Well, it's quite a long story. To establish this current bookstore, I prayed for about three years. Initially, I tried to open a bookstore on Olympic Boulevard, but the deal fell through, gratefully, and I ended up here. Western Avenue has more foot traffic than Olympic. People walk around, visiting stores and markets and using public transport, making it a more favorable location for a bookstore. After setting up here, I noticed we get more walk-in customers.

How has the location on Western Avenue impacted your business over the past 20 years?

The development of Western Avenue has been slower than Olympic Boulevard. The stores on the northern end of Western, around Beverly, have yet to see much redevelopment and remain less active. In contrast, areas around Wilshire and Olympic have seen new malls, markets, and hotels, attracting not only Koreans but also Americans. With further remodeling and development, Western Avenue could become a space where Americans and Koreans enjoy Korean culture together.

What has been the biggest change in the Western Avenue and Koreatown community since you started your business?

From my perspective, the biggest change hasn't been within our own stores but in the broader K-culture. Our community has developed alongside the global rise of Hallyu (Korean Wave). Koreatown has evolved in sync with this trend, fostering the need for cultural spaces and stores that match this change.

Can you describe Happy Bookstore's relationship with other businesses and the community on Western Avenue?

In the past 20 years, the number of Americans learning Korean has increased significantly, perhaps by 50 times or more. There’s a K-dance studio further up on Western and Beverly, and it's quite lively every evening. People are learning Korean culture not just through food but also by studying the language. Our bookstore has seen a significant increase in [non-Korean] customers looking for Korean-language materials, much more so than Koreans themselves.

What are the positive aspects of working on Western Avenue? What brings you joy, and what challenges have you faced?

One positive aspect is the convenience of foot traffic. Western Avenue allows easy access to various shops and services between the 101 and 10 highways. This central location is crucial for our business.

What role does your business play in the community, and how do you support your customers?

We constantly think about our role as a bookstore in a world that's moving further away from physical books. Despite the prevalence of smartphones, we believe in the importance of keeping books close. Books help deepen our thoughts and perspectives, which is essential for preparing for the future. It’s crucial to remember that books are a vital means of communication, just as important as smartphones.

What do you want people to know about Happy Bookstore?

When I started Happy Bookstore about 20 years ago, a customer suggested the need for a second-hand bookstore because books in the U.S. were too expensive. That’s why I created this store — to provide an affordable way to share and purchase books. Even now, we aim to offer new books and rare and out-of-print books that are hard to find. We continue to strive to provide tailored services to our customers.

What do you think your business will look like in 10 years?

Given the decline in traditional publishing and newspapers, predicting even one year in the future is difficult. However, as long as I have the means and the space to operate, I plan to continue this business, whether it’s for another year or two. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee it will last for 10 years.

Can you share a memorable moment from your time working here?

I have a postcard from Denmark by Yura Kim, Ricardo, and Juliana from Copenhagen. They visited L.A. and stumbled upon Happy Bookstore. One of them is Korean, and the other two are learning Korean. They sent me this postcard in Korean as a thank you. I also often send Korean study materials and books to people learning the language. One such person I’ve sent material to is a young woman in her 20s from Nebraska who wants to become a professor in Korea. This kind of connection is one of the most rewarding aspects of running this business. It's crucial to pass on Korean culture, and books play a vital role.