To the Moon

Dahae has always aspired to earn more from her mediocre career – at least enough to escape her studio apartment which floods after just a long shower. Despite her efforts, however, she’s perpetually stuck in an entry-level role within a dead-end division of the company for which she works, where every performance review offers no feedback beyond a dismissive ‘Mid’, giving her no chance of advancement. She’s not alone in her frustration, but a glimmer of hope appears for her and her friends in the form of cryptocurrency, launching them into a chaotic journey of price tracking, risky investments, and the looming question: will they strike it rich, or lose it all?

Jang Ryujin’s debut novel To the Moon offers an interesting twist on the corporate worker slice-of-life tale by utilising the relatively new phenomenon of cryptocurrency as a focal point. While it definitely receives the spotlight throughout the novel, I was most drawn towards the friendship dynamic between Jisong, who spends her low salary on surfing lessons and trips to see her long-distance boyfriend; Eun-sang, who seizes any opportunity to earn extra cash and secure her future; and lastly, Dahae, who embodies a mix of both. From the outset, they bonded over their shared troubles and stressors at the company, and the introduction of cryptocurrency threatens to jeopardise their collective bond over having no real finances. What Jang does best is make these friendships seem real and earnest; placing them in situations that feel familiar and relatable – making this novel ultimately enjoyable to read and, occasionally, a high-stakes page‑turner as the crypto prices rise and fall erratically.

If you enjoyed titles like Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookstore by Hwang Bo-reum, I think you will find a semblance of familiarity here. Either way, I know I am eager to read any books Jang writes in the future.