Cursed Bunny is a world-famous short story collection by South Korean author Bora Chung. Originally published in Korean in 2017 and later translated into English by Anton Hur, the book gained international recognition when it was shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize. By combining elements of traditional Korean folklore, science fiction, fantasy, and horror, the author uses the form of fantasy literature to tell fresh and powerful stories about social issues such as greed, patriarchy, discrimination, revenge, capitalism, and environmental destruction. Chung’s stories often blur the line between reality and the grotesque, using absurd, unsettling, and supernatural elements to expose the dark underbelly of modern society. She employs a detached yet evocative style of prose, which enhances the eerie and thought-provoking nature of her narratives.

 

“Cursed Bunny”:

A Tale of Vengeance and the Unforeseen Consequences

The title story, “Cursed Bunny,” blends Korean folklore, horror, and social critique. The story illustrates a family that crafts curses in the form of objects. One of these objects, a rabbit-shaped figurine, is created as an act of revenge against a powerful and corrupt corporation. At first, the curse seems to work perfectly, bringing destruction upon those responsible. However, as the story unfolds, the protagonist begins to realize that curses—like unchecked power—do not always remain under control and can lead to unforeseen, damaging consequences. The story criticizes ruthless capitalism where companies exploit and destroy lives without consequences, yet does it in a bewitching manner by combining Korean traditional folklore with contemporary anxieties. This makes it more than just a horror story – it’s a thought-provoking fable that forces readers to consider the unintended consequences of their actions.

 

“The Embodiment”:

A Haunting Reflection on Bodily Autonomy

“The Embodiment” is one of the most unsettling stories in the book, exploring surreal and disturbing bodily autonomy, gender expectations, and societal control over women’s bodies. The Korean title of the short story is “몸하다”, which translates as “to body,” meaning “to menstruate.” The story follows an unnamed main character, who, despite never having engaged in sexual activity, finds herself mysteriously pregnant after undergoing unexpectedly prolonged menstruation. Doctors dismiss her confusion and insist that she must simply accept the pregnancy, carry it to term, and “find the father.” As the pregnancy progresses at an unnatural speed, the protagonist is left with no agency over her own body, trapped in a horrifying, paradoxical nightmare. This bizarre and invasive experience takes an even darker turn, revealing the extent to which society exerts control over individuals, and women in particular, through biological and systemic means.

Cursed Bunny confronts the irrationality and absurdity of reality with a surrealistic text. Through its mix of traditional storytelling and speculative fiction, the book delivers a uniquely Korean yet universally resonant exploration of human nature, suffering, and resilience. For readers who enjoy dark, thought-provoking fiction that challenges conventions, Cursed Bunny is a must-read!

 

Reporter

Somin Hong

hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍소민

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