
Songgot
The Awl·송곳
Set in the mid-2000s in South Korea, the story centers on two main characters working within a fictional retail chain. Yi Su-in, a former military officer, takes a civilian job but faces a moral dilemma when ordered to carry out unfair firings. He is joined by Gu Go-sin, a pragmatic labor activist who runs a nearby support center. Su-in is rigid and confrontational, often clashing with those around him, while Go-sin is more adaptable and willing to take bold actions to achieve his goals. Together, they challenge the company’s unethical treatment of employees and work to help workers assert their rights. The narrative highlights their efforts to resist corporate manipulation and support laborers in a society marked by social tensions. The author, known for another acclaimed work, skillfully portrays the conflict between individuals and systemic injustice, offering a compelling and socially relevant story.