By Honorary Reporter Alaa Atef Ebada from Egypt
Photos = Hazlam Anuar

The Malay-language young adult novel "Miss Princess Hanbok" by Malaysian writer Hazlam Anuar uses the themes of Hanbok and Korean history to look at the past and present of Korea and Malaysia. Having visited Korea 15 times, Anuar said his love of Hanbok motivated him to use the traditional costumes to present Korean culture from the past and present. 

The following are excerpts from a Jan. 12 interview with the author on his work via social media.

Hazlam Anwar wears a modern-style Hanbok on the left and snaps a photo of his novel's cover in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.

Briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Hazlam Anuar but most people call me Alam Anuar. I am from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a freelance digital designer and illustrator. I love writing and anything related to Korea.

What inspired you to write your novel?
I would say sageuk (historical Korean dramas or films). As the genre shows beautiful Hanbok according to social class like in scenes with kings, nobles or soldiers, I wanted to show the uniqueness and colorfulness of Hanbok in my stories. 

Hazlam Anuar loves Hanbok and has worn many varieties of it on his 15 trips to Korea. 

What is your story about?
My novel mixes time travel by a high school girl in Malaysia and a young princess in Korea's Joseon Dynasty with each country's history. The plot begins with a norigae (traditional tassel often used in Hanbok) that connects both people in the past and present.

What message does your novel convey?
The message is to never give up under any circumstance or lose hope in achieving something and to do something even if it seems risky instead of doing nothing and regretting it later.

The book sometimes comes with gifts such as a bookmark shaped like a norigae (traditional tassel).

How has the Malaysian public received your book?
Readers who love Hallyu or Korean dramas have shown a lot of support for the book. For those unfamiliar with Korea, I offer a brief education on Korean culture. I also want to promote specific Korean terms like Hanbok since the public tends to be more familiar with words like K-pop. Sometimes I include in my book a gift such as my autograph, photo card, Hanbok postcard or keychain, norigae bookmark or another Korean accessory.

Will you keep using Korean culture as a them in your works?
Yes, of course. Korean culture is part of my trademark and artistic identity. I will feature Korean culture in my next work or illustration project whether a book, novel or illustration. My second book featuring Korean culture is coming out this year.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.