The Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation held a meeting to celebrate the publication of the seventh volume of the Southeast Asian Literature Series. From left: Baek Su-Mi, chair of the Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation; author Ratih Kumala; and Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Cecep Herawan. Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation

The Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation (Chair Baek Su-Mi) held a press briefing on the 13th at the ASEAN-Korea Centre ASEAN-Korea Lounge to mark the publication of the seventh volume of the Southeast Asian Literature Series, “Cigarette Girl (original title: Gadis Kretek).”

The event was organized to introduce “Cigarette Girl,” which was adapted into a Netflix series and sparked a global response, and to further elevate cultural solidarity between Korea and ASEAN. Attendees included Chair Baek Su-Mi; Cecep Herawan, Indonesian Ambassador to Korea; “Cigarette Girl” author Ratih Kumala; and Lee Eun-Ok, Director of the Information and Data Department at the ASEAN-Korea Centre.

Ambassador Herawan, delivering congratulatory remarks, said, “Literature is a window into a nation’s soul. The long-standing economic and diplomatic ties between Korea and Indonesia will now move to a deeper plane of empathy through ‘stories,’” adding, “The publication of the Korean edition of 『Cigarette Girl』 will be an important milestone in sharing the two countries’ histories and values and in strengthening cultural solidarity.” To celebrate the publication, the Indonesian Embassy supported Indonesian specialty coffee, adding the fragrance and significance of Indonesian culture to the occasion.

The work introduced that day, “Cigarette Girl,” is a captivating novel set against the backdrop of the 1960s Indonesian “kretek (clove cigarettes)” industry. Centering on the woman “Jeng Yah,” who forged an autonomous life within a male-dominated industrial structure, it interweaves across three generations a love story, a family’s secrets, and Indonesia’s turbulent modern and contemporary history.

Chair Baek Su-Mi of the Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation introduces the foundation and its initiatives. Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation

Author Ratih Kumala said, “My grandfather actually worked in the kretek industry in the past, so I grew up hearing related stories from childhood,” adding, “I wanted to capture Indonesia’s historical tragedies together with a profound love story, based on my family’s narrative and the unique backdrop of clove cigarettes.”

At the briefing, the Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation also presented its future vision. The foundation said it will further expand cultural exchange between Korea and Southeast Asian countries through literature and further advance the Southeast Asian Literature Series project. Chair Baek said, “Just as Korea has gone beyond economic growth to become a leader of global culture that captivates the world, I believe now is the time for Southeast Asia’s outstanding narratives and culture to spread beyond Korea to the world,” emphasizing, “Through the Southeast Asian Literature Series, we will serve as a sturdy bridge connecting Southeast Asia’s unique cultures to the world.”

She went on to say, “Taking the publication of ‘Cigarette Girl’ as a starting point, we will concentrate the foundation’s capabilities so the Southeast Asian Literature Series can, like a ‘world literature collection,’ transcend time and borders to become a classic collection long loved by domestic readers.”

To commemorate the publication, the Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation also arranged meetings between author Ratih Kumala and domestic readers. On the 13th, the Cine&Book Talk “BEYOND THE SMOKE (Beyond the Smoke)” took place at Screen 3 of the Seoul Cinema Center, and on the 14th a book concert will be held at Theater 3 of the ACC Culture Information Agency of the National Asian Culture Center.

Author Ratih Kumala of “Cigarette Girl” attends the press briefing celebrating the publication of the seventh volume of the Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation’s Southeast Asian Literature Series. Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation