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Cover of I Have the Right to Destroy Myself
Literary Fiction· South Korea

I Have the Right to Destroy Myself

by Kim Young-ha
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1996Korean
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About This Book

I Have the Right to Destroy Myself by Kim Young-ha is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 1996. In this provocative novel, Kim Young-ha explores themes of existentialism, art, and the human psyche through the lens of a narrator who assists people in ending their lives. The book delves into the complexities of life and death, identity, and the search for meaning in a modern, urbanized world. Its philosophical depth and narrative style have earned it critical acclaim. Themes of existentialism, identity, art run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorKim Young-ha
Published1996
Country of Origin🇰🇷 South Korea
LanguageKorean
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-0156030809
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇰🇷 South Korea

This book is part of South Korea's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Kim Young-ha published I Have the Right to Destroy Myself in 1996, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from South Korea. The book's treatment of existentialism, identity, art, life and death accounts for much of its enduring reputation. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes I Have the Right to Destroy Myself is how it handles its central concerns — existentialism, identity, art, life and death — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Kim Young-ha's role in the literature of South Korea is well established. I Have the Right to Destroy Myself can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

The New Yorker
notable · global
20070
✍️
About the Author
Kim Young-ha
South Korea
View Author →

Kim Young-ha is a South Korea author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is I Have the Right to Destroy Myself about?

In this provocative novel, Kim Young-ha explores themes of existentialism, art, and the human psyche through the lens of a narrator who assists people in ending their lives. The book delves into the complexities of life and death, identity, and the search for meaning in a modern, urbanized world. Its philosophical depth and narrative style have earned it critical acclaim.

Who wrote I Have the Right to Destroy Myself?

I Have the Right to Destroy Myself was written by Kim Young-ha, from South Korea. First published in 1996.

What awards has I Have the Right to Destroy Myself won?

I Have the Right to Destroy Myself has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is I Have the Right to Destroy Myself worth reading?

I Have the Right to Destroy Myself is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in existentialism, identity, art.

Where can I buy I Have the Right to Destroy Myself?

You can buy I Have the Right to Destroy Myself on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is I Have the Right to Destroy Myself?

I Have the Right to Destroy Myself is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is I Have the Right to Destroy Myself from?

I Have the Right to Destroy Myself originates from South Korea's literary tradition. Explore more books from South Korea on our country page.

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