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“Life more dramatic than fiction: Writing contest winner shares story of resilience”

The cover for Cha Ea‑kyoung's "A Teenage Mom’s Courageous Struggle in Tumultuous Life" / Courtesy of Storyseller Publishing Corp.

By Kim Se-jeong

Published Oct 14, 2025 12:00 pm KST

“I couldn’t tell anyone I was pregnant,” wrote Cha Ea-kyoung, now 58, recalling one of the most harrowing moments of her life in her autobiographical essay, "A Teenage Mom’s Courageous Struggle in Tumultuous Life."

"My mom’s business had failed and she was constantly on the run from loan sharks. Telling a friend wouldn’t have made any difference… Then, one sunny spring day in my senior year of high school, I suddenly blacked out. It happened right after I picked up the paperwork I needed to get my ID card."

Despite having no formal writing background, Cha’s powerful life story found a spotlight on Brunch, an online platform for aspiring authors. Operated by Kakao, the platform periodically selects standout works to help publish, providing an opportunity for non-professional writers to reach a wider audience.

Cha’s essay was one of the winners in the platform’s 12th Brunch Book Project, chosen from more than 10,000 entries.

Author Cha Ea-kyoung /

Courtesy of Storyseller Publishing Corp.

Early motherhood

Her family’s hostility meant Cha and her partner had to stay strong and go it alone. They cut ties with their families for the most part, trying to survive on their own.

When her partner’s family — he was a high school dropout — came to visit, their first suggestion was adoption.

“They had contacted Holt Children’s Services about adoption, and my partner’s oldest sister mentioned there was a couple at her church who couldn’t have kids.”

Her response: “Please don’t talk like it’s someone else’s baby.”

There were days when they starved, were forced to move because they couldn’t pay rent and had to beg other family members for help. But there were also good days when her partner could find odd jobs, bringing home food and money.

By the time their first child was in second grade, the family was financially stable with a steady job for her husband and a place to live.

When the author learned that her child had been bullied by peers for living in public housing, a new drama unfolded. The family bought an apartment on a mortage. Driven by the desire to earn money, the author, without her husband’s knowledge, signed a lease to open a restaurant. But the business was short-lived: she only made money in the first couple of months, and the restaurant closed after 18 months.

Tumultuous but hopeful

Soon after, Cha was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — she was in her 30s. What could have been a tragedy turned into a dramatic twist when doctors realized the diagnosis had been a mistake while she was on the operating table.

During her recovery, she also took care of her son, who had been injured in a car accident and remained in a coma for three days.

After a brief sense of relief, the author was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease with no known cause.

Reflecting on her life-long struggle raising her son, Cha remains hopeful.

"Looking back, it was truly a long and unbearable time. One day, I suddenly became a mother. I often went hungry and had to endure many humiliations. But not once did I ever think about giving up. I wanted to become an upright and confident adult for my child. Back then, I couldn’t really be called an adult, but enough time has passed that I can now call myself one. During that time, I worked hard to raise my child into a good member of society — and I believe I have grown, too," she wrote.

Toward the end of her story, Cha dedicates a few chapters to her journey of finding her passion, which happened by accident. She was invited to a writing contest by an acquaintance — accepting only because the organizer offered free lunch — and won the top prize with a poem.

“I became famous,” she wrote. “I had interviews with local media, and I was invited to poetry recitals and writing workshops.”

One day, at a workshop with a famous writer, the author was humiliated when he mocked her for lacking formal education. “On my way home, I told myself that I would go to university.”

At her university admission interview, she impressed the professors with her words. “One professor asked me why I wanted to study, and I said, ‘My grades aren’t as good as the other students, and yes, I might be the oldest one here. But when it comes to passion, I don’t think I fall behind anyone. I left home at 4 a.m. just to make it here. I truly believe that when it comes to learning, what matters most is how much heart you put into it.’”

Cha was eventually admitted, but her university journey remained unfinished, as there was not enough time or money. Her husband had left his job, and their family’s income had dwindled.

The book ends with the death of her mother-in-law, a moment of reflection on her life.

“I can’t know when my life will end. But I’ve decided to believe in the strength of my life. Looking back at the road I’ve traveled, I’ve come to realize that life is much wiser and stronger than I am. So, just like I’ve always done, I’ll keep going, trusting in that strength, and live my life with all I’ve got," the author wrote.

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/books/20251014/life-more-dramatic-than-fiction-writing-contest-winner-shares-story-of-resilience?prnewsidx=6281a266-a82e-11f0-b492-02eed468a967