Dreamt I Found You

by Jimin Han

From the critically acclaimed author of The Apology, a contemporary retelling of Korea’s Romeo & Juliet, in which the cousin of the star-crossed lovers helps them avoid a tragic fate.

When Dahee Shin was nine years old, she made a promise to protect her favorite cousin, Channing, who has always been like a sister to her. Now, at thirty, Dahee has found herself in a Korean American community in a New England beach town, once more running to the rescue of her debt-ridden relative.

Ever the idealist, Channing—who has spent her life haunted by the tragic story of Chunhyang and Mongryong, Korea’s parallel Romeo & Juliet—has fallen in love with Minjae Oh, all the while fending off the advances of powerful, manipulative Kent Cho, a local politician. As Channing and Minjae’s romance blossoms, and as Kent's suspicion and obsession grow, Dahee begins to realize that it may be up to her to make sure her cousin and beloved escape Chunhyang and Mongryong’s doomed end.
 
For fans of Hello Beautiful, Dreamt I Found You is a wondrous, tender retelling of Korea's most classic love story, steeped in the travails of a rigid class system, the power of premonition, and shot through with Korean folklore and magic.

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Jimin Han was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Providence, Rhode Island; Dayton, Ohio; and Jamestown, New York. Her work has been supported by the New York State Council on the Arts. She is the author of The Apology and A Small Revolution. Additional writing of hers can be found online at American Public Media's Weekend America, Poets & Writers, and Catapult, among others. She teaches at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, Pace University, and community writing centers. She lives outside New York City with her husband and children.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love wins out over everything.”

As an educator, I’ve always sought out cross-cultural stories for my classroom. I’m fascinated, not only with an entertaining story, but with the characters, setting and outcomes that are shaped by the various cultures. This story gave me a glimpse into Korean values, customs and beliefs and had me appreciating the value of diversity and empathy.

The novel opens with a retelling of Chunhyang and Mongryong before the author begins her contemporary retelling of this Korean Romeo and Juliet fairytale.

When nine-year-old Dahee Shin promises to protect her cousin, Channing, she has no idea that twenty years later she’ll still be running to her rescue. Channing has fallen in love with Minjae Oh (think of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet), but is struggling to deal with the overbearing presence of Kent Cho. Without Dahee’s help, the lovers are headed towards a tragic fate. You’ll be swept up in a story where you think you know the ending, but the tension and pacey plotting keep you turning pages.

I enjoyed a fascinating story highlighting the Korean class system, the value of folklore and storytelling, and the reminder of the importance of not ignoring your gift. I think this will be a well-received story because of the quality of writing, the resonating parallel of fighting society to be together, fiercely believing in love in all its forms, and appreciating the freedom to be our truest selves, in addition to the value of family.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Genevieve Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dreamt I Found you” by Jimin Han is a retelling of a famous Korean love story – the story of Chunhyang. Retelling and modernizing a well-known myth can be difficult, but Han handles this story with deft discretion. The tale is told from the point of view of Dahee, cousin to the “star-crossed lover”. Thus, the reader is provided with additional levels of character development as well as experiencing the story from a different point of view.

In addition, I didn’t know the original Korean story, nor was I familiar with the structures and nuances of Korean-American society as depicted in the novel. It is wonderful to be given a glimpse into the values and stories of another culture. The story is powerful, and I was transported into a new community and experience, which is one of the joys of a well-written novel.

“Dreamt I Found You” has plenty of tension and plot-twists. There is a literary quality to the story that will make it enjoyable to many readers beyond those who might choose a traditional romance novel. This is a story of class and power and working within a system, as well as a story about the love of family and how that fits with the ideals of romantic love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Co. for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Madeline Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreamt I Found You reeled me in with the gorgeous cover and kept me with the amazing story! This novel is a retelling of the Romeo & Juliet version from Korea. That in itself was super interesting to read about!

The coastal setting of a New England beach town was great. The author did well incorporating this into the story. Many little details along the way added to this setting. It truly felt as though the story was happening in a coastal town.

Jimin Han's ability to tell a story was incredible. The storytelling skills were through the roof, especially since it was a retelling. I was captivated by each chapter and how the story seamlessly went on.

Not too often does a novel want to make you do research, but this one did from the start! I was instantly intrigued by the Korean version of Romeo and Juliet. Doing my own research added more background information to this novel, and it enhanced the reading experience for me.

Thank you NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, & Jimin Han for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Dreamt I Found You is released on April 28, 2026!

[Pat Trattles · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the time she was a little girl, Channing has always been fascinated with the tragic tale of Chunhyang and Mongryong, Korea’s version of Romeo and Juliette. And now she is living it. Kent Cho, the most powerful man in town, friend to the mayor and chief of police and admired by all relentlessly pursues Channing. But she is in love with Minjae Oh. Kent continues to pursue her in spite of her protestations, accuses her of battery and theft and throws her into jail where she will stay until she apologizes and agrees to marry him. It is up to her cousin Dahee to protect Channing from Kent’s unwanted advances and a potential loveless future. The novel is steeped in Korean culture, food, and traditions which add to the richness of the story. 3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Allison Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreamt I Found You is a version of the Korean Romeo and Juliet, Chunhyang and Mongryong, but in the current day. Set in a Korean American enclave in a New England costal town, our narrator is a young woman Dahee whose beloved cousin Channing (our Juliet) falls in love with a charming young man Minjae (our Romeo).

We follow Dahee and the star crossed lovers through trials and tribulations, the stress of an obsessed fellow Korean (the villainous Kent) and explore the narrator’s close relationship with her grandfather. The book has themes of racism, disloyalty, heritage and the meaning of family.

I enjoyed it. To be published April 28, 2026, thank you to Little Brown and NetGalley for this eARC.

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it enjoyable to read this version of Korean culture in America. I particularly enjoyed the buildup of suspense and mystery that ensued involving Channing, a seemingly luckless young woman, and Kent, a pushy small town official. This part of the story kept me reading with great interest. What I didn't find in the story was any echo of the tragic Romeo and Juliet tale, Korean style. But then, I am not Korean, so maybe I missed understanding this aspect. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the writing style, the characters and the lovely message of hopefulness, resiliance and the will to correct injustice. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the complimentary e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Breva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really nice read. I liked how it used a Korean Romeo & Juliet–style story but set it in a modern Korean American community. It felt fresh but still rooted in tradition. The Korean elements like folklore, family pressure, and fate were my favorite parts and made the story feel more meaningful.

The cousin dynamic was sweet, and I liked seeing someone actively try to stop the tragic love story from happening. It’s emotional without being too heavy, and the romance and cultural aspects balance each other well. Overall, a solid read, especially if you enjoy Korean retellings and heartfelt stories.

[Marcia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know that different countries had their own versions of Romeo & Juliet. How I loved reading Dreamt I Found You from the first to the last page. I was delighted with the grandfather telling the story of Korea's own lovers, and the modern day young couple caught within a swirl of secrets and bad actors. So thankful for the wonderful cousin who carries the spirit of love and romance enough for all of us. Perfect. A story so right for settling into your favorite reading place and savoring each moment.

[Jennifer Manocherian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read an advance copy. Let me start by saying how much I loved Dreamt I found You told in Jimin Han’s direct and unsentimental writing style. Each of her books has a really different storyline yet while they are mainly set in America, they are seeped in Korean culture and traditions. Dreamt I found You is an original take on one of the most famous love stories ever told, Romeo and Juliet, not just because the lovers are Korean Americans and thus beset by a myriad of cultural rules but also because the narrator Dahee Shin strives to and succeeds in changing the outcome

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was beautiful. I love how asian literature is so simple and lyrical yet full of depth. I have never read or heard of their version of romeo and juliet but this made me want to look it up and add it to my TBR. Super cool read. It seemed so unique and original. Really brought out my inner emotions.

[Kate Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story that intertwines a Korean folktale with a story of modern love, and takes on the question of the extent to which stories heard young can influence us and be roadmaps for our lives. I also loved reading about the close-knit bonds, alliances, and tensions that exist in one Korean American community. Han is a master at building tension and keeping readers turning the pages.

[WeeBee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received an ARC from publisher/netGalley. I really wanted to enjoy. Unfortunately this book is not for me.