The Second Chance Convenience Store

A Kind Act Goes a Long Way in this Uplifting Million-Copy Korean Bestseller

By: Kim Ho-Yeon, Janet Hong - translator

Narrated by: Jennifer J Kim

'Holding on to the belief that life had meaning and must go on, I, too, would carry on.'

In this million-copy bestseller from Korea, the owner of a corner store takes in a homeless man who does a good deed – a kind soul whose presence will transform the whole neighbourhood.

Seoul Station is home to Dokgo, a man with no memories of his past. Until one day his subdued existence is disrupted when he stumbles upon a lost wallet, triggering a chain of events that will change the course of his life.

Enter Mrs. Yeom, a retired teacher turned convenience-store owner, who, upon discovering Dokgo's act of kindness in returning her purse, offers him a meal as a token of her gratitude. Their chance encounter blossoms into an unexpected alliance when the man’s bravery saves the store from ruin, earning him not just a job but a place in the heart of the neighbourhood.

But just when things are looking up for Dokgo, Mrs. Yeom's troubled son, eager to sell the store, hires a detective to dig into the mysterious man's past and unearth what he seems to be trying so hard to forget . . .

The Second Chance Convenience Store is a moving and joyful story of a woman fighting for her community and a man who has lost everything except the will to try again.

Critic reviews

Dok-go's realistic and encouraging relationship with the store's customers, who have their problems and aspirations resolved so well through the pages, wins everyone's hearts

A moving story about solidarity and the healing process (Yes24 and Kyobo Book Center)

Jennifer Kim tenderly performs this portrait of contemporary Japanese society, which reflects on Japan’s work culture

Lovely, thoughtful read

I really liked this book and the way each chapter flowed. Well worth the read.