for the reader
Korean dialogue used throughout this book will be Romanized or translated into English and written in italics for context purposes. Romanized words are listed below in the glossary for reference. Formality will be indicated within the story where pertinent.
Important: This book contains mature themes throughout, including depictions of sexual activities, potentially triggering events or conditions, and explicit language. It is intended only for readers over the age of eighteen. Depictions of public figures are used solely as creative inspiration and are not intended to disrespect those mentioned.
Translations of Dreamcatcher lyrics, including lyrics used within the story and chapter titles which are from "Entrancing" by Lee Siyeon, are original and are not to be copied.
glossary
Words listed below do not all reflect literal Korean spelling.
-ah/-ya: A suffix for the given or nickname of someone younger, usage depending on whether the name ends in a consonant or vowel.
Aegyo-sal: Literally "cute fat" or "charming fat," a term that refers to the natural fat under one's eyes that is desirable by Asian beauty standards.
Abeo-nim: A formal version of "father," generally used for in-laws or when referring to one's own father in a formal setting.
Appa: Father, for one's own father.
Banchan: Assorted Korean side dishes, such as kimchi or stir-fried vegetables. The word can be used to refer to a singular dish or a multitude.
Bibimbap: Korean rice dish with assorted sauces and various toppings such as meat, egg, kimchi, and/or vegetables.
Chima: The skirt part of a woman's Korean hanbok.
Dangui: The jacket part of the royal version of a woman's Korean hanbok.
Eomma: Mother, for one's own mother.
Eomeo-nim: A formal version of "mother," generally used for in-laws or when referring to one's own mother in a formal setting.
Hanbok: Literally "Korean clothes," a gender-neutral term for traditional Korean wear that is still used in present day on special occasions. Modern versions are common in street fashion.
Hobakjuk: Korean pumpkin soup.
Hyung-bu: Older brother-in-law, from a female speaker to or about her sister's husband.
Jagi: A pet name for couples that is usually equivalated to "honey." The suffix "-ya" may be added for a younger partner.
Japchae: Korean dish of stir-fried glass noodles, meat, and/or vegetables.
Kimchi: Korean side dish consisting of fermented vegetables such as cabbage and radish, usually made spicy with its various seasonings.
Kimchi-jjigae: Kimchi stew.
Mandu: Korean dumplings.
-nim: A suffix roughly equivalent to Mr./Ms./Mrs.
Oppa: Literally "older brother," but can be used from a younger woman to an older man in most close relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or familial.
Unnie: Literally "older sister," but can be used from a younger woman to an older woman in most close relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or familial.
Soop: Forest.
Sunbae: Senior, a term for someone with more experience in a setting such as a workplace or school. Used to refer to someone, not to call them. The suffix "-nim" may be added in order to call someone.
Tteokbokki: Spicy Korean rice cakes.
Yeobo: A pet name for married or engaged couples that is usually equivalated to "honey" but carries the significance of "hubby" or "wifey."