June Hur

June Hur is a South Korean-born, Canadian-raised author known for her Edgar Award-winning and bestselling historical novels for young adults. Her works include The Silence of Bones, The Forest of Stolen Girls, The Red Palace and A Crane Among Wolves.

Celebrated for her intricate exploration of Korean history, Hur has been praised by School Library Journal for "broadening her readers' understanding of the culture" through her groundbreaking mysteries.

Born in Incheon, South Korea, in 1989, Hur spent her early years in the US and Canada before settling in Toronto. She studied history and literature at the University of Toronto, where her academic interests later influenced her literary themes. Before becoming a writer, she worked at the Toronto Public Library, an environment that deepened her appreciation for storytelling.

Hur's debut novel, The Silence of Bones (2020), set during the Korean Catholic persecution of 1801, marked the beginning of her focus on historical mystery. It follows a determined servant who investigates a murder while struggling with social constraints. The novel was a finalist for the Edgar Allan Poe Award, a recognition Hur described as "a dream come true". She followed this success with The Forest of Stolen Girls (2021), which delves into the human tribute system of the Joseon Dynasty and explores themes of family and resilience.

Her third novel, The Red Palace (2022), follows a palace nurse investigating a series of murders linked to the volatile Crown Prince Sado. Forbes named the book as one of the most anticipated books in 2022. Reflecting on her writing, Hur said, "Every story I tell is a love letter to Korean history — a way of rediscovering my roots and sharing them with the world".

Hur's most recent novel, A Crane Among Wolves (2024), focuses on the Joseon era under King Yeonsan and tells the story of sisters trying to reunite amidst the turmoil of court life. The novel highlights Hur's ongoing commitment to portraying complex female characters navigating Confucian society. Her subsequent work, Adoration (2026), will combine her love of historical fiction and literary homage, inspired by Jane Austen but set in the Joseon Dynasty.

June Hur has become a leading voice in diversifying historical fiction, offering fresh perspectives on non-Western narratives. Her novels have been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, and Vogue Korea.

June Hur currently lives with her family in Toronto.

Photo credit: Julie Tang