[Book Sip] The Baby Goat Who Went to the City... Kim Seongdong's 'Bbaebbae Who Didn't Want to Die'

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. Here, we introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor's note

This is the story of a baby goat named ‘Bbaebbae’ from the countryside of Boryeong, Chungnam, who dies in the human world after passing through the city. First published by Baekje Publishing in 1981, it was republished under the title ‘Yeomso’ (Goat) by Cheongnyeonsa in 2002 as a complete revised edition. The main difference from the previous edition is the removal of a rather long section titled ‘Eop (業)’ at the end of the book, and the addition of the author’s ‘Geuljimarl’ (a foreword-like set of three writings). This was the book held by novelist Kim Seong-dong, well known for his novel ‘Mandala,’ until his passing on September 25 last year.

My mouth closes tightly, and sharp iron bars dig into my jowls. No matter how much I shake, my mouth does not open, and I blow out hot breath through my nostrils, glaring intensely.

After leaving behind the rooster’s crow that day and walking some distance, a wide open space suddenly appeared. Dozens of cows were gathered in the clearing. Nearby, pigs and dogs were wandering, and it was there that I parted ways with Eomdol’s father. Eomdol’s father, who received a few sheets of paper, patted my head once and then turned his back, and I was taken by a stranger to the station. The sound of a train whistle was approaching.

In the blink of an eye, the gaze of the old goat, from which blue flames were dripping, came to mind. Foolish creature, you will be dragged around until you die. I swallowed my breath. Then I gathered strength in my four legs.

Don’t Want to Die, Bbaebbae | Written by Kim Seong-dong | Illustrated by Lee Jin-ha | Iseobang | 160 pages | 25,000 KRW