New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Bennet speaks during the Korea-New Zealand Creative Sector Reception held at the ambassador's residence in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Ambassador of New Zealand to Korea, Dawn Bennet, expressed her aspirations to bolster bilateral relations through literary connections during the Korea-New Zealand Creative Sector Reception held at the ambassador's residence in Seoul on Thursday.

Bennet also conveyed her delight at hosting the event and introducing children's fantasy author Graci Kim. She described Kim not only as a New York Times best-selling author but also as a former diplomatic colleague and a cherished friend. Kim transitioned from a career diplomat to become a writer.

Honoring the author's professional success, Bennet emphasized the significance of Kim's work as a bridge between the two countries, noting the writer's Korean origins and her ability to weave Korean mythology into modern children's fantasy tales.

"Graci is a Korean New Zealander who has harnessed her creative talents to write children's fantasy stories inspired by Korean mythology," the ambassador said. "She has successfully captured the essence of traditional Korean stories while staying true to her experiences in New Zealand."

Kim's acclaimed "Gifted Clans" trilogy has garnered widespread acclaim, appearing on numerous bestseller lists and being translated into multiple languages, including Korean.

Graci Kim speaks of her personal journey transitioning from a career in diplomacy to becoming a writer, during the Korea-New Zealand Creative Sector Reception held at the residence of New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Bennet in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

"Graci's upcoming book, 'Dream Slayer,' promises to continue her legacy of captivating storytelling," Bennet said. "As a permanent expat, I appreciate how Graci 's stories, rooted in Korean mythology, transcend borders and remind us that our culture travels with us wherever we go."

Kim explored reflections on life, love, and the pursuit of meaning. One of the striking revelations Kim shared was the realization of the fleeting nature of time spent with loved ones.

"By the time we finish high school, we have already spent 90 percent of the time we will ever spend with our parents," Kim said, emphasizing the importance of cherishing moments with children before they embark on their own life journeys.

Kim's personal journey took a significant turn as she transitioned from a career in diplomacy to becoming a writer.

"Maybe it's not about fitting more into my life, but fitting more meaning into my life," she said, reflecting on her decision to pursue writing. This stemmed from a desire to create literature that resonates with individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to perceive themselves as "heroes" in their own stories, Kim added.

"We all deserve to be able to pick up a book and be completely transported into someone else's shoes," Kim said stressing the importance of human connection and the power of storytelling to unite people across cultures and experiences.