[INTERVIEW] From college student to published author: Sujin Witherspoon's journey with ‘’Bingsu for Two’’
2025-02-10Sujin Witherspoon is a Korean-American author based in Seattle, Washington and she writes stories for young adults. Her debut novel, ‘’Bingsu for Two,’’ released on January 14, 2025, is a coming-of-age romantic comedy about two teens who begrudgingly fake a relationship online to save their failing Korean cafe. When she’s not writing, you can find her making art and exploring the city.
‘’Bingsu for Two’’ was named by Forbes as one of the ‘’Most Anticipated Young Adults Books of 2025,’’ and recognized as a ‘’Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection,’’ which is a curated collection of exclusive, high-quality books. Sujin has a second young adult rom-com scheduled for release in 2026.
In an email interview with her on Feb 8-9, Sujin discusses her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her ‘’Bingsu for Two,’’ and what it means to her to share this story with the readers.
Below are the excerpts
1. What sparked your passion for writing?
Ever since I was young, I loved books. I consumed stories faster than I could find them. I remember being frustrated when I couldn't find the kinds of stories I wanted to read, and then it clicked one day that I could just write those stories myself. My love for reading very naturally transitioned into a love for writing after that.
2. What is it like to have your debut novel published at just 21 years old?
It's a very surreal experience. Being a published author has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I was nineteen and in college when I started writing this book, and it wasn't an easy journey getting it published. Between being a full-time student, working a job, and having two internships, I found solace in writing this story despite my busy schedule. I was sure this book was never going to make it, but then the day before my 21st birthday, a publisher asked to acquire it. It's been a whirlwind since then, and every day I'm so grateful and honored that people are reading this book that used to only exist in my head.
3. What was the inspiration behind ’’Bingsu for Two?’’
I had just finished writing a different book, one that was unfortunately going nowhere, and I needed to rekindle my passion for writing. Looking for a new idea to throw myself into, I took inspiration from my own lived experiences as a Korean-American and a former barista to write a story about a teenager trying to figure out who he is and what he wants from life. As a teenager myself at the time, I was also trying to figure these things out, and writing this book helped me find those answers. I knew I wanted to write a fun romantic comedy that involved my favorite tropes, like fake dating, so I was sure to involve those elements, too.
4. The novel features an enemies-to-lovers romance set in a Korean cafe. Why did you choose this setting?
The setting for ‘’Bingsu for Two’’ is a cozy Korean cafe, and I was actually in a Korean cafe myself when I came up with the idea for this book. Coffee shops are often a popular setting for romance stories, but I wanted to bring a unique twist to this trope and pay homage to my heritage by making the setting be a Korean cafe. I also worked as a barista when I was younger, and wanted to show that fun, chaotic environment on the page.
5. How important was it for you to incorporate a Korean cultural element (bingsu) into the title?
Super important. Not everybody is familiar with Korean culture or knows what bingsu is. In writing this book, I hoped to share some of these elements with a wide range of readers and invite them to learn more. Since ‘’Bingsu for Two’’ published, I've gotten dozens of messages from people who told me they tried bingsu for the first time after reading my book, and it makes me so happy each and every time.
6. Do you have a personal connection to bingsu? Is it a dessert you grew up loving?
Any time I visit my family in Seoul, I look forward to eating a delicious bowl of bingsu at one of the many cute cafes around. I have so many good memories that involve bingsu. From all my cousins, aunts, and uncles cramming into a small cafe at night in Seoul to eat pat-bingsu after a family meal, to visiting my local Korean cafe after school and sharing a huge bowl of mango bingsu with friends. Luckily, even though I grew up in America, my town has a big Korean community and I've always been able to indulge in bingsu and my other favorite Korean desserts.
7. If ’’Bingsu for Two’’ were adapted into a K-drama or K-movie, who would you like to see as the main characters?
The main character is half-Korean, like I am. Part of the reason I wanted to write a mixed character is because growing up, I didn't see a lot of mixed Korean-Americans in books or TV. With that said, I don't know any half-Korean actors, but I could picture Vernon from the band Seventeen playing River.
8. What are your goals?
My goal is always to write stories that bring joy to other people and myself, so I hope to continue publishing books that help young readers feel seen, heard, and hopeful.
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