Cay Kim on MFA Programs, Literature, and Her Debut Novel
Cay Kim, a 27-year-old novelist based in New York, discusses her debut novel 'The Future Perfect,' set for release in June 2026. Born in Seoul and educated at Columbia University's MFA program, Kim explores themes of cultural displacement and familial ambition. She critiques MFA programs, advising writers to seek funded programs to avoid debt and to find mentors whose teaching resonates. Kim identifies capitalism as the biggest challenge for young writers, arguing literature is inherently anti-capitalistic. Her personal canon includes works by Marguerite Duras, Clarice Lispector, and Marilynne Robinson. She advocates for reading more poetry to cultivate negative capability and cognitive flexibility. The interview is part of Cultured's inaugural Young Writers list in collaboration with Montblanc.
Key facts
- Cay Kim is 27 years old and based in New York.
- Her debut novel 'The Future Perfect' is published by Penguin Random House and releases in June 2026.
- Kim was born in Seoul and earned an MFA from Columbia University.
- She advises writers to attend funded MFA programs to avoid serious debt.
- Kim believes capitalism is the biggest challenge facing young writers.
- Her personal canon includes 'The Lover' by Marguerite Duras, 'The Passion According to G.H.' by Clarice Lispector, and 'Housekeeping' by Marilynne Robinson.
- She recommends reading more poetry for its ability to foster negative capability.
- The interview is part of Cultured's inaugural Young Writers list in collaboration with Montblanc.
Entities
Artists
- Cay Kim
- Marguerite Duras
- Clarice Lispector
- Marilynne Robinson
Institutions
- Columbia University
- Penguin Random House
- Cultured
- Montblanc
Locations
- New York
- Seoul