The event was part of Werber’s visit to Seoul to celebrate the Korean publication of his 2023 novel “Le Temps des Chimères” (“The Age of Chimeras”) last month. The novel portrays a dystopian future destroyed by nuclear war, where a new species called the "Chimères" comes to dominate.
Werber said the idea for the book started when he asked if humanity could survive a massive epidemic. “Today we live in a time obsessed with consumption and surrounded by shocking news every day. With this book, I wanted people to step back and think about where we are and where we are going,” he said.
The event also gave fans a chance to ask questions, during which Werber stressed his lasting connection with Korea and its people. "South Korea is like a second homeland for me. I often miss Korea when I am in France," said Werber.
Asked about the struggles of young Koreans with anxiety and depression, he said they should "try to find happiness" and recommended traveling to new places as a way to gain perspective, noting that "a problem in one place may not seem like a problem elsewhere."
Meanwhile, the embassy said on Monday that France has been selected as the guest of honor at next year’s Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF). The embassy also highlighted various literary programs ahead of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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