Insights from Composer Julia Riew

In a landscape where authenticity in storytelling is increasingly prized, Julia Riew has carved out a unique niche that marries her Korean American identity with rich fantasy elements. Her latest work, *Shim Jung Takes the Dive*, not only reflects her personal journey but also revitalizes traditional Korean folklore by situating it in a context that speaks to contemporary readers. This middle-grade novel, which debuted on April 28, 2026, illustrates Riew's evolution from a musical theater creator to a novelist poised to engage younger audiences with depth and humor.

The Narrative’s Backbone: Immigration and Identity

At its heart, *Shim Jung Takes the Dive* is a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of Jung’s emotional turmoil following her mother's death. The protagonist undergoes a unique rite of passage known as the Dive, a cliff-jumping ritual central to her island's culture. However, rather than conforming to tradition, Jung’s fear leads her to flee from the event, mirroring Riew's own nuanced experience as a third-generation Korean American. The striking cultural dichotomy—sandwiched between the expectations of immigrant heritage and newfound American identity—underscores the novel’s tension and drive. Riew explicates this experience by expressing a desire for authenticity while avoiding the pitfalls of solely cultural exploration: “I was more interested in setting that as the baseline and creating a world where Korean American identity was the norm,” she states. This approach not only reflects Riew's own upbringing in St. Louis but also opens a dialogue about the complexities of cultural identity in modern narratives, one that resonates deeply with young readers who may grapple with similar issues.

Water as Metaphor: Fear and Growth

Water plays a central role in Riew’s narrative—a powerful metaphor for both fear and growth. Initially, Jung's trepidation towards the ocean symbolizes her struggle with grief and identity. During a storm, however, she is thrust into a magical underwater realm, prompting not just a dive into the ocean, but a profound plunge into her own psyche. Riew notes, “While it was mostly the metaphor and the folklore that brought me to the setting of this book, it ended up that Jung and I had a lot in common.” This insight emphasizes how fiction can reflect inner struggles and aspirations. Furthermore, the underwater kingdom ruled by a vengeful queen introduces external conflict that makes Jung confront her fears, catalyzing her growth. Riew's reflection on her own childhood fears adds an authenticity that allows readers to engage with Jung on a deeper emotional level.

Translating Folk Tales for Young Readers

Riew’s adaptation is not only rooted in personal narrative but is also informed by her experiences creating the musical *Dive*. This earlier project laid the groundwork for exploring similar themes but in a different format. While the musical interpretation of the ancient folktale “Sim Cheong-jeon” takes a more traditional lens, Riew's novel offers a fresh perspective suitable for middle-grade audiences. There’s a deliberate distinction, as Riew contrasts the two works: *Shim Jung Takes the Dive* features a young protagonist navigating challenges appropriate for her age, while the musical focuses on adult experiences. This shift turns the narrative into something that feels both relatable and engaging for children and preteens. “The musical feels like the Korean Disney princess I always wanted to create, while the book feels more like Korean Percy Jackson,” she opines, underscoring her desire to provide relatable heroes for younger generations.

The Challenges of Artistic Evolution

Transitioning from co-writing with her brother to penning this novel solo presented its own set of challenges. Riew describes the experience of independent creation as both daunting and liberating, which reflects the dual paths many artists face: the need for collaboration versus the desire for personal expression. This transition not only changed the dynamics of her writing process but allowed her to amplify her voice, particularly in crafting humorous dialogue that appeals to younger readers. As she integrates humor into *Shim Jung Takes the Dive*, Riew claims this element is pivotal for her portrayal of Jung. “Getting to work my own sense of humor into the narrative...was the most delightful part for me,” she shares. This opened a pathway for engaging storytelling that can resonate with middle-grade readers' desire for adventure laced with amusement.

Fostering Empathy Through Representation

In a world often rife with division, Riew seeks to create narratives that build understanding and compassion. She argues that exposure to diverse tales—not just those reflecting similar experiences—nurtures empathy among young readers. “When you’re a kid, you have the biggest imagination...I want to create stories that help increase empathy within younger generations,” she asserts. This commitment to shaping future readers into more empathetic individuals is a crucial takeaway—not just in terms of the stories she tells, but in how she aims to influence attitudes and perceptions. As Riew embarks on her journey as a solo author, her dedication to merging personal and cultural narratives in an accessible fantasy format might just pave the way for a new genre of children’s literature. With *Shim Jung Takes the Dive*, she stands at the forefront of a storytelling movement that recognizes the importance of representation, humor, and emotional authenticity in cultivating a more compassionate future. Ultimately, her work invites us to reconsider not just the stories we tell, but also the stories we choose to listen to—recognizing how deeply they can shape understanding across generations.