Hello, annyeonghaseyo. I’m Jawon Koo, I’m an author-illustrator based in San Francisco and Seoul. I create emotionally resonant stories paired with expressive artwork that help children explore their feelings with empathy and courage.
My books explore the wide range of human emotions — from the quiet, poetic waves of sadness to the racing heartbeat and fight-or-flight response of stage fright in my upcoming work.
I get inspirations from childhood memory, and the hidden feelings that shape us. Some stories ask for softness, others demand energy — but all are rooted in empathy and the search for connection.
I graduated from Ewha Womans University in Seoul with a degree in environmental engineering, and I often draw on both scientific curiosity and artistic sensitivity to shape narratives rooted in emotional truth. Writing and illustrating has been a personal healing process as I’ve navigated the loss of my grandparents and two beloved pets.
Outside of creating books, I enjoy ballet dancing, singing, playing the violin, traveling, cooking, and learning new languages—all of which feed my love of rhythm, movement, culture, and story.
I’m a proud member of SCBWI and received the SCBWI Golden Gate Fest Emerging Artist Award in 2026.
Follow me on Instagram @byjawonkoo
