LATINO BOOK REVIEW
  • Home
  • Print Mag
  • Podcast
  • Reviews
    • Poetry
    • Fiction
    • Nonfiction
    • Children's Literature
  • Interviews
  • Research
  • Essays
  • News
  • Subscribe
    • Support Us
    • Sponsor or Advertise
    • Submit
    • Contact
    • About

Viral Korean Web Novel Inspired by Mexico's History

native with spanish armor
Picture

A new Korean web novel, "I Became the Crown Prince of the Mexican Empire," (멕시코 제국 황태자가 되었다) is going viral by blending Mexican history with fantasy. Created by 폭우(暴雨), this engaging web novel follows a modern Korean young man who unexpectedly finds himself transported to the early 19th century during Mexico’s First Empire (1821-1823).
​
The web novel is set during the reign of Agustín de Iturbide, where, after his downfall, Mexico entered a period of instability and eventually lost a large portion of its territory. In this alternate reality, the eldest son of the Mexican emperor seeks revenge against the United States and aims to change Mexico's fate.

The Korean protagonist is a history enthusiast, particularly fascinated by Mexico's past. He laments the fact that Mexico lost 55% of its territory to the United States. After an immersive trip to Mexico, he awakens in the body of Agustín Jerónimo de Iturbide, the eldest son of Mexico’s first emperor, Agustín de Iturbide. As he navigates this new world, he grows frustrated with the challenges of being a crown prince, grappling with the legacy of a nation that has suffered significant losses.

The historical context enriches the narrative, adding depth to the protagonist’s internal struggle as he contemplates how to steer his new life and nation away from past mistakes. As the protagonist realizes his new identity, the web novel highlights the weight of his role: "He became the eldest son of Agustín I, the glorious emperor who led Mexico to independence. His reign lasted only 10 months! Huh... Now that I’m here, we attack the United States!"
This Korean web novel was first published in 2023 in MUNPIA and in 2024 in NAVER. It is unknown if there is an official English translation.
alan gerardo padilla aguilar
Written ​by
Alan Gerardo
​Padilla Aguilar
​10/18/2024
Alan Gerardo Padilla Aguilar has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mexican American Studies. He has been honored with a State of Texas Joint Resolution for his work with the local community. He was chosen to participate in the Harvard Latino Leadership Initiative program at Harvard Kennedy School in 2013. He was also a research assistant for the PBS documentary, “The Head of Joaquin Murrieta.”
Comment Box is loading comments...

meet our Partners & supporters
​

Latino Book Review would like to thank our partners and supporters whose strategic investment contributes to the vitality of Latinx arts and culture.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

​MAGAZINE  |  PODCAST  |  POETRY  |  FICTION  |  NONFICTION  |  CHILDREN'S LIT  |  NEWS  |  INTERVIEWS  |  RESEARCH  |  ESSAYS  ​|  SUBMIT  |  SUBSCRIBE  |  ADVERTISE  |  SUPPORT US  |  ABOUT  |  CONTACT  |
latino book review
ISSN 2689-2715 | Online
​ISSN 2688-5425 ​| Print
​LATINO BOOK REVIEW | © COPYRIGHT 2024
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
FOLLOW US
  • Home
  • Print Mag
  • Podcast
  • Reviews
    • Poetry
    • Fiction
    • Nonfiction
    • Children's Literature
  • Interviews
  • Research
  • Essays
  • News
  • Subscribe
    • Support Us
    • Sponsor or Advertise
    • Submit
    • Contact
    • About