Behind the Narrative

Meet the Author

My name is Haley Anne Laughlin, an author residing in Seoul, South Korea. My stories are shaped by a dual degree in English and Sociology at Korea University and years of immersive experience across continents, disciplines, and digital spaces.

Whether exploring psychological unraveling or cultural tension, I pull from lived experience, hobbies & interests, academic research, and emotional truth to create narratives that linger.

My debut novel, Fan Service, is a psychological thriller set in the glittering, high-pressure world of K-pop, told through the alternating perspectives of a rising idol and a former trainee turned obsessive fan. Blending dark emotional themes with cultural nuance, the story explores the blurred boundaries between admiration and fixation, persona and self, fame and collapse.It’s a slow unraveling—part coming-of-age, part character study—rooted in my fascination with identity, power, and the human need to be seen.

Style

Inspiration Sources

My writing blends psychological thriller elements with lyrical prose and character-driven narratives. I explore identity, obsession, and emotional complexity through stories rooted in both Western and Eastern cultural backdrops. While Fan Service draws from the high-pressure world of idol culture, my storytelling spans a range of dark, emotionally immersive themes that challenge readers to sit with discomfort, question perception, and empathize with flawed characters.

Inspired by the sharp, emotionally raw style of Ellen Hopkins (Impulse), I gravitate toward stories that blur the lines between thought and action. Fan Service draws heavily from current events and ongoing discussions surrounding idol culture and fandom. While the story is influenced by real-world themes, all characters, entertainment agencies, and events are entirely fictional.

Honors & Affiliations

Celebrating Academic Distinction & Industry Involvement

Gilman Scholar

U.S. Department of State

Awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study in South Korea, recognizing academic excellence and cross-cultural engagement.

Professional Memberships

ASCP | IAPWE | EFA

Active member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), International Association of Professional Writers & Editors (IAPWE), and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), reflecting interdisciplinary experience across literature, publishing, and science.

Academic Honors

National Honor Societies

Inducted into the National Honor Society, National Society for Collegiate Scholars, and Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity for high academic achievement and leadership.

AOS, The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

Dual BA, Korea University

Film & Television Acting

English Language & Literature / Sociology

Completed an intensive conservatory program emphasizing performance, narrative delivery, and media communication—foundations that inform both creative writing and character psychology.

Pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree at Korea University with a focus on identity, culture, and narrative. Expected graduation: 2026.

Additional Insights

Relevant Courses & Areas of Study

University of Colorado Denver

LCRT 2000 – Rebels, Villains, & Superheroes: How Children’s Literature Shapes Our Identities

FINE 1002 – International Perspectives Through Animation

Korea University

HOKA004 – Introduction to Korean and East Asian History

HOKA002 – Late Choson Korea

ENGL 2450 – Introduction to Literature and to Film

DISS241 – Contemporary Korea

IFLS822 – Crafting Creative Prose: Creative Writing

IFLS108 & IFLS109 – Beg. Korean 1 & 2