Native Speaker (1995), author Chang-Rae Lee's debut novel, explores the life of a Korean-American man named Henry Park as he navigates his marriage and career as a spy.

Native Speaker explores the themes of language, identity, and assimilation as an Asian-American, and reflects elements of literary fiction and spy thrillers.

As a spy, Henry is tasked with the job of going undercover to investigate John Kwang, a Korean-American councilman and potential candidate for the next mayoral race.

While Henry starts to gain Kwang's trust, he begins grappling with the implications of his impending betrayal, knowing that his actions will harm a fellow Korean-American.

[4] The novel is referenced in the film Estuaries by German director Lior Shamriz, in a scene between the protagonist's sister Ropnit and her therapist.