[This Week's Books] The Alchemy of Memory and 5 More Titles

◆Alchemy of Memory = This is a modern literature research book published by an author who has produced discourses that greatly influenced the literary and intellectual circles, such as ethnic literature theory and East Asian studies. It centers on the axis of modern literature with Lee Haejo and Yeom Sangseop, compiling over 20 years of groundwork toward Korean literature. It vividly captures the process of breathing life into the lives of writers during the colonial period, overturning existing orthodoxies, and restoring the erased history of Korean literature. (Written by Choi Wonsik / Changbi)

◆Blackout, Blacklist, and Me Too = This is a collection of theater critiques focusing on Korean theater performances staged from 2016 to 2018. It covers the periods after the blacklist and the Me Too movement. Emphasizing a victim-centered perspective rather than forcing victimhood, it highlights the ethical viewpoints not only on the outcomes of performances but also on the production processes. It also sheds light on plays featuring people with disabilities and sexual minorities. (Written by Kim Okran / Somyung Publishing)

◆NFT User Guide = This is an introductory book on NFTs. It provides a detailed guide on the creation and trading processes of NFTs so that readers new to NFTs can easily understand. It accurately explains the concept of NFTs and examines the content contained within them one by one. It also introduces various sites where readers can see what can become an NFT and where NFTs can be viewed. (Written by Matt Portnow & Q Harrison Terry / Yeouido Bookstore)

◆Buy a Building with 30 Million Won = The author recommends building investment as a way to enjoy freedom from various taxes while simultaneously gaining rental income and capital gains. For those lacking extra funds, the book introduces the method of ‘joint investment.’ It explains why apartment and building prices in Seoul and the metropolitan area continue to rise despite government regulations and discusses the timing for investment. It also introduces how to identify good buildings and know-how to increase building value. (Written by Lee Daehee / Raonbook)

◆Nine Years as an Unlicensed Translator, Too Many Love Calls, I'm Tired = One day, I suddenly became a translator. It’s neither my major nor do I have any certification. This year marks the ninth year of translating in a completely unlicensed state. The advantages of translation include freedom from time and place, autonomy in job selection, and pay that increases according to skill. The book introduces how to request translation work gracefully and respond to tasks stylishly. (Written by Jeong Seonghee / Tal-ing)

◆Being Kind Because I Don’t Want to Be Kind = This is an essay collection. It is kind throughout but contains ‘a sharp sting.’ It starts by addressing difficulties caused by housing policies and at some point shares convictions about family composition rights of sexual minorities. The reflections on memories that began while looking at the ceiling jump to a warning about the demolition of the Sewol ferry memory space. It demonstrates a writing style that deals with sorrow without being overwhelmed by it. (Written by Kim Hyun / Changbi)