Self-Help Books 'Popular Again'
Focus on Language Learning, Certifications, and More
Due to Increased Economic Anxiety
Park Mo (35), who works at a small-to-medium enterprise, has recently been deeply immersed in self-development books. He believes there is no more cost-effective way to learn the know-how of successful people. Park said, “I haven’t set a clear goal yet, but I am trying to build good habits as recommended in the books,” adding, “Ultimately, it seems important to increase one’s own value.”
Self-development books are displayed at Kyobo Bookstore in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. [Photo by Im Chunhan].
As economic uncertainty grows, a craze for self-development is sweeping among MZ generation office workers. In the short term, they aim to enhance their competitiveness, and in the long term, they plan to prepare for a second career.
On the afternoon of the 24th, upon entering Kyobo Bookstore Gangnam branch in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, numerous self-development books were prominently displayed. In fact, last December, only one self-development book, The One Thing, ranked 8th in the overall rankings. However, last month, titles such as Future Self (2nd), Seino’s Teachings (5th), and The Regressor (9th) occupied top positions. A Kyobo Bookstore official explained, “Self-development books have recently become a hot topic,” adding, “We have increased the number of self-development books in the center of the store and on promotional shelves.”
Office workers with clear goals are focusing on studying languages, certifications, and more. According to a survey on the “Status of Self-Development among Office Workers” conducted by Job Korea earlier this year targeting 182 MZ generation office workers, 66.5% answered that they are currently studying or engaging in self-development. According to the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, among the 2,079,866 people who took the national technical qualification written exams (certification type) last year, those in their 20s and 30s accounted for 1,255,024 (60.4%). Especially by economic activity type, employed individuals made up the largest portion at 37.8%. Kim Mo (34), who works at a mid-sized company, said, “I obtained the ITT certification from the International Translation and Interpretation Association and am even considering attending a graduate school for translation and interpretation.” Yoo Mo (32), who works at a large company, said, “Since an official English certification score is mandatory for promotion within the company, I obtained the highest grade, but I still find it difficult to communicate freely with foreigners,” adding, “I attend an English conversation academy every weekend.”
The current trend is also interpreted as being influenced by the stagnation of asset markets such as stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrencies. According to a survey conducted by market research firm Embrain Trend Monitor in July targeting 1,000 adult men and women, 83.1% of respondents evaluated the investment market as unstable, and 80.1% said it is difficult to be confident that any investment will definitely succeed. Instead, 78.0% of respondents thought that “increasing one’s own value to become an irreplaceable person” is the best way to manage finances.
In conclusion, as economic anxiety rises, people are becoming more proactive about self-development. Professor Seol Dong-hoon of the Department of Social Sciences at Jeonbuk National University said, “Self-development is to find better jobs and achieve upward social mobility,” adding, “Self-development is a form of human capital investment, while stocks and Bitcoin are forms of capital investment. It is generally difficult to do both simultaneously, and there is a social tendency that when one increases, the other decreases.” Professor Gu Jeong-woo of the Department of Sociology at Sungkyunkwan University said, “It seems to reflect the harsh reality of young people’s lives. Even after joining a company, they cannot settle,” adding, “Workplaces have reached a state where self-development is unavoidable, reflecting the uncertainty about the future.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
