[Harumanbo Harucheonja] Idols Seolhyun and Heo Yunjin Also Fell for It... A Habit Said to Be Good for Organizing Thoughts

"It helps organize my thoughts and also serves as meditation." This is the charm of transcription revealed directly by singer Seolhyun. Seolhyun recently appeared on the MBC TV variety show 'I Live Alone' and said, "I started transcription early last year and have already transcribed more than six books, making it a daily habit." Not only that, LE SSERAFIM's Heo Yunjin, who showed her passion for reading by reading books even while doing makeup, also revealed her transcription practice during the program's waiting time.

As it became known that famous celebrities are deeply into transcription, people began seeking the books they transcribed, spreading the charm of transcription widely. Transcription (筆寫) literally means 'copying text by hand.' The subjects are not limited and can include favorite novels or poetry phrases, speeches by famous people, old classics, or academic papers.

Professor Park Su-mil, a classicist at Hanyang University who enjoys transcription, emphasizes, "Writing by hand calms the mind and helps develop thinking skills," adding, "It improves intelligence, enhances thinking ability, and fosters a calm emotional state." As Seolhyun revealed, it has the effect of training the mind's muscles, such as meditation and organizing thoughts.

However, in an era accustomed to computer keyboards, picking up a pencil again has become something that requires deliberate intention. Writing specialist Lee Dong-young advises, "First, set a goal to complete a certain amount of writing at a fixed time and place every day, and try writing with that in mind."

Transcription also has various health benefits. Learning while writing improves reading speed and enhances the ability to generate ideas and acquire information. Kacha Feder, a professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Ottawa, Canada, explains that note-taking activates the brain more than memorization, making it easier to recall studied content. Research also shows that elderly people who engage in hobbies involving frequent hand use have about 40% less memory impairment.

Arthur Kramer, a leading scholar in brain health and cognitive ability at Northeastern University in the United States, explains, "Reading is a complex activity involving multiple brain functions for comprehension," adding, "If you transcribe directly, it will be more helpful for improving memory." He especially emphasizes consistency. Professor Kramer said, "It is good to set and practice standards for consistent activity, such as three times a week or more than 150 minutes a week. If you continuously stimulate the brain through activities like walking and writing, you can maintain brain health."