[This Week's Books] 'Ulsan Dystopia, The Uncertain Future of a Manufacturing Powerhouse' and More

Ulsan Dystopia, the Uncertain Future of a Manufacturing Powerhouse

Ulsan is one of the central cities of manufacturing in Korea, boasting the highest Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) nationwide. However, the author notes that Ulsan's vitality has long diminished and suggests that the crisis facing Korean manufacturing can be examined through Ulsan's situation. Ulsan laid the foundation for its growth as an industrial city when the Park Chung-hee regime designated it as a Special Industrial Zone in 1962, followed by the entry of Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Heavy Industries. This book reviews the 60-year history of how Ulsan grew into an industrial capital and analyzes the manufacturing crisis confronting both Ulsan and the Korean economy. (Written by Yang Seung-hoon / Bookie)

Imperfect Beings

Written by an Italian evolutionary biologist, this book explores why Homo sapiens became the dominant species despite various imperfections from an evolutionary biology perspective. For example, to support their enlarged brains, Homo sapiens evolved long necks, whereas Neanderthals had thick and short necks. The author explains that although the long necks exposed Homo sapiens to risks of suffocation and cervical disc problems, the separation of the larynx into the airway and vocal cords enabled language. The book emphasizes that humanity became the dominant species by overcoming numerous challenges through compromise and adaptation. (Written by Telmo Pievani / Translated by Kim Sup / Bookinabox)

The LEGO Story

Founded in 1932, this book uncovers the secrets behind LEGO’s long-standing recognition as the world’s top toy brand. According to global consulting firm Reptrak Company, LEGO ranked first in global corporate reputation in 2020, 2021, and 2023, and has been the number one toy brand for nine consecutive years. However, LEGO faced crises in the 1980s when its patents expired and video games emerged. In the early 2000s, it was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. This book reveals the secrets of LEGO’s innovation that helped it overcome crises and transform into a differentiated company. (Written by Evitani Satoshi / Translated by Ryu Ji-hyun / UX Review)