[This Week's Books] 'Art First Encountered at Fifty' and More

Art Encountered for the First Time at Fifty

Dr. Yoo Chang-sun, a first-generation political commentator well known to the public through active broadcasting activities, has published his first book dealing with culture and the arts. This was prompted by his brain tumor surgery five years ago and the eight months he spent bedridden. Dr. Yoo found solace in listening to the music of Chopin and Bach. He says that during more than 30 years of discussing heavy and sharp political topics, he had never truly felt the beauty and emotional impact of art until now. The book contains his reflections on various cultural arts such as performances, movies, and exhibitions, along with humanities knowledge related to the authors and works. (Written by Yoo Chang-sun / Saebit)

The Psychology of Unconcealable Expressions

This book analyzes all nonverbal signals found in people, such as facial expressions, gestures, feet and legs, posture, breathing, blinking, and voice, and introduces simple training methods to easily recognize them. The author explains that by noticing what nonverbal signals indicate, one can broaden understanding and empathy toward others. Ultimately, this increases opportunities for success, helps become a better parent and spouse, and leads to greater happiness and a healthier life. (Written by Dirk Eilert / Translated by Son Hee-ju / Miraeui Chang)

Forecasting Tomorrow

Kokuyo is a Japanese stationery and office furniture manufacturer with a 100-year history. For 40 years, it has operated the Yokoku (Forecast) Research Institute to study changes in lifestyle and work methods. Kokuyo emphasizes that stationery and office furniture are closely connected to how we live, and therefore must be sensitive to changes in work and life. The book examines companies in five Asian countries?Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan?that the Yokoku Research Institute has focused on, and includes interviews with planners from those companies. (Written by Kokuyo Yokoku Research Institute & Republic / Translated by Je Jun-hyuk / Bookstone)