New Coined Term 'Text Hip' Meaning 'Print = Cool'
Reading Rates by Age Group Highest Among 20s and 30s
Young Generations Also Flock to June's International Seoul Book Fair
"A Good Culture of Enjoying Books in Various Ways Is Forming"
On the 31st, Heo Ji-soo (28), an office worker whom we met at a book cafe in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, is an avid reader who spends about 150,000 won monthly on book purchases and even attended the Seoul International Book Fair last June. On her days off, she often looks for spaces where she can read books.
She said, "It seems that the act of reading itself has become recognized as 'Hip' and a culture has developed around it," adding, "When I see peers visiting book exhibitions or bookstores, they seem to enjoy the very act of buying one or two books."
A reading craze is sweeping mainly among people in their 20s and 30s. With more people enjoying books in various ways?from reading clubs and exhibitions to book cafes and book stays?the stereotype that 'young people don't read books' has become a thing of the past. Recently, a new term called 'Text Hip' has emerged, meaning that consuming text rather than images is considered cool and unique.
On this day, Lee Ye-rim (21), a university student met at a bookstore in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, said, "I became interested in reading by watching content introducing books on social networking services (SNS)," adding, "Many people around me post reading verification photos or consume books, so I don't really agree with the idea that the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) is distant from books." Choi Eun-ji (32) also said, "When I have appointments or dates, I usually visit book cafes," adding, "I can't be certain that young people read a lot, but their interest is definitely increasing."
A representative from Kyobo Book Centre explained, "We are sensing a trend where younger age groups are very interested in and read many books," adding, "Although the numbers are not large yet, since the trend is just beginning, we expect to see visible data from the second half of the year."
In fact, people in their 20s and 30s have been found to have the highest reading rates among all age groups. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's '2023 National Reading Survey,' the reading rate for people in their 20s was the highest at 74.5%. Those in their 30s followed at 68%. The reading rate decreased with increasing age.
Also, among visitors to the Seoul International Book Fair held from June 26 to 30, more than 7 out of 10 were in their 20s and 30s. Amid a record-breaking crowd of 150,000, the overwhelming visits by the younger generation continued. According to analysis by Rankey Pie, visitors in their 20s and 30s accounted for 45% and 28% of the total visitors, respectively.
This phenomenon is also observed overseas. The British daily The Guardian reported in February with the phrase 'Reading is so sexy' that reading paper books is becoming a trend mainly among young people. Last year in the UK, about 669 million books were sold, setting an all-time record.
Experts analyze that reading is gaining popularity among people in their 20s and 30s as a medium to differentiate themselves from others and themselves. Kim Sung-soo, a popular culture critic, explained, "As visual content has become mainstream, people are acquiring information through text media and differentiating themselves in the process," adding, "This is developing into a positive form where they discover their individuality and tastes."
Critic Kim said, "In the past, people bought books out of obligation but did not read them, but now a good culture of enjoying reading in various ways has formed, especially among young people," adding, "This can act as a way to maintain books for a long time and preserve the advantages of text media."
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