[This Week's Books] 'I Will Tell You What Koreans Are Like' and Others

Let Me Tell You What Koreans Are Like

There are things familiar to us but difficult to explain when foreigners ask why. For example, the quarrels over who pays the bill, the challenge of spicy food, and the preference for cold water even in the dead of winter. The preference for ‘bang’ culture such as karaoke rooms, jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), and PC bangs, and Korea’s nightlife where signs stay lit even at midnight. The author, president of the Korean Language and Culture Promotion Institute, examines the characteristics and origins of Korean behavior from a cross-cultural perspective based on sharp questions heard at universities around the world. (Written by Balgeommujeok | Param Book)

The Republic of Legal Professionals

Legal professionals in Korea hold immense social power. Many people admire the life of legal professionals, but paradoxically, the author analyzes that they do not trust them. The trust in the Korean judiciary is among the lowest in OECD countries. The author explains that many suspect that judges’ ideology or political orientation influenced rulings, which stems from ‘camp logic.’ They believe rulings favorable to their side are right, and criticize those against as wrong. The author argues that proper criticism of the Republic of Legal Professionals must come from outside this camp logic. (Written by Kang Junman | Inmulgwa Sasangsa)

Walking Through Museums Like a Docent

The author, an art history expert, divides people’s attitudes toward art into two types: finding it difficult or feeling a sense of privilege. The goal is to narrow this gap. Background knowledge about the artwork and artist is secondary. The most important thing is that the artwork evokes a positive response within the viewer. The author explains key points in an easy-to-understand way so readers can become familiar with art. It provides the minimum knowledge needed to enjoy the pleasure of art. (Written by Noah Chani | Hyundae Jiseong)

The 59 Most Interesting Psychological Experiments in the World

Can animals also provide comfort and empathy? According to an experiment by a research team at Emory University in the U.S., animals can indeed comfort and empathize. When electric shocks were applied to prairie dogs living in the same cage, the grooming time (the act of picking fur) directed at the shocked prairie dogs by other prairie dogs more than doubled. This is evidence that animals can comfort and empathize. The author, a professor at the University of Tokyo, explains such curiosities based on verified scientific evidence. (Written by Ikegaya Yuji | Saramagwa Namu Sai)

Before Life Loses Meaning

“One must live meaningfully in the present with gratitude for the past and orientation toward the future.” This is the core message contained in the book by an author devoted to quality of life research. The author contemplates a ‘meaningful life’ with a healthy body and mind and a ‘dignified death’ as a beautiful conclusion. It poses questions that busy daily life often prevents us from considering and helps each person find their own answers. What is the meaning of your life? What should you choose now to find that meaning? (Written by Yoon Youngho | Antares)

Senior Trends That Will Enthrall the Republic of Korea

As Korea entered a super-aged society at the end of last year, this book examines changes detected in the senior market. The year 2030 will be when those born in 1970 turn 60. This marks the emergence of the so-called ‘digital seniors’ who have experienced PCs, the internet, smartphones, and social networking services. It explores changes in senior business trends led by those dreaming of ‘a life true to oneself in old age’ across various fields such as health, fashion, beauty, finance, travel, and self-development. (Written by Korea University Institute for Aging Society | Business Books)