[This Week's Books] "My Roh Moo-hyun, Your Roh Hoe-chan" and More

My Roh Moo-hyun, Your Roh Hoe-chan

By examining the lives of Roh Moo-hyun and Roh Hoe-chan, this book explores the direction progressive politics should take today. The author reflects on the major speeches and activities of these two figures, seeking out the aspects that should be inherited. In addition, the book addresses the challenges of progressive politics that they left behind, or were unable to accomplish, and passed on as tasks for future generations. A distinctive feature of this book is its balanced coverage of both failures and achievements, as well as the human qualities of these two figures, from the perspective of the 2030 youth generation. The book also offers a diverse look at the challenges and compromises that both men navigated between ideals and reality. (Written by Lim Chunhan | Pakyoungsa)

First Summer, Wanju

This is a new full-length novel by author Kim Geumhee. The story follows the protagonist, Son Yeolmae, as she returns to her hometown village of Wanju in search of a senior who disappeared without repaying a debt, and encounters a variety of local residents. The narrative is enriched by unique characters such as Kang Dongkyung, a mysterious young man who seems like an alien; Han Yangmi, a middle school student next door who loves dancing but dislikes sad stories; and actress Jung Aera, who lives with her dog Chanel, a Shigorjabrjong breed. This is the first work in the "Listening Novel" project published by "Muje," a publishing house led by actor Park Jungmin. After being released as an audio novel, it has now been published as a paperback. (Written by Kim Geumhee | Muje)

Culture Makes Genes Dance

Is it true that, among multiethnic groups, Koreans are especially gifted in singing, dancing, and drinking? Through the phenomenon of K-culture, the author delves into the grand history of evolution and the nature of humanity. The book examines a wide range of topics, from contemporary sociocultural realities like K-pop, Korean cuisine, altruism, and K-dramas, to human sexual evolution, family relationships, communication skills, and sociality. It introduces the "gene-culture coevolution theory," which explores the correlation between genes and culture?a subject still unfamiliar in Korea?in a way that is accessible to the general public. The author has stripped away as much academic jargon as possible to make the book easy and enjoyable to read. (Written by Jang Suchul | Bartleby)

G3 India, The Time of the Elephant

This book analyzes India's economic rise and strategic significance as it emerges as the G3, following the United States and China. It presents the features of this economic powerhouse, which has achieved an economic growth rate of over 7% and surpassed $3,000 in per capita GDP, in a documentary format. The author compares India's development to a banyan tree, which grows its roots thickly toward the sky and spreads widely, absorbing various external cultures while maintaining its core identity. The book closely examines the diversity of India, where elephants walk alongside cars on the roads. (Written by Jung Inchae | Inmungonggan)

Appropriate Frustration

This is a popular psychology book co-authored by cognitive psychologist Professor Kim Kyungil and Dr. Ryu Hanwook, who has practiced pediatric psychiatry for 20 years. Through examples such as children who excel academically but have no particular passions and simply follow the paths set by their mothers, and adults who are easily angered due to excessive concern about others' opinions, the authors identify two main problems in our society: the absence of "appropriate frustration" and the failure of separation-individuation. They point out that, due to excessive control and intervention disguised as the language of attachment in contemporary Korean society, children are deprived of the opportunity to explore their own desires and grow into adults. (Written by Kim Kyungil and one other | Jeonyeokdal)

Electrify Everything

The author argues that electrification is the only way to solve the energy crisis and climate change. He claims that if all industries, transportation, and heating are converted to electricity, it is possible to meet current needs with about half the energy currently used. He points out the inefficiency of fossil fuels and emphasizes that revolutionary electric energy conversion is possible with existing technology. Having served as an energy and climate policy advisor to the Biden administration in the United States, the author asserts that humanity already possesses the technology for 100% electric energy conversion, and that if we simply implement it, innovation can be achieved without anyone having to endure inconvenience. (Written by Saul Griffith | Saenggakui Him)