[Books of the Week] "When You Love Someone, Who Is the Person You Love?" and More

When You Love Someone, Who Is the Person You Love?

This is a philosophical book that thoroughly traces the meaning behind the words "I love you," which we often say without much thought. Psychoanalyst Catherine Benguigui and philosopher-theologian Jean-Yves Leloup view love not as compensation for lack or a desire for fusion, but as a relationship that respects the boundaries between oneself and others and allows for coexistence. The book sharply reveals the recurring patterns of desire, projection, possession, and dependence that are repeated in the name of love, prompting readers to first ask, "Who am I when I say I love?" before loving someone else. In an era weary of relationships, it offers profound reflections that encourage us to reconsider love. (Written by Catherine Benguigui and Jean-Yves Leloup | Yeollimwon)

The Emerging World

This book views ancient Eurasia as one vast space of interaction, shedding light on how nomads and cities, empires and trade, and religions intertwined to shape world history. Moving beyond the traditional Rome- and Greece-centered narratives, it reconstructs the dynamism of the ancient world through the history of connections and conflicts linking China, India, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Drawing on archaeology and documentary research, the author convincingly explains the driving forces behind the formation of ancient Eurasia and the legacy that continues to influence the present day. (Written by Raimund Schulz | EcoLivre)

China Business Trends 2026

This is a strategic guide analyzing the present and future of China, which has transformed from a "low-cost manufacturing base" to a key player designing global industry rules. The book examines the structural transformation across China's industries-including semiconductors, AI, robotics, manufacturing, finance, content, and talent policy-using case studies and data from the field. Twelve experts dissect the workings of China's system, where technology, policy, and capital converge, and provide actionable strategic insights for Korean companies, investors, and policymakers. (Written by Lee Sunmin and 11 others | Itdam Books)

How the Brain Controls Me

This book explores the origins of thoughts and emotions that we feel are beyond our control, through the lenses of neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy. Neuropsychologist Chris Niebauer explains that while the left brain is a "storytelling device" that constantly interprets, the right brain represents another form of consciousness rooted in pre-verbal intuition and compassion. The author argues that by moving beyond the self identified with the left brain and restoring balance with the right brain, we can break free from anxiety and self-hatred and gain a new perspective on life. (Written by Chris Niebauer | Clap Books)

The Untold Stories of Russian Paintings

Focusing on the genre of realist genre paintings that occupy a unique place in Russian art history, this book provides a multidimensional introduction to the flow of Russian painting that captures the lives of the people and the realities of the times. From Venetsianov to the Peredvizhniki artists and Repin, Russian painters expanded their gaze from aristocracy-centered art to include peasants, workers, nature, and history. Alongside masterpieces from the Tretyakov Gallery, the book highlights the essence of genre painting, landscape painting, and realism, showing how Russian art has borne witness to the people and the era. (Written by Kim Hee-eun | Jayu Bookstore)

Essential Startup Skills Every CEO Must Know

This is a practical guide designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage CEOs survive and grow during their first year. The author emphasizes that the mindset and structure of the CEO are more important than the business item itself, and presents a checklist of essentials, including managing government grants, legal and tax basics, contract risk management, cash flow monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. By turning failures into learning data and establishing routines to maintain mental resilience, the book guides readers in building a stable operating system. (Written by Choi Youngjun | Mimumsa)

A Deeply Personal Russia

This book, written by Professor Ilya Belyakov, a Russian-born naturalized Korean, thoughtfully unpacks the emotions and worldview of Russian society. The newly revised edition includes updated content on the Russia-Ukraine war and Belarus, offering a multidimensional look at internal Russian perceptions and logic. Through three parts-prejudice, the formation of modern Russia, and culture and daily life-the book provides a fresh perspective on the "hard-to-understand Russia." It is the most accessible introduction for anyone seeking to understand Russia. (Written by Ilya Belyakov | Teumsae Books)

The Art of Remembering Without Memorization

This book argues that the reason studying often ends in short-lived resolutions is not due to personal willpower or talent, but rather to "ineffective learning methods." Psychiatrist and bestselling author Shion Kabasawa emphasizes that the key to studying lies not in input but in output, and presents methods to connect reading and listening with writing, speaking, and teaching for better results. Based on neuroscience and psychology, this approach transforms studying into an enjoyable and sustainable activity, offering the most practical learning strategies for adults who want to grow again in the age of AI. (Written by Shion Kabasawa | Raenun)