From Trust and Empathy to Happiness: Kyobo Bookstore Unveils January Lecture Lineup

Lineup Includes Jeong Jaemin, Kim Juha, and Lee Sihyung

To mark the start of the new year in 2026, Kyobo Bookstore will host a series of lecture programs throughout January, using books as a medium. Focusing on thoughts and attitudes that can be practiced in personal and family life, the bookstore plans to offer author lectures and interactive reader programs.

Kyobo Bookstore January Lecture Lineup. Provided by Kyobo Bookstore

The “Bora” program, which centers on author lectures, will begin on January 6 with a talk by writer Jeong Jaemin. Based on his book “How Much Can You Trust People,” the session will explore trust in everyday life and society, featuring a lecture, Q&A, and book signing. On January 12, anchor Kim Juha will discuss attitudes for enduring life, drawing from her book “A Cat Walks Across the Frozen Han River.” On January 21, Dr. Lee Sihyung will give a lecture on restoring self-esteem and achieving life balance, under the theme “It’s Okay to Be a Late Bloomer, As Long As You Have Courage.”

The “Bora Kids” program for children will also take place. On January 17, Professor Jeong Jaeseung will lead a lecture and interactive activities on the theme of “time,” based on the “Human Exploration Report” series. On January 31, physician and webtoon artist Lee Nakjun will introduce the future of medicine and the world of professions, focusing on “AI Doctor School 2.”

On January 24, a concert-style book talk called “Bora Show,” which combines an author lecture and musical performance, will be held. Announcer Lee Geumhee will deliver a lecture on the meaning of communication and empathy, based on her book “On Empathy.”

Kyobo Bookstore’s knowledge subscription service “sam” will also continue its lecture series. On January 8, the 32nd “sam Special Lecture” will feature writer Han Biya, who will speak on the values of solidarity and coexistence. On January 28, the 13th “sam Book Lecture” will invite poet Jang Seokju to reflect on attitudes toward life through the classics, focusing on “Laozi’s Lessons for the Heart.”

A Kyobo Bookstore representative stated, “This January lecture series covers a wide range of topics including trust, empathy, science, and the classics,” adding, “We hope it provides readers with an opportunity to organize their thoughts as they begin the new year.”