New Books on Culture for June 12
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- "Historia Vitae" by ecologist Choi Jae-cheon explores solutions for the extinction crisis through the concept of "coexistence."
- "Love in This Damn World!" by law professor and activist offers practical ways to overcome outdated norms in personal relationships.
- "Kamiyama" documents the regeneration of a Japanese mountain village that became a symbol of regional revitalization.
Ecologist Choi Jae-cheon's "Historia Vitae" offers a comprehensive look at his academic achievements, proposing "coexistence" as a solution to the current extinction crisis. The book examines the five major extinction events in Earth's history, presenting coexistence as a path forward. Richly illustrated with color plates, the book also emphasizes its eco-friendly production process.
In "Love in This Damn World!," law professor and human rights activist offers practical strategies for moving beyond outdated relational norms, even within communities founded on strong values. The author addresses how to navigate personal conflicts that can destabilize even tightly-knit groups, providing actionable advice for healthier relationships.
"Kamiyama" chronicles the transformation of a small mountain village in Japan, home to just 5,000 residents, into a symbol of regional revitalization. Over more than a decade, the village has undertaken bold initiatives, drawing inspiration from Silicon Valley's model. The book captures the essence of this remarkable local revival.
Kyung Hee University physics professor Kim Sang-wook, known to the public through the tvN program "Al-al-sin-jap" (The Dictionary of Useless Human Knowledge), presents "When the World Deceives You." This book interprets the world through the lens of science, drawing from his columns published in the weekly magazine "Sisa-in." It covers diverse topics ranging from natural laws and human nature to the past and present of civilization.
"Why Is Your Customer at the Baseball Stadium?" analyzes the surprising success of Korean professional baseball in attracting young fans, a demographic that many global sports are struggling to engage. The book explores the marketing strategies employed and provides insights into understanding the demands of Generation Z, offering an analysis of why they are drawn to baseball.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.