South Korean readers favor concise literary formats like anthologies and aphorisms

Young readers in South Korea, especially those in their 20s and 30s, are increasingly drawn to anthologies and aphorism collections, prioritizing "time-efficiency" (시성비) in their reading choices. This trend was evident at the Seoul International Book Fair, where a collection of Hermann Hesse's essays, "The Art of Laziness," sold approximately 1,000 copies daily during the event.

The appeal of anthologies lies in their ability to offer readers a variety of literary experiences within a single volume. Whether it's a collection of short stories exploring complex themes, like those by authors Seong Hae-na and Kim Ae-ran, or diverse works imagined in "Beyond Death" and "Again, to the Body," these books provide a concentrated dose of different authors' styles and perspectives.

Publishers are also finding advantages in this format. Producing anthologies, which often compile previously published works or commission shorter pieces, is generally faster than waiting for full-length novels. This allows for quicker market entry and caters to the demand for concise, impactful content.

The popularity of short-form literature extends to aphorism collections, featuring concise yet profound insights from philosophers like Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. These short, impactful sentences resonate with a generation that may have limited time for extensive reading but seeks deep understanding and contemplation.