- Books provide a mental health-stress-fighting message
South Korean culture has given the world a lot over the past few years, including popular bands like 'BTS' and entertainment classics like 'Parasite' and 'Squid Game'. Now another new trend has emerged from South Korea – 'K-healing'. This new trend focuses on ways to overcome burnout, especially through books.
Author Hwang Bo-rum says that she wants to convey the message to the readers that it is necessary to move slowly to regain the happiness in life. Most of the books preach to slow down the pace of life while fighting fatigue and discouragement. There is no need to rush any work. The book 'Marigold Mind Laundry' recently published in America and Britain is part of this 'healing' literature. This book exudes a message of peace and harmony, which can be felt from its cover to its inner pages. Most book covers depict a beautiful and peaceful place, such as a library or cafe, where people seek peace of mind away from the hustle and bustle of life. For example, someone quits a stressful job to open a bookshop, someone joins a pottery class. The reason behind the emergence of healing literature is said to be the competitive and stressful environment of Korean society, in which burnout has become a common problem. According to a recent report, 70 percent of South Koreans struggle with mental health issues.
The craze increased after Corona The popularity of healing books started during the Corona epidemic. In fact, people were confined to their homes due to social distancing during Corona, so the stories in these books appealed to them a lot. These stories gave the readers an opportunity to overcome the hardships of the time. Especially girls who discussed these books on social media became a part of this trend. The influence of 'K-pop' is also seen in these stories. Many 'K-Pop' stars have left positive comments about these books, which has helped boost the trend.
A surge in international popular book sales Healing literature is becoming popular internationally. Many major publishers are racing to publish South Korean 'healing' books. A private publisher plans to publish three books in the next 6 months.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
