[Chungmuro Book Cafe] 'Joguk Heukseo' Proudly Rises to No.1 Over 'Joguk Baekseo'

Show Unprecedented Rapid Rank Changes and Conflicting Opinions... Social Distancing Strengthening Boosts Popularity of Study Method Books

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The powerful fandom, once thought to exist only in idol singer rankings, seems to have appeared in the bestseller market as well.

Shortly after "Prosecutorial Reform and Candlelight Citizens," also known as the "Cho Kuk White Paper," topped the bestseller list, the so-called "Cho Kuk Black Paper," titled "A Country Never Experienced Before," took the number one spot, as if launching a counterattack. This could be seen as a fierce debate. However, it is somewhat disconcerting as it appears to reflect the blind devotion seen in the tribute culture toward idols.

Asia Economy selected bestsellers based on book sales from August 27 to September 2. The rankings referenced sales data from major online and offline bookstores such as Interpark, Yes24, and Kyobo Bookstore, and combined these with ratings from Asia Economy reporters to determine the bestseller rankings.

"Prosecutorial Reform and Candlelight Citizens" and "A Country Never Experienced Before" each reached number one in the Yes24 and Kyobo Bookstore online sales rankings one week apart. In the Asia Economy bestseller rankings, "A Country Never Experienced Before" took first place this week. In the previous ranking announcement (August 21), "Prosecutorial Reform and Candlelight Citizens" was in second place.

The rapid change in rankings can be seen positively as intense debate or negatively as extreme confrontation. Such swift shifts overturning the bestseller landscape are unprecedented. It seems to emphasize the need for a cooler and calmer approach.

Two books related to study methods entered the rankings, drawing attention. As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads again, social distancing measures have been reinforced. Schools have closed again, and households are increasingly taking on the role of schools, prolonging this situation. Consequently, interest in parents' study methods and successful learning cases has increased.

"Complete Learning Bible" introduces ways to properly shape children's study attitudes. The author is a learning expert who has focused exclusively on child education for over 12 years and shares his educational philosophy. He runs a YouTube channel called "Life Mentor Imjakga," which has 110,000 subscribers.

"The Moment When Studying Becomes So Fun" explains how to develop a strong will to study and how to enjoy studying. The author emphasizes that studying is not done with the head but with the heart, and one must continuously care for the mind.

It is also notable that two novels made the rankings. According to the Chungmuro Book Cafe aggregation, it has been about four months since two novels appeared simultaneously in the bestseller rankings. At the end of April, "If the Weather Is Good, I Will Find You" and the "11th Young Writers Award Anthology" both topped the bestseller list.

"Judgment" rose to third place immediately after publication, reaffirming Bernard Werber's popularity. Strictly speaking, "Judgment" is not a novel but a three-act play. It humorously depicts a debate among a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, and defendant in a heavenly courtroom.

The novel "Almond," published in March 2017, ranked joint 10th. It has consistently attracted attention since its release. Last year, a play of the same name based on "Almond" was produced and staged at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The author of "Almond," Son Won-pyung, is the daughter of former Minsaeng Party leader Sohn Hak-kyu and made her directorial debut this year with the film "Intruder."

While books about wealth such as "The Nature of Money," "John Lee's Habits for Becoming Rich," and "The Having" continue to enjoy long-lasting popularity, "Stock Investment Follow Without Hesitation" has newly entered the rankings.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.