[Chungmuro Book Cafe] BTS Reads 'Almond,' Book Climbs Back Up the Charts

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The influence of the globally rising cultural icon group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) has extended to the bestseller market. After it became known that BTS members were reading the novel "Almond" by Sohn Won-pyung, the book soared to the number one spot on the bestseller list.

Asia Economy selected bestsellers based on book sales from the 10th to the 16th of this month. The rankings were determined by referencing sales data from major online and offline bookstores such as Interpark, Yes24, and Kyobo Bookstore, combined with ratings from Asia Economy reporters.

Sohn Won-pyung's "Almond" ranked first in Interpark's tally and second in both Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24's rankings. The renewed attention to "Almond," originally published in March 2017, is thanks to BTS. In JTBC's reality variety show "In the SOOP BTS Edition," BTS members RM and Suga were shown reading "Almond" during their break. The show, which first aired on the 19th of last month, features all seven BTS members. The scene of the members reading "Almond" was broadcast on the 2nd. Following the broadcast, sales of "Almond" increased, and it entered the top 10 for the first time in the Chungmuro Book Cafe rankings announced on the 4th.

"Almond" tells the story of Yoon-jae, a boy who cannot feel emotions due to a small amygdala in his brain, and his growth as he meets a special friend, Gon. The novel has consistently attracted attention since its publication, especially as the importance of empathy is emphasized in an era of communication difficulties.

Author Sohn Won-pyung received the 10th Changbi Youth Literature Award for "Almond." Last year, a play of the same name based on the novel was produced and performed at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The title "Almond" comes from the shape of the amygdala, which is responsible for our emotions and feelings, resembling an almond. This year, Sohn Won-pyung also made his directorial debut with the film "Intruder."

Although not included in the Chungmuro Book Cafe rankings, children's book author Baek Hee-na, who won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award last year for "Cloud Bread," also benefited from the broadcast. Baek appeared on the tvN variety show "You Quiz on the Block" aired on the 9th, after which sales of her picture books surged. Her book "Alsatang," published in March 2017, ranked 5th in Yes24's tally and 8th in Interpark's.

Except for the significant rise of "Almond," there were no major changes in this week's Chungmuro Book Cafe rankings compared to the announcement on the 4th. Nine out of the ten books were also in the top 10 in the previous ranking.

The only new entry in this announcement is "Common Siblings Common Curiosity 1," which ranked 9th. This is a new series by the popular YouTubers Common Siblings, known for their children's book series "Common Siblings," featuring everyday science stories that children find interesting.

"The Moment When Studying Becomes Fun" and "Stock Investment Follow Without Hesitation" rose four and five places respectively compared to the previous tally. On the other hand, "A Country Never Experienced Before" dropped four places, while "Referee" and "Kim Mi-kyung's Reboot" fell three places each.

"The Nature of Money," written by Kim Seung-ho, founder of the kimbap and sushi restaurant Snow Fox, maintained its second place from the previous tally, continuing its long-term popularity.

Another recently spotlighted book revealing the secrets of success by a founder is "No Rules." Co-authored by Reed Hastings, founder and CEO of Netflix, the book explains Netflix's growth secrets directly from the founder. Hastings conducted interviews with current and former Netflix employees to write the book. "No Rules" is ranked 11th in this Chungmuro Book Cafe tally, on the verge of entering the top rankings.

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