[Book of the Week] 'Veteran-ui Mom' and 5 More Titles

◆The Body of a Veteran=When doing the same work for decades, the work becomes ingrained in the body. Sleep rhythms, posture, work terminology, human relationships, and interests become parts of the body. Those who possess such optimized bodies are called veterans by the world. The author, a record laborer, captured the stories of the bodies of 12 veterans shaped by embodied skills and work in a book. Through interviews with artisans, cooks, rope makers, fishermen, horse trainers, stone carvers, midwives, and sign language interpreters, the book calmly reveals bodily transformations such as illnesses, body shapes, postures, and facial expressions, as well as habits like speech and gait, and attitudes toward work. When asked about their know-how, they consistently emphasized “together.” Although it may seem like solitary work, they all stressed the attitude of “we work.” (Written by Heejeong · Published by Hankyoreh Publishing)

◆The Future of Currency=The author, an international finance expert who worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Brookings Institution, focuses on digital currency. The book concentrates on the policies and countermeasures that governments and central banks worldwide are implementing to seize the initiative following fintech innovations represented by cryptocurrencies. In fact, cryptocurrencies still carry many risks. Millions of dollars can vanish instantly due to exchange hacks, and their value can wildly fluctuate based on tweets from celebrities, making them vulnerable to speculation and manipulation allegations. However, it is also true that many countries, including China and Sweden, are opening a new future by preparing regulatory frameworks through government-led digital currencies (CBDCs). The author comprehensively examines these opportunities and risks. (Written by Eswar S. Prasad · Published by Gimyoungsa)

◆The Economics of Nursing=As aging accelerates, interest in care services is increasing. The debate over the role of nurses is part of this trend. Fierce debates continue over the scope of nurses’ duties, but the gap between ideals and reality remains wide. This is not just a problem in Korea. The author, a Japanese economist, examines nurses’ treatment and environment from an economic perspective. The book critiques the reality where the number of nurses is reduced to increase profits, nurses are burdened with all kinds of miscellaneous tasks, and harmful practices like “taeum” exist. It explores the unique characteristics of nursing services, which play an important role in the healthcare system but have long been undervalued. By reflecting on unrealistic structural features such as the medical fee system that does not consider nurses’ abilities, the author proposes desirable solutions from an economic viewpoint. (Written by Tsunoda Yuka · Published by Homilbat)

◆When Flower Rain Falls on the Island of Light=A poetry and painting collection created through the collaboration of a monk and a priest. The paintings were done by Father Kim Injung, a priest of the French Dominican Order and a world-renowned stained glass artist. Known more as a painter than a priest in Europe, his works are characterized by freely painting on plate glass with brushes and large knives, then firing them at 780 degrees Celsius. His works are installed in 45 locations worldwide, including Chartres Cathedral in France. He currently serves as an invited professor at KAIST. The poems accompanying the artworks were written by Monk Wonkyung, the head monk of Simgokam located beneath Bongsan Brothers Peak in Bukhansan. A religious figure and poet who operates the Jogye Order’s free meal service (Social Welfare Hall), he transformed the images and inspirations evoked by Father Kim’s works into words. (Written by Kim Injung and one other · Published by Param Book)

◆The Power to Read the 1% = The author is a capital market analyst with experience as a risk management expert at Samsung and GE and as an investment officer at financial firms. Based on long years of experience, the book introduces what indicators investors use, how to develop market insight, and how to filter quality information from the flood of news. The author emphasizes the “ability to view and organize information from different perspectives.” While it is well known that having one’s own viewpoint is important, few actually possess this ability. The author shares his experience and know-how, stating that only when one achieves a “balance of thought” rather than an “arithmetical balance” can one develop a unique perspective, and explains how he discovered opportunities in economic issues and achieved results with appropriate strategies. (Written by Mer · Published by Tornado)

◆Accidental Collision=The world-renowned economist regards the friction between the United States and China as an “accidental collision.” He argues that if the two countries had not confronted each other with “false narratives” over the past several years, they could have avoided trade and technology wars and the crisis of a new Cold War. False narratives refer to logic that deliberately guides public perception toward specific goals, even though both countries know the narratives are false. The author considers the U.S. claims that trade deficits increased because of China and that American jobs have decreased, as well as China’s claims that the U.S. is hindering its growth, all as “false narratives.” Both sides are blaming each other for their own problems. While analyzing this phenomenon, the author proposes a roadmap for building mutually beneficial relations. (Written by Steven Roach · Published by Korea Economic Daily)

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