[Books of the Week] "Misfortune Immunity Theory" and More

Misfortune Immunity Theory

In today's world, where unpredictable changes-such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse, and global supply chain crises-have become a part of daily life, what is demanded of companies and organizations is not 'perfection' but rather flexible 'resilience.' The author applies the Korean concept of 'aekdaem' (misfortune immunity) to modern management philosophy, reinterpreting it as a strategic thinking system that strengthens an organization's crisis response through intentional small-scale failures. Through global examples like SpaceX's rocket explosions and Tylenol's total recall, the book proposes a culture, system, and mindset that goes beyond simply accepting failure, instead treating it as a 'planned experiment' for organizational learning. (Written by Lee Dongwoo | Sejong Books)

Trumpism and the Tariff War

The world is engaged in a trade war without gunfire, with the United States at its center. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that the world has been taking advantage of America, implemented a high-tariff strategy based on the principle of reciprocity. Here lies the question: Is the United States truly a victim of unfair trade? The answer is no. The author analyzes the decline and end of globalization and free trade, and details why the world is shifting toward a predatory economy. The book covers the origins of tariffs, Trump’s protectionism, the U.S.-China power struggle, and the global power shift driven by tariffs. (Written by Noh Youngwoo | Miraeui Chang)

Human Code

While the ChatGPT boom has highlighted the utility of artificial intelligence (AI), there is already a growing sense of fatigue toward AI technologies. The author emphasizes that, just as AI utilization skills are important, so too is the ability to realize uniquely human values-what the book calls the 'human code.' This book examines the rapid evolution of AI and the resulting economic and social changes, offering guidance on how to redesign one's life portfolio from five perspectives: work, sense, relationships, ownership, and society. The insights of 55 domestic and international leaders are also presented. (Written by Sung Sora | The Square)

Infinite Market

Space is no longer just a stage for distant-future exploration. With private companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Planet, and Astroscale entering the field in earnest, the era of commercial space has begun. This book explains, in the language of economics, how this transformation started and how far it may expand in the future. It also discusses the mechanisms of the private space market that have driven explosive development over the past 20 years, as well as future prospects. The authors explain that the next steps could become 'humanity's final economic frontier'-or lead to the opposite outcome. (Written by Matthew Weinzierl and one other | Page2Books)

The History of Space Exploration

This is an introductory book that chronologically organizes the flow of modern space exploration from Sputnik to SpaceX's Starship, explaining how humanity has reached space through scientific principles. It highlights key turning points such as the V-2 rocket, the U.S.-Soviet space race, the Apollo moon landings, the construction of the International Space Station, and SpaceX’s reusable rockets, clearly illustrating the reasons and backgrounds for technological advancement. Preparing for a future where space becomes part of everyday life, the book provides a friendly guide to everything from modes of space travel to exploration principles. (Written by Yoon Bokwon | Dongasia)

K-Semiconductor Super-Gap Strategy as Told by a Former Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President

This book addresses the geopolitical risks and survival strategies Korea faces amid the semiconductor war at the core of the U.S.-China power competition. Lee Byungchul, former Executive Vice President in charge of Samsung Electronics’ China strategy, draws on his field experience to explain the reality of U.S.-China technological hegemony, China’s plans for technological self-reliance, and the restructuring of supply chains, proposing 'technological super-gap + corporate diplomacy' as solutions for Korean companies. The book comprehensively introduces essential strategies for Korea to turn crisis into opportunity in an era where technological hegemony is expanding to AI, batteries, and 5G. (Written by Lee Byungchul | The Bom)

Connecting Modern and Contemporary Art

The author, a curator at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, delicately captures the intersection where the breath of the modern era meets the gestures of the contemporary. The book recalls the aspirations of artists such as Na Hye-seok and Lee Jaeheon, who confronted social prejudice against women through art; Kim Whanki and Son Seungbeom, who pursued enduring values within finite lives; and Koo Bonwoong and Lee Woosung, who expressed a desire to share warmth with others through their paintings. By connecting 47 artists from modern and contemporary times, the book leads readers on a unique art journey across time, from Gyeongseong to Seoul. (Written by Woo Jinyoung | Hankyoreh Publishing)

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