Korean self-help novels conquer the world

In recent years, Korean self-help novels have been gaining a very significant number of readers, conquering hearts and minds through stories that offer more than entertainment: they provide comfort, introspection and hope to their audience, who seek to heal their emotional wounds. . This new type of literature, which some have called “K-healing”, is revolutionizing the publishing industry.

The British weekly The Economist was one of the first to highlight this trend in his article “Turn down the K-pop and pay attention to K-healing”, published on October 3, 2024. The text highlights how Korean self-help novels have surprised to the world. They provide an emotional refuge for people suffering from burnout, work stress and the increasing pressure of modern demands. The article explains that these works are aimed primarily at young readers who, in the midst of life’s uncertainty, find in these novels a source of encouragement and tranquility.

Unlike traditional fiction, Korean self-help novels not only seek to entertain, but also to heal. According to the article of The Economistthese books often portray ordinary characters facing the stresses of daily life, such as burnout at work or the frustration of not finding a job. The protagonists go through processes of self-discovery that lead them to leave those worries behind to find something more meaningful and satisfying in their lives.

A distinctive feature of these novels is the inclusion of symbolic elements such as laundries that “clean emotional wounds” or stores where dreams can come true. These metaphorical places represent an escape for readers and a form of evasion from reality, while providing what some have called “literary therapy.” By immersing themselves in these fictional worlds, people who read them experience a personal healing process, connecting deeply with the stories and their protagonists.

Foreign exchange reserves increase in South Korea for the third consecutive month

The success of these novels has been such that it has crossed the borders of South Korea. Internationally renowned publishers have begun to publish and acquire the rights to these works, highlighting the rise of Korean fiction as a new global trend in the literary field.

An example of this is Marigold’s Magic Laundrya bestseller in Korea that was recently released in the United States and the United Kingdom. The novel explores themes of emotional healing through a laundry that helps the characters overcome their problems.

Publishers such as Penguin Random House and Bloomsbury have responded quickly to this growing demand. Jane Lawson, editor of Penguin Random House, said the publisher will release three Korean fiction titles in the next four months. “Korean fiction suddenly became fashionable and completely exploded,” said Lawson, referring to the unexpected boom that this type of literature has experienced in the international market.

For her part, Joy Lee, a foreign publishing rights agent, explained that while South Korea has always had a diversity of literary genres, self-help novels seem to have taken a prominent place on the global scene. “We’ve always had very diverse genres in Korea, but now it seems like self-help novels are the equivalent of fiction,” Lee said.

The power of social media and K-pop support

Another reason for the rise of Korean self-help novels has been young people’s growing interest in these works, often driven by recommendations on social media. Digital platforms have become a key space for readers to share reviews and comments about these books, which has amplified their popularity globally.

In addition, K-pop stars, recognized influential figures in youth culture, have also played an important role in recommending these novels to their followers.

The success of Korean self-help novels internationally has been interpreted by some as a shift in global literary preferences. In a social context in which people face increasing levels of stress and anxiety, these works have become a refuge and guide for those seeking to heal their emotional wounds.