Recent books

Critical Mass

Baik Ji-yeon; Yalma: 272 pp., 13,000 won

Critical mass actually refers to the smallest amount of fissile material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Renowned anchorwoman Baik Ji-yeon applies this concept to the success factor ― the amount of effort and patience people need to become what they really want to be.

Better known as the host of “Baik Ji-yeon’s People Inside,” an interview show on YTN, she has met 100 influential figures over the past two years. While listening to the interviewees’ stories behind their success, she has found something different from others.

Those who succeed in their own fields experienced hardship while making enormous efforts to improve themselves. When there seemed no sign of progress, they wanted to give up but held on to finally achieve their dream. This is the critical mass which fuels the momentum to become self-sustaining and create further growth. Even if there seems no immediate change, the outcome will be favorable unless you give up. The author said that as frustration and despair run deep, they are close to critical mass.

_ Chung Ah-young