Recent Books

Thirteen Economists in Joseon Kingdom

Han Jung-ju; Dasan Books: 330pp., 13,000 won

The economy is regarded as the first and foremost agenda, which determines the destiny of a nation in the modern world. But the economy was just as important in the Joseon Kingdom period as now.

This book looks at 13 economists who contributed to setting up the economic development model and the reform strategy during the Joseon era.

The author stresses that economy was not a phrase borrowed from Western countries but was used by Joseon economists during the traditional period of the Joseon era when feudalism declined and the self-generated economic system dawned.

The author looks at the example of Lee Jung-hwan, a realist renowned for ``Taekriji,'' a systematic method of geographical division in the middle of Joseon era. The book describes Lee as a ``geoeconomist.''

Chae Je-gong, a respected statesman who had previously served as the chief state minister of King Jeongjo, is depicted as a market-oriented economist of Joseon, who advocated free market and commercial activity.

The book also sheds light on their practical concept by putting high value on the importance of goods, consumption and production for a wealthy country and a powerful army, which contrasts to Neo Confucianism, the ruling ideology of the Joseon era, which emphasizes moral and ethical values.

-Chung Ah-young

Action in Public Diplomacy

Yoon Won-sup; Minsokwon: 176pp., 7,000 won

The importance of public diplomacy, or cultural diplomacy, is growing bigger and bigger these days. The term cultural diplomacy refers to ```soft power' or the ability to persuade through culture, value and ideas opposed to `hard power' that coerces through military might,'' according to Joseph Nye.

Author of the book, Yoon is a The Korea Times reporter who has interviewed all ambassadors in Korea. Yoon also interviewed all six directors of the cultural centers in Korea and realized that these cultural centers, not the foreign embassies, are the core of public diplomacy.

This book reviews the present state of cultural centers in Korea and how Korea should work on its public diplomacy. Yoon mentions six significant cultural centers in Seoul, which are British Council, Goethe Institute of Germany, French Cultural Center, Italian Cultural Institute, Japanese Cultural Center and the China Cultural Center. These centers offer free movies, teach languages, counsel studying abroad, exhibit art works and sponsor performances of homeland artists.

-Kwon Mee-yoo

Focusing Strategy

Kim Hyun-ki; Hans Media: 272pp., 12,000 won

The New Year is drawing near. This means that many people are starting to brush off the previous year's resolutions and set up new plans for a fresh start.

But before making any hasty decisions, it may be a good idea to consider some advice from a strategy expert. The writer Kim Hyun-ki says that people must ``choose their strategies like Einstein and concentrate like Forrest Gump.''

Kim is a researcher working at the LG Economic Research Institute. He is an expert on leadership, business relationships and consulting and has written numerous articles regarding these issues. Kim points out that simply making plans can never help develop a person's life.

People also need to follow through on their decisions to realize the most favorable outcome. As soon as the plan is set, it is time to concentrate and carry out the right procedures.

-Han Sang-hee

Sonia

Geiko Gasai, Satorino Huchigami: Translated from Japanese into Korean by Kim Seok-hi; Jakkajungsin: 128 pp., 9,000 won

This photo essay recounts the true story of the world's only ``white'' Labrador Retriever, Sonia.

Those who see the cover may find it hard to believe that the snow-white dog was once a pitch-dark Black Labrador Retriever. The author, a mid-aged Japanese housewife, began to notice her dog's discoloration following the death of her husband.

They say dogs are a man's best friend, and Sonia and the author's husband had been inseparable. The two would go for long walks together every single day, come rain or sun.

When he passed away, however, Sonia fell into deep depression. Beginning with the fur on her face, her entire coat became spotted with white and Sonia was often mistaken for a Dalmation. Within half a year, she had turned completely white. She was physically healthy, and veterinarians and zoologists were unable to discern scientific explanations as to the unusual transformation.

-Lee Hyo-won