Young professional seek self-help books to battle hierarchy

/ Courtesy of Interpark

Korean Air’s recent “nut rage” incident has been interpreted as a classic example of how Korea’s rigid hierarchies can affect human interaction.

And it’s not only those in the airline industry who are seeking ways to combat these rigid mores. An increasing number of young professionals are turning to self-help books to they can deal more effectively with their power-wielding bosses.

According to online shopping mall Interpark, sales of personal development books _ such as Heo Eun-a’s “The strong and the week” _ have increased by over 10 percent in January, on a year-on-year basis. Such books cover topics such as relationships, psychology and how to survive and thrive at work.

“These books are popular among the younger generation which has been humiliated by superiors. Being undermined as individuals has caused them to suffer stress,” said Park Joon-pyo, a merchandiser at Interpark. “The books are written not only to heal and give comfort, but also provide some insight into important issues and offer realistic advice. Demand for such personal development guidance is expected to continue for some time.”

The nut rage incident unfolded on Dec.5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, when Cho Hyun-ah, the eldest daughter of Korean Air Chairman Cho Yang-ho, ordered the chief flight attendant to deplane because she was displeased the way she was served macademia nuts.