Disturbing news and dramatic stories have been replaced by good books that calm you and help you get through difficult times. Korean healing novels are increasingly appearing on bookshelves – stories about healing the soul, finding oneself and quiet happiness in everyday little things.
Healing fiction (from English healing – “healing”) originated in South Korea and quickly conquered the world. There are no violent passions or high-profile events in these novels; There is only comfort, care and warmth. Main characters often experience burnout, loneliness, or loss of meaning and find salvation in simple things: work in a bookstore, a cup of coffee, a conversation with a stranger. Stories like these renew faith in goodness and remind us that everyone deserves a break from the endless race.
The genre took shape in the early 2010s, but gained real popularity during the pandemic, when people around the world needed solace and peace. That’s when popular products such as “Stand Up Store” (Kim Ho-yeon), “Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookstore” (Hwang Boryum) and “Soul-Warming Lunch” (Kim Ji-yoon) appeared. They all unite in one idea – you can find warmth and understanding even in the most ordinary places.
The peculiarity of therapeutic novels is that they transform escapism (escape from reality). Note ed.) entered therapy. This is not an attempt to escape, but a way to take a break from the pressures of the outside world for a while. The heroes of these books seem to find themselves in “spiritual havens” such as small cafes, laundries, shops or pharmacies, where you can stop and rethink life.
In addition, these works are often imbued with hyperrealism – attention to detail, description of smells, tastes and familiar rituals. This creates a sense of slowing down and helps the reader literally feel peace of mind. It is not surprising that such books are compared to a cup of hot tea and a warm blanket.
Meanwhile, the genre’s popularity is also linked to the global Korean wave, from music and dramas to literature. Following the success of BTS and the series Squid Game, interest in Korean culture has increased, and with it, books depicting the lives, concerns and dreams of ordinary Seoul residents.
Source: People Talk
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
