VOL.83/2025.06

 

Books Loved Across Generations: Korean Steady Sellers

 

2025.04.07

 

Bestseller lists reflect the issues of the times and the interests of readers. You can get a glimpse into readers’ thoughts and interests by looking at why a book gained traction. On the other hand, steady sellers are not only reflective of the times, like bestsellers, but they have the power to transcend time. A steady seller refers to a book that goes beyond just being a trend, and has a long-lasting lifespan through the power of its story. There are many books that become overnight bestsellers simply because they are written by popular authors with a fandom, or because they are endorsed by influencers. However, steady sellers are the ones that stay with readers across time. These books have stood the test of time and are more than just a fad; they resonate with readers and deliver a deeper message about life. They are not just books published a long time ago, but books still being read and revisited today.

 

Books passed down as a legacy of the times

 

People today find it increasingly difficult to spare much time for reading, and they feel overwhelmed by reading full-length novels with complex character structures and narratives. As a result, short and medium-length novels have become popular in Korean literature. However, sagas and serialized novels, which have been around for ages, still shine with value. Written over 26 years, Park Kyung-Ri’s grand saga Land (Dasan Content Group) is a monumental legacy of Korean literature and a representative steady seller. Set against the backdrop of Korea’s turbulent history from the Korean Empire to liberation, it captures the lives and changes of its many characters. Despite its enormous length, this title continues to be loved by readers for its vivid portrayal of human joys and sorrows. It remains a novel with a strong presence, as evidenced by the recent appearance of reading challenges and content that summarizes the historical context.
Park Wan-Suh’s novels also resonate with many readers for their realistic yet heartwarming stories, standing the test of time. Among them, Who Ate Up All the Shinga? (Segyesa), an autobiographical coming-of-age novel published in 1992, tells the story of the protagonist who grew up during the Japanese occupation, liberation, and the Korean War. This tender, vivid recollection of her childhood touches a deep chord and has been consistently selected as a recommended book for teenagers across generations. Many generations often read epic sagas that capture human characteristics in the context of Korean history and become classics.

 

 

Cross-generational resonance through common stories about life

 

Stories about life that are universally relevant and timeless resonate across generations. Some works that shed light on the social issues of an era become steady sellers. Cho Nam-Joo’s KIM JIYOUNG BORN 1982 (Minumsa Publishing), which realistically depicts the patriarchal culture of Korean society and the problems faced by women, sparked the interest of many readers. Since its publication in 2016, the book has steadily gained popularity; it is a representative example of how an ordinary individual’s story can draw empathy across generations for a long time. It has also been translated into various languages and exported to various countries beyond Korea, such as Japan, Taiwan, and the English-speaking regions.

 

 

Yang Gui-Ja’s Contradictions (Write Publishing Co.), published before that, also realistically captures women’s diverse life choices and concerns, such as life, relationships, love, and marriage. When it was published in 1998, it became a bestseller with great popularity among readers in their 20s, and it is still sought after by readers in their 20s today - the children of the 40s and 50s generations that first read it. Revised and re-covered editions have continued to be published, expanding its readership. More recently, word-of-mouth and recommendations have added to its popularity, and it’s back on the bestseller list again, showing that its popularity has never waned. Meanwhile, Kim Su-Hyun’s I Decided to Live as Me (Clay House) is an essay that offers compassionate advice on self-esteem and human relationships in the modern world. Many readers find comfort and encouragement in this book as they design their lives and make resolutions. Long a favorite among readers looking to find their true selves, I Decided to Live as Me has become a book that conveys a timeless message.

 

 

The new generation of readers looks for books that have been popular with readers before them

 

It is difficult for practical books to become steady sellers given the rapidly changing information they need to reflect. However, books that provide reliable information and practical help are often loved over time and become steady sellers. For example, Ha Jung-Hoon’s Bbibbo bbibbo Symptom-Specific Tips for Sick Babies (Yuni Chaekbang), one of the best steady sellers in the family category, provides reliable information on baby healthcare and illnesses, and has become a must-have for parents preparing to give birth and raise children. It is constantly being revised to reflect the latest information, reaching new audiences.
In the category of children’s books, the educational comic book series Magic Hanja (Magic Chinese Characters)(Owl Book) is one of the representative steady sellers. The series has pioneered the educational comics market, garnering solid popularity for over 20 years. Its fun stories and educational values have made it an entertaining read for kids and an educational choice for parents. Meanwhile, a new steady seller for children is the Common Siblings (Mirae N Co., Ltd.) series, an example of a series with the characteristics of a YouTuber which succeeded in building a strong fan base. The series is expanding to include a variety of educational content using the characters, enriching the children’s book market.
For young adult fiction, there’s Almond (Darjeeling Books) by Sohn Won-Pyung. The coming-of-age story of a boy who cannot feel emotions delicately explores the universal theme of “empathy” and has been loved by readers of all ages. It has been well-received not only in Korea but also overseas, gathering a stable readership.

 

 

Timeless favorites: steady sellers

 

Steady sellers are not just books that sell a lot of copies but works that continue to resonate with and impress readers. They convey universal human experiences and values that transcend time and are read across generations. Although many new titles will be released in the Korean publishing market in the future, I hope that steady sellers that resonate with readers and deeply permeate their lives will continue to be published.

 

 

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Written by Kim Hyun-Jung (Brand Communication Team, Kyobo Book Centre)