
Gat returns as ‘it' item with viral cultural moments
The Joseon-era thriller ignited a fascination with "gat" — an umbrella term for traditional Korean hats.
Historically, gat came in a wide range of styles, each tailored to the wearer's social status, profession and occasion. What's commonly recognized today as a gat — the tall, black, wide-brimmed sheer hat — is called "heungnip," and was worn by noble scholars, and crafted from horsehair and bamboo.
It has reemerged as a striking performance 'it' item, crossing K-pop, ballet and street dance. Here's how the gat has returned to the spotlight — as a show-stealing, silhouette-defining, viral prop.
Demon boy band in gat
'I'm all you need, I'mma be your idol,' the boyband sings onstage, black gat on their heads and robes swirling. The crowd erupts in thunderous cheers and viewers at home watching the film are left hypnotized.
Netflix's animated hit 'Kpop Demon Hunters' has been making major waves, soaring on music charts worldwide, and quickly climbing to No. 1 on Netflix's global Top 10 chart for English-language films as of Thursday.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and released June 20, the film offers more than just a fun storyline and dynamic soundtrack — it's packed with cultural references deeply rooted in Korean heritage.
Kang has shared in various interviews that she wanted to create something that celebrates her Korean heritage and showcases Korean culture.
Among the breakout stars of the film are the Saja Boys, a demon boy band that goes on a full visual journey — from the bubbly, saccharine look of 'Soda Pop' to the dangerously alluring concept of 'Your Idol.'
In that final transformation, they return to their original demon selves as grim reapers, sporting traditional gat, flowing hanbok and sleek black boots.
For the finale, Kang said it was important to highlight the iconic Korean grim reaper look using the traditional gat, choosing to light the characters in silhouette to emphasize its shape.
Gat en pointe in contemporary ballet
One variation of gat in particular — the "jeongjagwan," worn indoors by noblemen — has become an unlikely ballet icon.
Associated with the image of Nolbu, the greedy brother in the Korean folktale of Heungbu, the jeongjagwan evokes strong associations with wealth and pride in the Korean culture.
So when a ballerino stepped onstage wearing the so-called 'Nolbu gat,' puffing smoke from a long pipe, audiences were stunned in the best way.
The scene caused a stir in Korea's ballet world, not least because it came from a small, newly founded company, the Yunbyul Ballet Company. Since its premiere in June 2024, 'Gat' has taken off, recently wrapping a sold-out six-city national tour.
Choreographed by Park So-yeon, the omnibus of interconnected short pieces is themed around different traditional gat, from the iconic heukrip to the jeongjagwan, and the ornate "jokduri" traditionally worn by women in ceremonial dress.
Park said the idea was inspired by the global buzz around the gat sparked by the Netflix zombie drama 'Kingdom.' Since the gat changes in color and shape according to social status and occasion, the ballet uses these variations to create distinct images, moods and characters across its scenes.
Black-and-white drama with gat flips
In 'World of Street Woman Fighter,' the latest edition of Mnet's hit dance survival franchise, a Mega Crew Mission became one of the show's most viral moments. The performance video by Korean crew Bumsup, released on June 18, quickly racked up over 6.8 million views in a single day, surpassing 14.7 million by Thursday.
Dancer Honey J opened the performance with slow, isolated movements of her neck and torso, creating an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere.
And the gat was chosen early on as a central marker of Korean identity. With the concept rooted in nightmares and fear, the team aimed to channel the ominous aura of the grim reaper.
Traditionally associated with black, the grim reaper was reimagined through white cropped blazers reminiscent of a Korean funeral robe creating stronger visual effect.
Another striking moment came during a high-angle segment, when dancers flipped and used their gat as dramatic props to create traditional East Asian visual motifs. The team had applied white masking tape to the inside of the usually black mesh brim, creating a bold black-and-white contrast when turned.
The video sparked a fun moment in the comments section, where official institutions like the Cultural Heritage Administration, the National Museum of Korea and the Korea Tourism Organization chimed in, calling it a 'heritage-level' performance.
hwangdh@heraldcorp.com
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Korea Herald
7 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Gat returns as ‘it' item with viral cultural moments
When "Kingdom," Netflix's first original K-drama series, was released in 2019, the sight of zombie-fighting noblemen wearing a variety of hats sparked global curiosity, with 'Joseon hats' even showing up in Amazon shopping carts. The Joseon-era thriller ignited a fascination with "gat" — an umbrella term for traditional Korean hats. Historically, gat came in a wide range of styles, each tailored to the wearer's social status, profession and occasion. What's commonly recognized today as a gat — the tall, black, wide-brimmed sheer hat — is called "heungnip," and was worn by noble scholars, and crafted from horsehair and bamboo. It has reemerged as a striking performance 'it' item, crossing K-pop, ballet and street dance. Here's how the gat has returned to the spotlight — as a show-stealing, silhouette-defining, viral prop. Demon boy band in gat 'I'm all you need, I'mma be your idol,' the boyband sings onstage, black gat on their heads and robes swirling. The crowd erupts in thunderous cheers and viewers at home watching the film are left hypnotized. Netflix's animated hit 'Kpop Demon Hunters' has been making major waves, soaring on music charts worldwide, and quickly climbing to No. 1 on Netflix's global Top 10 chart for English-language films as of Thursday. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and released June 20, the film offers more than just a fun storyline and dynamic soundtrack — it's packed with cultural references deeply rooted in Korean heritage. Kang has shared in various interviews that she wanted to create something that celebrates her Korean heritage and showcases Korean culture. Among the breakout stars of the film are the Saja Boys, a demon boy band that goes on a full visual journey — from the bubbly, saccharine look of 'Soda Pop' to the dangerously alluring concept of 'Your Idol.' In that final transformation, they return to their original demon selves as grim reapers, sporting traditional gat, flowing hanbok and sleek black boots. For the finale, Kang said it was important to highlight the iconic Korean grim reaper look using the traditional gat, choosing to light the characters in silhouette to emphasize its shape. Gat en pointe in contemporary ballet One variation of gat in particular — the "jeongjagwan," worn indoors by noblemen — has become an unlikely ballet icon. Associated with the image of Nolbu, the greedy brother in the Korean folktale of Heungbu, the jeongjagwan evokes strong associations with wealth and pride in the Korean culture. So when a ballerino stepped onstage wearing the so-called 'Nolbu gat,' puffing smoke from a long pipe, audiences were stunned in the best way. The scene caused a stir in Korea's ballet world, not least because it came from a small, newly founded company, the Yunbyul Ballet Company. Since its premiere in June 2024, 'Gat' has taken off, recently wrapping a sold-out six-city national tour. Choreographed by Park So-yeon, the omnibus of interconnected short pieces is themed around different traditional gat, from the iconic heukrip to the jeongjagwan, and the ornate "jokduri" traditionally worn by women in ceremonial dress. Park said the idea was inspired by the global buzz around the gat sparked by the Netflix zombie drama 'Kingdom.' Since the gat changes in color and shape according to social status and occasion, the ballet uses these variations to create distinct images, moods and characters across its scenes. Black-and-white drama with gat flips In 'World of Street Woman Fighter,' the latest edition of Mnet's hit dance survival franchise, a Mega Crew Mission became one of the show's most viral moments. The performance video by Korean crew Bumsup, released on June 18, quickly racked up over 6.8 million views in a single day, surpassing 14.7 million by Thursday. Dancer Honey J opened the performance with slow, isolated movements of her neck and torso, creating an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere. And the gat was chosen early on as a central marker of Korean identity. With the concept rooted in nightmares and fear, the team aimed to channel the ominous aura of the grim reaper. Traditionally associated with black, the grim reaper was reimagined through white cropped blazers reminiscent of a Korean funeral robe creating stronger visual effect. Another striking moment came during a high-angle segment, when dancers flipped and used their gat as dramatic props to create traditional East Asian visual motifs. The team had applied white masking tape to the inside of the usually black mesh brim, creating a bold black-and-white contrast when turned. The video sparked a fun moment in the comments section, where official institutions like the Cultural Heritage Administration, the National Museum of Korea and the Korea Tourism Organization chimed in, calling it a 'heritage-level' performance. hwangdh@


Korea Herald
10 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Take a train to Busan for retreat in comfort, luxury
Latest high-speed train service takes you from Seoul to Busan in two hours and 20 minutes BUSAN -- From a serene walk through a bamboo forest to a scenic ride along the coast on an aerial rail, Busan offers a luxurious escape for summer travelers. Known for stunning beaches like Haeundae and its busy port, Busan is easily accessible from Seoul in just two hours and 20 minutes via Korail's latest express train, the KTX-Cheongryong. Into the heart of nature On hot summer days, Ahopsan Forest in Gijang-gun, northern Busan, offers a cool, shaded retreat. The forest features rare turtle bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla), pine trees and hinoki cypress. Owned by the Moon family of Nampyeong, South Jeolla Province, for over 400 years, the forest has been carefully preserved as an ecological space to be passed down through generations. 'It is a forest that has been carefully cultivated by one family over many years, with the purpose of preserving it as an exemplary ecological space to be passed down to future generations. This place has also served as a filming location for well-known productions such as 'The King' and 'Kundo: Age of the Rampant,'' said Choi Young-sun, on-site manager of Ahopsan Forest. 'We're here in Korea for a month and really wanted to visit Busan, especially this forest, because I'm a big fan of Lee Min-ho and the series he starred in, 'The King.' I'm in love with this beautiful place. K-pop and K-dramas lured us all the way from Mexico,' said Floricel, a 25-year-old Mexican visiting Korea with four family members. Sunset on the sea After a breezy stroll through the aromatic forest, visitors can indulge in a luxury yacht tour departing from The Bay 101, a marina near Haeundae known for its dazzling nightscape. The private yacht, accommodating up to 30 guests, sets sail at sunset and cruises toward Gwangalli, where passengers can view Korea's first permanent synchronized drone show. Featuring 1,500 drones lighting up the sky in two 10-minute weekend performances, the show is followed by a stop near Gwangandaegyo Bridge for a fireworks display arranged by the crew. Complimentary beer, soft drinks and snacks are served on board. Relax at the spa To unwind after a packed itinerary, guests can enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment at Sundari Retreat Spa, the only spa in Busan capable of accommodating groups of up to eight people. Its 60-minute premium Sundari Signature treatment, priced at 204,000 won ($150), begins with a warm cup of Rooibos tea, followed by a massage using hot stones and organic oils, all in a private room with panoramic ocean views. 'We've tailored our services to suit Korean preferences, especially the firm-pressure massage style that many clients here prefer. All of our therapists receive specialized training, and over 90 percent are full-time staff with relevant certifications. Our treatments are primarily based on traditional Indian massage techniques,' said Yeom Jung-sook, general manager of Sundari Retreat Spa. Sipping tradition Another notable destination is Brewery Gidarim, a makgeolli brewery committed to crafting traditional Korean liquors with a healthy twist. 'We started this business 10 years ago, when Korea's drinking culture was centered on heavy, unhealthy consumption. Instead of changing the culture, we decided to make the drinks healthier,' said Cho Tae-young, CEO of Brewery Gidarim. Their makgeolli is brewed exclusively with Korean rice, with no aspartame or artificial additives. It undergoes 240 hours of fermentation and low-temperature aging. Visitors can sample four different brews, make a makgeolli cocktail and even seal their own creation in a can to take home. The brewery, also Korea's first open-view makgeolli facility, currently exports to Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Coastal ride above the sea No visit to Busan would be complete without a ride on the Haeundae Sky Capsule, an aerial rail running along a 2-kilometer stretch from Haeundae Mipo to Cheongsapo. Offering romantic coastal views, the capsule moves automatically at an average speed of 4 kilometers per hour. Each carriage fits up to four people, with one-way fares starting at 40,000 won for two passengers, 45,000 won for three and 50,000 won for four. Departing from Cheongsapo Station, visitors can snap photos of a striking scene: a train crossing a pedestrian track against a backdrop of the glittering ocean. On the way to Mipo Station, the capsule passes Cheongsapo Pebble Beach and the Cheongsapo Sky Walk. For travelers seeking a seamless luxury experience, Korail is launching a new premium travel package on July 11. This two-to-three-night, all-inclusive itinerary includes private transportation in a Benz Sprinter, premier accommodations at Signiel Hotel, and door-to-door luggage service. The package offers exclusive programs such as a private art gallery tour, Oriental spa treatments, a night yacht tour and a traditional liquor-tasting session. The package, priced at 2.5 million won per person, departs every Friday in small groups of four to eight, and reservations can be made at


Korea Herald
10 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Summer reads: Books for the hottest days
By Culture Desk Reading is one of the simplest ways to beat the summer heat. From gripping page-turners that whisk us away to reflective essays and self-help titles that gently guide us back into daily life after a break, this season's recommendations span genres and moods. The Korea Herald asked people from a wide range of fields what books they've recently enjoyed and which ones they'd recommend for summer. Their picks might just lead you to a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon or a long-awaited responses of the following figures, arranged alphabetically, have been edited for length and clarity. 1Verse K-pop boy band Hyuk: "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie I've been thinking about how I can make the most out of each day. This book taught me how to do that by weaving stories of people overcoming hardships with carefully chosen poems. It reminds me to value today more than the past or the future. Seok: "The Little Everyday Stoic" by Jorg Bernardy This line resonates with me: 'If you're going through something difficult, if you've failed or if you're angry at someone — will these things still matter to you a year from now?' It's full of quotes that inspire me in my daily life. Nathan: "The Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan One of my favorite books from childhood, the story is adventurous and engaging. I was excited reading it and imagining the scenes was a lot of fun. Kenny: "Smile" by Raina Telgemeier In elementary school, this was one of the first books I bought with my own money after doing two days' worth of home chores. This is also the first book I understood I can relate to and be seen by someone who lives a different life from mine. Aito: "Jujutsu Kaisen" by Gege Akutami Each character has a unique personality that perfectly suits them, making the story incredibly engaging. The fight scenes are so stunning and intense that I found myself completely absorbed. I've read them over and over again! Aoring Author of web comic "Aoring Tokyo" on Kakao Webtoon "Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery" by Catherine Gildiner (Korean title: "Survivors") "Survivors" — what a clunky title! The cover doesn't help either. Plus it's nonfiction. I'd always had this bias that nonfiction lacks literary merit, but after finishing this one, those distinctions felt meaningless. Here are people's stories, achingly real, and here I am, feeling every beat of their hearts. Some truths hit harder than fiction, ring more literary than literature itself. I discovered this book through a small reading group — my greatest stroke of luck this year. I'm passing that luck forward by recommending it here. Chang Kwang-pil HD Hyundai Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer "Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making" by Tony Fadell In this book, Tony Fadell, the 'father of the iPod,' offers essential guidance on how to put innovative creation into practice. It explores how developers work, how to set goals and outlines a three-stage development strategy that ensures innovation leads to real profits. It even provides advice on how to recognize when to abandon a creative process. This book serves as a practical guide and strategic compass for those preparing for innovative breakthroughs, while also offering an opportunity to revisit and reflect on the fundamentals of innovation. Choi Jung-wha President of Corea Image Communication Institute "Yi Do Diary" by Kim Gyeong-mook 'Yi Do Diary' reimagines the 33-year reign of King Sejong (Yi Do) through 33 diary-style essays. It follows his journey from being unexpectedly crowned a king to becoming a wise leader, highlighting his burden of responsibility, loyalty to his elder brother, commitment to strong governance and focus on national defense. The book blends historical facts with imagined dialogues, bringing King Sejong's empathy, open-minded leadership and problem-solving vividly to life. The author, trained in transforming empathy into products, makes Sejong's thoughtful way of living resonate with modern readers. Choung Byoung-gug Chairperson of Arts Council Korea "The Use of Music" by Cho Hye-rim This is a story about someone who chose to change the direction of their life, simply because they loved something deeply. It gently reminds us that art -- like music -- becomes a quiet yet steady force that helps us ride the waves of life. I hope this book encourages young people to trust what they love, to hold on to it, and to find the courage to build a life shaped by it. Bora Chung International Booker-nominated writer "The Mechanics of That Toilet" by Seol Jae-in Seol Jae-in's storytelling is truly remarkable. I knew this going in, but still, I couldn't put the book down. I just had to see what happened in the next scene, on the next page. Through the troublesome event of clogged or failing toilet flushes, the author ultimately addresses issues of abuse and isolation. Because of money or obligations, people end up trapped in relationships that offer no safety nets, only tangled snares. Seol unravels these ensnaring bonds with unpredictable imagination. As a reader, you can't help but be swept up, dancing breathlessly to the rhythm. But because it's Seol Jae-in, the journey all the way to the end is truly worthwhile. Stephane Deblaise Renault Korea CEO "Growth National Happiness" by Francois Roux This spans 30 years of modern French history from 1981 — the year Francois Mitterand was elected as the first socialist president — until 2011. It is about the story of four friends who enter university in 1981, each with different views on politics and life. We follow them as they grow up and either become richer or don't. It is an excellent description of social relationships in France at the end of 20th century and the crossed lives of the four friends. It is very easy to read and also very good. Han Jung-hee Director of Photography Seoul Museum of Art "Desert Island" by Kang Hong-goo One book caught my eye as I was organizing my shelf ahead of the museum opening. In "Desert Island," the islands seem both somewhere and nowhere at once — a curious space where reality and imagination are blurred. Each island feels like a fragment of memory, a trace of places the artist has encountered, or perhaps dreamed of. It serves as a rare gift — one that lets us pause, step away from the noise of the world, and dream a little. I hope the book allows readers to more deeply understand the unique lens through which the artist Kang Hong-goo views the world. Bella Kim Actor, "Winter in Sokcho" "Nomadism" by Lee Jin-kyung This book cracked open Deleuze and Guattari's "A Thousand Plateaus" for me, making its layered thinking more accessible. Its core concepts seemed complex at first but eventually gave me an unexpected sense of legitimacy, letting me feel more fully myself. Perfect summer read for stepping beyond linear thinking and into the unknown. Kim Jae-hong National Museum of Korea Director General "Letters from National Museum of Korea" by Webzine Editorial Department of National Museum of Korea As a curator who has spent many years working closely with artifacts, this book offered me a fresh perspective. The reflections shared by curators, museum visitors and fellow museum aficionados are brief, yet deeply moving, and above all, sincere. The book presents diverse interpretations of 100 artifacts — including the Moon Jar, Pensive Bodhisattva and a clay figurine — that evoke a sense of connection rarely found in academic papers or research reports. On a sweltering summer day, I encourage readers to pause in front of an artifact with this book in hand and take a quiet moment to reflect. Juhea Kim International bestselling author "The Boy of Tear-Flowers: A Story from My Childhood" by Park No-hae This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Park is one of Korea's most beloved poets and a well-known pro-labor activist of the 1980s. This is a collection of essays from Park's childhood in a small village in Jeolla province, illuminating truths about love, community, faith and nature in limpid and unassuming prose (illustrated by his pencil sketches). Reading this is like watching a heavy rain bend down stalks of wildflowers; your heart aches, but afterwards the air fills with even more beautiful fragrance. Kim Sung-hee Director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea "Rainbow Eyes" by Kim Soom The author depicts the weight of life as a person with visual impairment in quiet, understated language. I came across words in this book that delicately pierce my mind, which reminded me of the ongoing exhibition "Looking After Each Other" at MMCA Seoul. The exhibition prompts us to reconsider perceptions of physical disabilities. For someone like me, who had never truly reflected on visual impairment, her writing arrives as a small voice — yet with a profound and resounding impact. Kim Yong-jae Chief revenue officer at SBS' Prism Studios "Everyday Resilience: A Practical Guide to Build Inner Strength and Weather Life's Challenges" by Gail Gazelle The term "resilience" is a word that is being used more and more these days. As people go through life, they inevitably face all sorts of twists, turns and crises. Just as the sea becomes calm and peaceful after high waves and a passing typhoon, this book teaches us how to accept and wisely deal with life's adversities. It is certainly a book worth reading at least once. Lee Hae-shin Endowed chair professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology / Polyphenol Factory CEO "Humankind: A Hopeful History" by Rutger Bregman This book challenges the common belief that humans are inherently selfish and competitive, and instead presents cooperation and goodwill as core aspects of human nature. As you follow the historical cases and scientific experiments described, you come to realize that human society has progressed not through conflict and prejudice, but through trust and optimism. As a scientist, it gave me an opportunity to critically reflect on the interpretations and biases behind experimental results, and it offered me a more positive perspective on humanity and society. Pierre Morcos Cultural Counselor and Director of the Institut francais, Embassy of France in Korea "The Naked Tree" by Park Wan-suh Inspired by the author's life, this novel set during the Korean War captures grief, resilience, and fleeting hope through a young woman's eyes. I discovered it in French this year thanks to a new translation by L'Atelier des Cahiers. It shows how art, especially painting, can bring dignity and solace even in the harshest times. Shin Hye-sung Founder and CEO of Wadiz "Reasons for Travel" by Kim Young-ha As our company pursues global ventures, I find myself traveling abroad more frequently. Business trips are certainly different from vacations, yet, I wonder if they still hold something of the traveler's spirit. One weekend, with a stack of pending agendas, I pulled "Reasons for Travel" off my shelf. It made me reflect on the idea of purposeful travel — leaving behind a life where I exist as a 'somebody,' entangled in countless relationships, and stepping into the anonymity of being a 'nobody' in a place where no one knows me. Perhaps business trips don't quite allow me to enjoy being a 'nobody,' while at the same time demanding relentless effort to become a 'somebody' in an unfamiliar setting. In the end, the difference between those who embrace every moment in life and those who don't often comes down to perspective. Shin Hye-woo Jill Smythies Award-winning botanist, botanical illustrator "Thoreau's Sentences" by Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau continues to inspire nature lovers around the world. Both a writer and a scientist, he captured not only the beauty of the natural world but also offered scientific insights into how that beauty comes to be. His work carries a philosophy that encourages us to reflect on our place in nature. This book can be enjoyed in small doses, like taking a brief rest to escape the summer heat — just open to any page and read a little. When you look up from the text, the radiant greens of summer may seem to shine even brighter. Shin Seong-jin Founder of AXIS "The Ideal Team Player" by Patrick Lencioni Even during moments of rest, my thoughts often return to my team. This book introduces three simple but powerful traits — humble, hungry and smart — as the foundation of great teamwork. It reminded me that strong teams are not built on fancy strategies, but on shared values and character. For anyone building something with others, this book is a refreshing reminder that going back to the basics is often the most effective way forward. Sini Author of web comic "1 Second" on Naver Webtoon "There is No If" by Namkoong In I'll admit I picked this up for work, but "There is No If" became something else entirely. It's a collection of essays that thread together emergency room stories through an ER doctor's perspective. I've always loved peering behind the curtain — it's what drives my own work. The irony isn't lost on me — that a book I picked up out of professional duty ended up genuinely moving me is quite interesting in itself. Clemens Treter Director Goethe-Institut Korea / Regional Director East and Central Asia "February 1933: The Winter of Literature" and "Marseille 1940: The Flight of Literature" by Uwe Wittstock Uwe Wittstock's 'February 1933' vividly captures the winter of literature as Hitler rises to power and the Nazi regime begins its grip on Germany — met with disbelief by much of Berlin's vibrant literary scene. It's a chilling account, all the more resonant in light of today's political climate. The book comes with a companion, 'Marseille 1940,' which follows the courageous work of Varian Fry's Emergency Rescue Committee. With tenacity and moral clarity, Fry helped some 2,000 people escape the Nazis — among them many artists and writers like Hannah Arendt, Anna Seghers, Lion Feuchtwanger and Marc Chagall. Wittstock tells a gripping story of humanity, fear, hope and improbable survival. Michelle Winthrop Ambassador of Ireland to Republic of Korea "Black Flower" by Kim Young-ha K-Literature is my favourite aspect of K-Culture. Throughout my posting so far, I've really enjoyed delving in to some of the great fiction, often impeccably translated into English. I adore all of Han Kang's writing. One book I've really enjoyed in recent months has been "Black Flower" by Kim Young-ha. A complex story of intrepid Koreans who emigrated to Mexico as laborers, based on a "little-known moment of Korean history." Ireland is a nation of emigrants, who traveled over generations to the four corners of the globe (including to Mexico), and so this epic story really resonated with me. It's also beautifully written. Yi Dahm Author of web comic "Like Mother, Like Daughter" on Naver Webtoon "The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource" by Chris Hayes What happens when everyone's fighting over our most finite resource — attention? And how do we protect what's left of it? MSNBC host Chris Hayes examines how human attention has become commodified and what that means for society. He offers a guide for navigating past the siren songs trying to hijack our focus. An essential read for this distracted age. Tei Yong CEO of Catchtable "The Right It" by Alberto Savoia I highly recommend this book to both entrepreneurs and people working on new ideas, projects or innovations. It starts with the idea that most new ideas fail and teaches you how to find out which ones are likely to succeed, using as little time and money as possible. Instead of relying only on your intuition or other people's opinions, the book encourages you to test and validate your idea first to avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions.