A Deep Dive into BTS's "Mikrokosmos"

[Anchor]

A veteran reporter who has fallen for BTS takes a look inside and outside of their "Mikrokosmos." We also look back on the journey of explorer Choi Jong-yeol, the first South Korean to reach the North Pole.

Reporter Lee Ju-sang introduces some new books worth reading this week.

[Reporter]

"Mikrokosmos" / Han Seung-ju / Medici Media

"Mikrokosmos" is a book about BTS culture, experienced by a veteran culture reporter who became a fan.

The author defines the charm of BTS as their raw but sincere confessions, and describes the fandom formed through them as an autonomous community.

The book analyzes seven unique characteristics of the BTS fandom and unfolds their own "Mikrokosmos" by alternating between the perspectives of an insider and an observer.

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"Arctic Expedition, 66 Days on the Ice" / Choi Jong-yeol / Ullimsori

"Arctic Expedition, 66 Days on the Ice" is the story of explorer Choi Jong-yeol, who became the first South Korean to conquer the North Pole.

More difficult than the -50°C (-58°F) cold were the "leads"—cracks in the ice revealing dark seawater—the midnight sun that made it impossible to distinguish day from night, and two separate accidents.

Starting from a fundamental instinct to explore and create new paths where none existed, the book reflects on a journey of challenge filled with both joy and fear.

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"In Praise of Bookstores" / Jeff Deutsch / Nirai Kanai

"In Praise of Bookstores" is an elegant and charming reflection on what makes a good bookstore.

Although one can buy books without visiting a bookstore, the author argues that bookstores must exist because they hold value beyond the economic aspect.

He suggests that what a bookstore sells is the experience of browsing through books, and that the process provides a slow and immersive time.

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"Critique of Speed" / Lee Young-jun / Munhakdongne

"Critique of Speed" is a slow reflection on a fast-paced world.

It asks whether it is normal for speed to occupy such an important place in our lives.

Public transportation, including railways, escalators, signaling systems, and transit apps, has become a "chain of speed."

The book provides a multi-dimensional view of the structure of civilization, noting that while the speed of nature is given and unchangeable, only humans change their own speed.

(Video Editing: VJ Oh Se-kwan)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.