The Power of Nunchi | Book Review | 2019 | Euny Hong

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Euny Hong is a notable journalist and author. Born in the United States, Hong spent her childhood between the U.S. and Seoul, South Korea. She graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in Philosophy, where she co-founded the campus humor magazine, Rumpus. She also holds a Higher Certificate from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust in the UK.

Published by Simon & Schuster in 2006, Hong’s debut novel, Kept: A Comedy of Sex and Manners, received critical acclaim. The novel was also eventually translated into German. However, Hong rose to prominence with her 2014 book, The Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation is Conquering the World Through Pop Culture. The book was translated into seven languages. Her third novel, The Power of Nunchi: The Korean Secret to Happiness and Success, was released in November 2019 by Penguin Random House. The book was pre-sold in fifteen languages.

As a journalist, Hong’s work has appeared in major publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal Europe. She has extensive international experience in web, print, and television news.

Hong’s achievements include receiving a Fulbright Young Journalists’ Grant. She has lived in various cities around the world, including Frankfurt and Berlin. She moved to New York in 2012. Hong is fluent in English, French, German, and Korean. Her writing style stands out for its wit and cultural insights.

SYNOPSIS

The Power of Nunchi explores the subtle yet profound art of nunchi, meaning “eye-measure”. Nunchi is the ability to gauge the thoughts and feelings of those around you through keen observation and emotional intelligence. This skill can transform our personal and professional lives by enabling trust and creating meaningful connections.

Hong introduces readers to nunchi through personal and historical anecdotes, illustrating its ingrained presence in Korean culture. She delves into its historical roots, showing how nunchi evolved as a survival mechanism during Korea’s turbulent history of invasions and strife. This historical perspective underscores nunchi‘s importance as both a social tool and a sophisticated form of interaction.

Nunchi involves observing entire social contexts rather than individual actions. By reading the “room” –  the collective mood and dynamics of a group – one can respond appropriately to various social cues. Hong emphasizes the importance of collectivism, understanding, and “roundness” – traits that improve interactions and minimize conflicts. Techniques such as “stilling” to clear the mind and “mirroring” to create rapport through subtle mimicry are key strategies. The Socratic method of questioning also helps guide others to logical conclusions without direct confrontation.

The Power of Nunchi highlights the significance of indirect communication. This is a core aspect of nunchi, one that ensures smoother relationships by understanding unspoken cues and contexts. In fact, this skill is particularly beneficial in professional settings, where reading the room can reveal unspoken hierarchies and power dynamics. Obviously, this comes in handy while effectively navigating workplace politics.

Toward the end, Hong even suggests that nunchi can be a tool for positive change in international relations and cross-cultural understanding. In a world rife with misunderstanding and conflict, the ability to read and understand others’ perspectives is invaluable.

WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT THE POWER OF NUNCHI

Hong explores the impact of nunchi on personal relationships. She vociferously advocates listening more than speaking, observing others’ body language, and being attuned to the subtleties of interpersonal interaction. This leads to more empathetic and meaningful connections, which is essential in a digitally dominated society.

In an age of rising individualism, rampant smartphone addiction, and waning social awareness, the concept of nunchi is more critical than ever. This art of social intuition, which once flourished in family teachings, now finds its place in books, providing essential wisdom in our disconnected times.

One striking concept introduced in The Power of Nunchi is understanding our three brains: the animal brain, driven by basic instincts; the middle brain, which processes intuitions; and the neo-cortex, known for its analytical power but also prone to distraction. By silencing the “monkey brain” of the neo-cortex, we can unlock our intuitive middle brain. This brain is responsible for blending instinct with intellect for deeper insights and improved social harmony.

Another important aspect of the book is its discussion on the relationship between nunchi and mental health. Practicing nunchi can lead to greater happiness and satisfaction. It does so by encouraging mindfulness and fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Hong also addresses the potential downsides of nunchi, such as excessive conformity and suppression of individuality. She warns against using nunchi to blend in or manipulate others, advising readers to strike the right balance for better personal and social interactions.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT THE POWER OF NUNCHI

While the concept of nunchi is intriguing, it might seem too simplistic to warrant a self-help book. After all, isn’t it just common sense repackaged? Every culture likely has its own version of this idea. In fact, the themes presented in the book might just skim the surface of a much deeper, richer philosophy.

At times, the book’s exhaustive application of nunchi feels like overkill. It is, in fact, akin to turning basic etiquette into an elaborate how-to manual. In essence, the book dilutes what should be a subtle, intuitive skill into a series of overly detailed instructions.

QUOTES

Nunchi is about understanding what’s not said, what’s between the lines, and what’s in the silence.

Excessive empathy can be dangerous. Narcissists are known for targeting empathetic people. It’s great to put yourself in another’s shoes, but the logical extension may be that you lose yourself. It’s destabilizing. Nunchi, by contrast, puts quiet observation first, which allows you to stay on firm ground while still listening to the other person.

Don’t put yourself in someone else’s shoes but move. Perch yourself in a different part of the room, like a cat.

Everyone benefits when people can read each other’s unspoken intentions.

CONCLUSION