Euny Hong is the author of The Birth of Korean Cool and a journalist who has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, and Financial Times. A self-described "nunchi ninja," at age twelve she moved with her family from suburban Chicago to South Korea, not knowing Korean, and within a year was at the top of her class--thanks to her nunchi. She divides her time between New York and Paris and is fluent in English, Korean, French, German--and nunchi.
“The 5,000-year-old concept [of nunchi] is nuanced but ultimately
simple: Pay attention. . . . With Hong’s guidance, you, too, can
become a nunchi ninja in the New Year.” —The Washington Post
“Profoundly wise . . . This wonderful exploration of a nuanced
Korean philosophy will appeal to any reader looking to hone skills
of emotional perception.” —Publishers Weekly
“Advice that can serve everyone well . . . Give[s] readers the
chance to incorporate principles into their daily lives that will
help them see through many everyday challenges.” —Library
Journal
“Wow, this really . . . shines a new light on interaction with
people and connecting.” —Rick Steves, Travel with Rick Steves
(podcast)
“America can learn something from Korea’s concept of nunchi . . .
before we all tumble down into the deepening divides between us . .
. because empathy is at [its] core.” ―The Michigan Daily
“Nunchi is the Korean superpower you need now.” —Evening
Standard
“A more profound way of looking at life than hygge or Marie Kondo’s
obsession with tidying sock drawers . . . It should be read by all
politicians . . . and by those struggling in fractious
relationships, or families squabbling on holiday. . . . We could
all help ourselves by practicing the ancient art of nunchi.” —The
Times (London)
“Essential reading . . . It’s the golden buzzer—a simple, but
life-changing, book for society. If we all had a little more
nunchi, the world would be a better place.” —Sunday
Independent (Ireland)
“Finally, a wellness concept I can get behind!” —Robyn Wilder,
Grazia
“Having grown up with a Korean mom with finely tuned nunchi, I’ve
been raised to ‘read the room’ and chastise others for failing to
do so. Given how powerful nunchi can be in our relationships and
careers, I’ve often wondered whether it could be taught. Putting a
modern spin on an ancient concept, Euny Hong shows that it can be,
and had me laughing at and relating to her observations in this
wise and witty guide.” —Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’s
Nightline
“I’ve been using The Power of Nunchi in all aspects of my life, and
I’ve been truly kicking ass. I even canceled my Headspace
subscription and fired one of my shrinks. The best twenty dollars
you’ll spend all year!” —Gary Shteyngart, New York Times
bestselling author of Super Sad True Love Story
“In her practical and care-full guide, Euny Hong shows us how
nunchi—the beautiful, still practice of mindfully reading
people—can help us to live a more considered life in our
distracted, digitally disconnected culture. The Power of Nunchi is
the self-help bible we need.” —Sarah Wilson, New York Times
bestselling author of First, We Make the Beast Beautiful
“A life-changer for someone like me who struggles with emotional
intelligence and personal relationships. Beautifully written and
filled with actionable advice, it has changed the way I deal with
social situations. It really feels like having a
superpower!” —Héctor García, bestselling coauthor of Ikigai:
The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
“I haven’t enjoyed—and learned from—a book this much in
ages! Euny Hong has an addictive voice that just pulls you in
and makes you want to keep reading. Whip-smart, hilarious, and
filled with eye-opening insights on every page, The Power of Nunchi
will make you rethink the way you approach the world and help you
achieve your goals, whatever they may be. I couldn’t put it down.”
—Amy Chua, New York Times bestselling author of Battle Hymn of the
Tiger Mother
“Entertaining and informative, The Power of Nunchi is both a
practical guide to navigating social situations and a mini
cultural history of those fascinating Koreans—not to mention a
perfect conversation starter.” —Ed Park, author of Personal
Days
“Exploding with eureka moments, and filled with tools and stories
to build nunchi skills, The Power of Nunchi is recommended reading
for anyone seeking to influence the room—or the world.” —Elizabeth
Emens, author of Life Admin
“Euny Hong just taught me what I really want to be when I grow up:
a nunchi ninja!” —Zoe Chance, Yale School of Management
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