About the Author

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.

Reviews

“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