A new book titled 'China Wang Suda,' co-authored by a diplomat and a journalist with extensive experience in China, has been published by Purun-gil Publishing.
The authors are Choi Gang-seok, Deputy Consul General at the Republic of Korea Consulate in Qingdao, and Choi Ko-bong, head of the China branch at Aju Economic Daily. The two, who have experienced China from different perspectives, collaborated for about a year to complete the book.
Choi Gang-seok is a seasoned diplomat who has worked in key Chinese cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Shanghai, and Qingdao, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Northeast Asia Bureau and the South Korean Embassy in China. He shares insights on the changes and daily life he encountered in various cities, discussing why China cannot be viewed as a singular entity due to its diverse histories and characteristics.
Choi Ko-bong has served as a correspondent and bureau chief for Aju Economic Daily and is currently the head of the China branch. Drawing from his extensive reporting experience, he examines the differences between the China portrayed in the news and the realities on the ground. He addresses the societal focus on survival over growth, the choices of the younger generation, and the increasingly competitive market environment, supported by specific examples.
The book also covers various aspects of Chinese life, including the '996' work culture, WeChat and QR payments, rapid delivery services, marriage and housing, the rise of online influencers, and the Hanfu (traditional Han Chinese clothing) trend. Rather than grand analyses, the authors center their narratives on their firsthand experiences, making it accessible for readers unfamiliar with China.
'China Wang Suda' does not present a one-sided conclusion, whether optimistic or pessimistic, about China. It calmly illustrates what to observe in order to understand the rapidly changing nation, juxtaposing the accumulated experiences of a diplomat with the on-the-ground insights of a journalist.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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