Millie's Library, Korea's largest digital reading platform operated by KT, said Thursday that readership of trend-forecasting books covering social and economic developments has been rising ahead of year-end.
The surge in trend book consumption is closely tied to the year-end season, according to the platform's analysis. As readers wrap up one year and prepare for the next, demand concentrates on understanding future directions of change across generations and fields. Trend outlook books covering society, culture, and the economy are perceived as practical content for future planning and decision-making, not merely information consumption, showing heightened interest every year-end.
Data from Millie's Library supports this trend. The number of books added to personal libraries in the economy and business category, which includes trend-related titles, increased more than 17% in early November (Nov. 1-15) compared to late October (Oct. 15-31). Eight trend-related books ranked among the top 50 in the economy and business category, demonstrating sustained popularity.
"Trend Korea 2026" has drawn particular attention. The title surpassed 54,000 library additions within two weeks of release. Users were evenly split between women at 54% and men at 46%. By age group, readers in their 30s accounted for the highest share at 31%, followed by those in their 20s at 16%. The book is available in various formats including e-book, audiobook, chatbook, and docent book.
Millie's Library continues to produce original trend content. The platform recently published "3-Minute Trend Workbook" in collaboration with Ottogi, exploring cultural trends through the lens of food preferences. The book examines rapidly changing social atmospheres and contemporary sensibilities from a food culture perspective.
"For trend books, there is significant demand for quickly checking relevant content based on situation and purpose rather than reading through in one sitting," said Lee Sung-ho, head of the reading division at KT Millie's Library. "Millie's Library offers trend books in various formats such as e-books, audiobooks, and chatbooks as a strategy to help readers flexibly utilize trend information in daily life."
He added, "We will continue to diversify access methods especially for time-sensitive books, expanding reading experiences that allow readers to understand and utilize content in their own way."
