Novels Go to Libraries, Economics Books Get Underlined: Different Reading Habits Among Readers

Millie’s Library 2026 First Half Analysis
"The Minimum Economics to Survive in the Age of Capitalism" Receives the Most Highlights
"Project Hail Mary" Tops Most-Saved Books

Novels were stored in users' personal libraries, while economic and self-development books were often highlighted with underlines on meaningful passages. The analysis showed that usage patterns on the e-book platform varied clearly depending on the purpose of reading and the genre.

KT Millie's Library Announces Reading Trends for the First Half of 2026.

KT Millie’s Library released its “2026 First Half Reading Report” on the 27th, analyzing user data such as books saved to personal libraries, highlights, ratings, and 'Book of a Lifetime' selections.

The most frequently added book to personal libraries was Andy Weir’s novel "Project Hail Mary," which garnered attention in conjunction with its film release. "I Said Goodbye" by Kim Aeran and "My Perfect Funeral" by Cho Hyunseon came in second and third, respectively, highlighting the popularity of novels.

In the highlights category, where readers underline impressive sentences, economic and self-development books ranked highest. "The Minimum Economics to Survive in the Age of Capitalism" by Baek Eoknam took the top spot, followed by "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and "Stock Investment for Progress" by Lee Kwangsoo. KT Millie’s Library explained that continued economic uncertainty has led to increased demand for recording information that provides practical help with investment and asset management.

The book with the highest rating was "The Minimum History of the Three Kingdoms" by Choi Taesung, a popular history book. The essay "Live by Caring for Yourself" by Na Taejoo and the novel "Today, I Bake Happiness" by Kim Naeul ranked second and third, respectively. In the "Book of a Lifetime" category, selected directly by readers, "I Want to Become a Strong and Beautiful Grandmother" by Kim Seulgi received the most votes.

Past publications have also experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to media exposure and word of mouth. With the popularity of the variety show "Black and White Chef," "Chef Choi Kangrok’s Cooking Note" gained traction. "Shoot My Heart" by Jeong Yoojeong, which was reissued with a new cover after 17 years, and Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations," recommended by actress Moon Gayoung, also attracted readers’ interest.

On the creative platform Millie Road, "Christina’s Small and Bold Life" by Shin Kyungsook topped the list with a cumulative 140,000 views. The story, which began serialization in November of last year, follows Christina, a farmer for over 60 years, as she moves to Seoul and builds a new life after her husband’s passing.

Lee Seongho, Head of Reading Party at Millie’s Library, said, "Novels are typically stored for later enjoyment, whereas economic and self-development books are directly highlighted and annotated, showing that reading approaches differ by genre."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.