Domestic reading platform kt Millie Seojae said on the 16th that it selected the key keywords that will run through this year's reading market based on an artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of books loved by readers last year. This year, it also plans to launch an AI service that recommends new books and content by comprehensively analyzing reading preferences, interests, and usage context.
The key keywords Millie's library picked to run through the 2026 reading market are ▲ nano money management in the era of hyper-personalization ▲ intentional rest (dopamine detox) ▲ again, the power of story ▲ humanistic ways to use AI.
In the economy and business field, it forecast that the trend of "nano-unit money management," a practice-centered approach, will spread. Unlike last year, when interest in the big goal of "financial freedom" ran hot, nano money management books that can be applied immediately, such as "a side job for office workers to earn an extra 100,000 won a month," are expected to gain popularity as practical alternatives.
It also expected reading demand to expand for themes of "intentional rest" and "dopamine detox." A company official said, "In an environment where consumption of stimulating content has become routine, a trend to restore weakened concentration and the power of thinking will stand out." Books on scientific rest and focus training are expected to draw attention, including the brain science book "Dopamine Detox," "Digital Minimalism," which reduces the use of digital devices, and "How to Intentionally Become Bored," a guide for deep reading and contemplation.
It also saw the "again, the power of story" trend gaining traction. As reading tendencies to immerse in intense narratives persist amid growing real-world anxieties, preferences are also expected to continue for genre novels and series with solid world-building, and for major works whose buzz has been verified through screen adaptations.
Millie's library will unveil a new AI-powered personalized discovery service this year in step with the AI era. Bang Eun-hye, Deputy Minister of AI Services at Millie's library, said, "We will continue to advance AI-based services, steadily observe the changing reading flow, and expand the use of AI in ways that improve the user experience throughout the entire reading process."