The recent '2025 National Reading Status Survey' released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reveals alarming low figures regarding reading habits in South Korea. Indicators such as adult reading rates, reading volume, and frequency of reading have all seen a decline, marking a troubling trend toward a desertification of the reading ecosystem. Adult comprehensive reading rates, including paper books, e-books, and audiobooks, dropped from 67.4% in 2015 to only 38.5% in 2025, indicating that fewer than four out of ten adults engage in reading. Moreover, the average number of books read annually by adults has plummeted to just 1.3 books, a drastic drop from 9.1 books a decade ago.

While the survey suggests over 90% reading rates among elementary and high school students, a deeper look shows that only 69.8% of teenagers aged 13-19 are engaged in reading, with about 30% not reading even one book per year. This disengagement is increasing with age, illustrating a concerning trend in South Korea's reading habits. In contrast, the EU's 2022 survey reveals a much healthier average reading rate of 52.8% among Europeans, with some countries exceeding 70%. Additionally, the reading engagement in the United States remains robust, with a steady reading rate around 75% in recent years, showcasing a stark contrast to the Korean context.

Despite these shocking findings, there is a notable lack of urgency from the government and media regarding the declining reading culture. The survey results underscore the need to cultivate critical thinking and creativity through reading, suggesting that solutions may lie in improving reading preferences and encouraging a more engaging approach to literature and learning.