“The Plague” written by Albert Camus. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 16 (Korea Bizwire) — A classic novel that was published more than 70 years ago and widely read so far, has recently been on the bestseller list at Korean bookstores in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The classic novel that is catching on is “The Plague” written by Albert Camus in 1947.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, literature and movies dealing with infectious diseases are gaining popularity. Some bookstores also have shelves that display only novels about the spread of the virus.
“I got goose bumps when I read the book, which was written right after World War II. It fits in perfectly with the current situation in Korean society,” said a student looking for a job who recently read “The Plague.”
“It was amazing and interesting because the sense of helplessness we feel in the face of the disease is expressed in the novel.”
Some people say that they gained hope when they saw the disease finally get contained and the city’s blockade was lifted.
“It was impressive to see medical staff, reporters, priests and others working together in a difficult situation,” a college student said.
“It overlapped with those in the novel who quietly do their work while mirroring the medical staff who volunteered to work in Daegu.”
Meanwhile, movies dealing with infectious diseases such as 2013 South Korean film “The Flu” are also popular.
Released in 2011, the movie “Contagion” was also shared on various social networking services, dubbed the ‘Coronavirus Film.’
“My elementary school child did not understand why he could not play outside, but after watching the movie together, he wore a mask and washed his hands well,” a parent said.
“I enjoyed watching the movie because pressing the elevator button triggered by COVID-19 was portrayed as the same in the movie.”
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
