SEOUL – The keyword 'AI' (Artificial Intelligence) has emerged as the most frequently used word in the titles of books published in South Korea this year, reflecting the widespread and growing public interest in the technology.

According to an analysis by Kyobo Book Centre, one of the nation's largest bookstores, the term 'AI' appeared in the titles of 224 different books published between January 1 and November 28, 2025. This analysis excluded common and less significant words such as 'hardcover,' '2025,' 'series,' and 'for.'

AI's Rise in Book Publishing

The dominance of 'AI' highlights its status as a core topic across various sectors. Following 'AI,' other commonly featured words in book titles were:

'Class' (수업): 190 times
'Science' (과학): 176 times
'Math' (수학): 174 times
'Path' / 'Way' (길): 158 times
'Mind' / 'Heart' (마음): 155 times

The surge in AI-related book publications covers a broad spectrum, ranging from practical guides on how to utilize AI and works forecasting AI trends in specific fields, to philosophical and humanities-focused books exploring the implications and darker sides of artificial intelligence.

Massive Growth in AI Book Volume and Sales

The sheer volume of AI-related books has seen a dramatic increase, even for those that do not feature the acronym directly in the title. Data released earlier this month by Kyobo Book Centre showed a nearly two-fold increase in the number of newly published AI books this year compared to the previous year.

2025 AI Books Published: 2,040 titles
2024 AI Books Published: 1,057 titles

This massive increase in publication was matched by a significant boost in consumer demand, with sales of AI books skyrocketing by 68.5% compared to last year. The popularity of titles like "Dual Brain" by AI expert Ethan Mollick, which even claimed the top spot on the weekly bestseller list, fueled this trend.

A Look Towards the Future

Industry experts and trend forecasters anticipate that the fascination with AI will continue well into the coming year. Many trend-predicting publications, including Professor Kim Nan-do's influential "Trend Korea 2026," have already designated AI as a key trend for the next year.

This sustained interest is expected to lead to an even greater proliferation of AI-themed publications as publishers rush to meet the public’s ongoing demand for knowledge, guidance, and critical discussion surrounding this transformative technology. The book market is clearly signaling that, for now, the Age of AI is just beginning.

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