The core theme of this book fair, ‘Human Declaration: Homo Duduri’, raised a very timely topic at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly replacing the human intellectual domain. In her congratulatory address, Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung emphasized that as technological development accelerates, the unique power of books becomes more special, and that the human attitude of asking questions and reflecting on oneself through books is more important than anything else. In fact, the exhibition hall was filled with the results of the intense labor of writers and publishers who pondered the existential meaning of humans living in the AI ​​era. The artists' handwritten proof sheets hanging at the Mind Walk booth symbolized the unique human agony and sincerity that cannot be imitated through digital editing, and resonated deeply with visitors.

One of the interesting scenes captured at the scene was the explosive reading enthusiasm of the 2030 generation, called ‘Text-hip’. The depressing statistics of the decline in the reading population of the past are in vain, and young people are consuming reading as a trendy way to enjoy culture, such as purchasing book fair goods and enjoying the concepts of specific publishers. This phenomenon suggests that books have become more than just something to read, but have become an item that represents one's tastes and values. Publishers are also following this trend and introducing various strategies to communicate with readers, such as selling blind books, producing stylish goods, and operating joint booths, revitalizing the stagnant market.

Scenes of political and cultural communication were also noticeable throughout the event venue. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited the ‘Pyeongsan Bookstore’ booth, purchased former President Moon Jae-in’s books, encouraged officials, and confirmed cultural solidarity. In addition, meetings with foreign writers such as Bernard Werber and warm communication with author Eun-hye Jeong once again made it clear that the book fair is a hub for cultural exchange between Korea and the world. Meanwhile, the Baekbeom Kim Gu special exhibition of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the joint booth of independent publishers showed that books are vessels that preserve memories of the past and contain diverse voices. In particular, the joint achievements made by one-person publishers presented the possibility of small but strong solidarity in the publishing market dominated by large capital.

Of course, behind this enthusiasm, concerns about a sustainable publishing ecosystem also coexist. Like Literature and Intelligence, excluding paid goods and practicing booth recycling sounds an alarm about the waste left behind after a fancy festival and makes us look back on the original identity of the book fair. In addition, the move to hold a separate event on Nodeul Island due to the controversy over transparency in the selection of participating companies simultaneously shows the internal conflict that the current publishing industry is experiencing and the desire to secure diversity. This means that beyond simply being an event to sell books, intense discussions about the rights and interests of publishers and a fair market environment are actively taking place around the book fair.