Jack Boswell explores the Korean concept of Nunchi - a cultural practice that centres on deeply attuning to one’s surroundings and gauging others' unspoken thoughts and emotions. Through the lens of Nunchi, we learn about how silence and observation can speak louder than words.

Joining him is Euny Hong, author of The Power of Nunchi, who shares her own journey with Nunchi and what it reveals about human connection. Euny describes Nunchi as more than mere intuition - it’s a way of tuning into the subtle cues in our environment and adjusting our behaviour accordingly. In one memorable story, she recounts an awkward moment at a party that could have been avoided with a bit more sensitivity to the room’s mood - a stark reminder of how easily we can misread social situations when we’re too focused on ourselves.

Jack also sits down with Dr Jin Park, a professor of philosophy and religion, to delve into the deeper cultural roots of Nunchi. For Koreans, she explains, Nunchi is more than just a social skill - it’s a way of living in harmony with others in close quarters. In South Korea's densely populated cities, where space is limited, people grow up learning to pick up on non-verbal cues and anticipate each other’s needs, creating a collective sense of peace and understanding. Dr Park shares a touching story about a small but powerful gesture that epitomises the care and attentiveness that Nunchi fosters.

This episode offers listeners a chance to reflect on how tuning into our surroundings and being mindful of unspoken cues can enrich our relationships and bring more harmony into our lives. It’s an invitation to cultivate a quieter form of attentiveness, one that values silence and subtlety, and to find ways to truly see and understand the people around us.

Host: Jack Boswell Producer: Emma Crampton Senior Producer: Harry Stott Executive Producer: Sandra Ferrari Production Coordinator: James Cox Audio Supervisor: Tom Biddle Sound Editor: Alan Leer

A Message Heard production for BBC Radio 4