Prince Harry's Autobiography Release Sparks 'Open Run' at UK Bookstores

A reader who purchased the autobiography of Prince Harry of the United Kingdom, 'Spencer,' is delighted. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] On the 10th (local time), the official release day of British Prince Harry's autobiography "Spare," an "open run" phenomenon occurred at local bookstores.

Local media such as Sky News reported that at a bookstore in London, people and reporters waiting outside for hours before opening mixed together and even rushed to the autobiography display.

This bookstore specially opened at midnight on that day to sell Prince Harry's autobiography first. The book is priced at 28 pounds (about 42,000 won), and the bookstore held an event offering it at half price (14 pounds) through advance reservations to attract customers. Online bookstores like Amazon also offered half-price discounts.

Although the book was sold earlier than the official release date in Spain, leading to significant content leaks, these media outlets said many people waited outside the bookstore for hours despite the chilly weather.

Chris Imafidon, who purchased the book the earliest that day, said, "I lined up outside the bookstore from 9:30 p.m. last night. I was very curious about why Harry left the royal family."

According to Bloomberg News, "Spare" has already become a bestseller in the United States through pre-orders alone, with pre-order volumes similar to Michelle Obama's autobiography.