Recommending Books and Opening a Bookstore... 'Moon Jae-in Style Communication Method'

Book Lover Moon... Plans to Operate Pyeongsan Village Bookstore
Interest in Whether She Will Engage in 'Direct Communication' as Bookstore Keeper
Previously Gifted Books to All Former Cheong Staff

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Former President Moon Jae-in, known as a well-known book lover, is opening a bookstore in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, where he resides. The plan is to create a space for interaction and communication with citizens through books. Former President Moon has actively recommended books through social networking services (SNS) even after his retirement. Operating a bookstore is seen as a step further from simply recommending books, expressing his willingness for 'direct communication' with citizens.

Former President Moon Jae-in reading a book. / Photo by his daughter Dahye, Twitter capture

According to a report by Hankyoreh on the 15th, former President Moon recently stated in an interview with Hankyoreh and Hangilsa, "I plan to open a 'neighborhood bookstore' as early as next month." The plan is to make it a space where he recommends books and reads together with citizens. He also shared ideas to hold meetings with authors, study groups, pottery experiences, and various other programs. The bookstore is scheduled to open in February or March.

Former President Moon also expressed his desire to help the residents of Pyeongsan Village. After establishing his residence in Pyeongsan Village, residents suffered significant damage due to protest noise, and while thinking about ways to help, he came up with the idea of a village bookstore. He also hinted that he might personally take on the role of bookstore keeper.

Former President Moon’s operation of a bookstore is not a new matter. He is already famous as a 'book lover' and 'book recommender.' During his tenure, he gifted books such as "The Path of Accumulation" and "The Generation Born in the 90s" to all Blue House staff. His 2017 book, "Moon Jae-in’s Study," introduces a list of books he found deeply impressive.

Former President Moon Jae-in sitting in front of a bookshelf, reading a book. / Photo captured from former President Moon's Facebook page

Even after retirement, he left short book reviews on SNS and recommended about ten books. Some of the books recommended by former President Moon quickly became bestsellers and attracted attention. "Tree Lessons," which he recommended as the first book of the new year on the 3rd, is currently experiencing a resurgence in sales at various bookstores including Kyobo Bookstore.

Such actions can also be interpreted politically. In July last year, former President Moon recommended the book "The Power of Geopolitics," saying, "I would like to recommend this book to officials of the current government as well." At that time, the issue of the killing of government officials in the West Sea and the repatriation of North Korean fishermen was reignited, leading to interpretations that this was a message aimed at the ruling party. "The Power of Geopolitics" examines the geopolitical realities of the Korean Peninsula and proposes the establishment of a peace regime between North and South Korea. The ruling party criticized this, saying that despite former President Moon’s statement that he would distance himself from politics after retirement, he was sending political messages.

There were also critical voices from the ruling party regarding the bookstore operation plan. On the 16th, Kim Jong-hyuk, a member of the People Power Party’s Emergency Committee, said in an MBC radio interview, "From the perspective of establishing a healthy culture for former presidents, is this really appropriate?"

However, former President Moon has expressed a desire to keep a distance from active politics while casually communicating with citizens. In a press conference with reporters held at the Blue House’s Nokjiwon in April last year before his retirement, he explained, "I said I want to live a forgotten life after retirement, but that does not mean I intend to live a secluded life. Rather, it means I do not want to be involved in active politics or live a life that attracts special attention."