The opening of the bookstore where former President Moon Jae-in will transform into a 'neighborhood bookstore keeper' is entering its final countdown.
At the construction site of the bookstore in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan City, construction work is in full swing, and it is expected to open in April, according to a report by Hankook Ilbo on the 19th. The existing house where the bookstore will be located has been completely demolished except for the roof and the attached earthen room on the side.
The village is already buzzing with excitement. Even while construction is ongoing, tourists have not stopped coming. YouTubers carrying video equipment wandering around the construction site were also noticeable.
Former President Moon retired in May last year and moved to a rural village in Yangsan City, Gyeongnam Province. Since then, Pyeongsan Village has become a popular spot frequently visited by supporters of former President Moon. At the end of last year, former President Moon purchased a detached house (building area 142.87㎡) next door to his residence in Pyeongsan Village for 850 million won. It is a one-story building within the security zone (within a 300m radius of the residence), just a few minutes' walk from his residence, and former President Moon is remodeling this building to use it as a bookstore.
Former President Moon is known as an avid reader. Even after retirement, he has consistently posted book reviews on social media and recommended books. When taking photos with visitors to his residence, the background is often a study filled with books.
The Pyeongsan Village bookstore is known not just as a place to sell books but as a space where authors and readers meet and discuss, as well as a resting place for Pyeongsan Village residents.
Once the bookstore opens, former President Moon is expected to work there daily, commuting between his residence and the bookstore.
After the bookstore opens in April, a homecoming first anniversary event hosted by a support group for former President Moon is also scheduled to be held in May.
However, there are concerns that the bookstore opening could become another trigger for conflict. Since former President Moon’s move to the village, Pyeongsan Village has also been a site where groups critical of him and YouTubers frequently gather to hold rallies and protests. Recently, a physical altercation occurred between the so-called 'Kkangtong Ajae,' who was released on bail after being indicted and detained on charges including threatening former President Moon and his wife, and a progressive YouTuber.
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