'Book Purchase Campaign' Among Supporters of Representative Lee Jae-myung
Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, saw her book published in 2018 newly enter the bestseller rankings on online bookstores. This was due to a voluntary purchasing campaign among supporters after news spread that Lee’s financial situation was difficult due to legal fees and other expenses.
According to the official websites of three online bookstores?Kyobo Book Centre, Yes24, and Aladin?on the 25th, Kim’s cookbook published six years ago, “Bap-eul Jieoyo” (Let’s Cook Rice), newly entered the overall bestseller list at 5th place. It currently holds the number one spot in the cooking category on Kyobo Book Centre.
The sudden popularity of Kim’s book is attributed to a purchasing campaign among Lee’s supporters, known as “Gaeddal” (Daughters of Reform). When news emerged that Lee was struggling financially due to massive trial costs and expenses preparing for the party convention, his supporters began buying Kim’s book to help him.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is listening to the remarks of floor leader Park Chan-dae at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 24th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Earlier, Lee’s situation was revealed through YouTube. The progressive-leaning YouTube channel “Saenal,” which has 1 million subscribers, stated on its community page the day before, “Lee attends trials 3 to 4 times a week, and the legal fees are not insignificant,” adding, “Lee’s situation is tough.” They further said, “Political prosecutors’ baseless political indictments without evidence. Lee is silently enduring and attending trials.”
“Saenal” also encouraged, “Let’s help even through purchasing the book,” and added, “We hope it also helps Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung, who was recently seen shedding tears. The book is available not only on bookstore sites but also on most open markets.” They also posted a link to purchase the book.
On the online community “Jaemyeong’s Village,” where Lee’s supporters gather, posts encouraging “Let’s make the book a bestseller” are appearing. Supporters are responding with comments such as “I bought the lady’s book,” “Joining in purchasing Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung’s book,” and “Please buy a lot of the lady’s book,” along with sharing online order receipts.
The cookbook Making Rice holds the number one spot in the cooking category at Kyobo Bookstore. [Image source: Kyobo Bookstore website]
Meanwhile, Lee is currently facing three separate trials related to the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong development corruption and Seongnam FC illegal sponsorship allegations, false statement allegations under the Public Official Election Act, and perjury coaching allegations related to impersonation of a prosecutor. He attends court every Tuesday and Friday for the Daejang-dong, Baekhyeon-dong, Seongnam FC allegations trial and the Public Official Election Act violation trial. The perjury coaching trial is held about once a month. With the addition of the North Korea remittance suspicion case, Lee may have to visit the court up to 3 to 4 times a week.
Furthermore, with the party convention scheduled for August 18, Lee, who plans to run, will have to pay a deposit of around 70 to 80 million won to the party, which is expected to increase his financial burden.
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