Kim Nam-guk Targets Moon for Book Recommendation: "Stop Selling Books as a Leisure Activity"

Moon Jae-in Posts Book Recommendation on SNS
Kim Nam-guk: "Stop Playing Around and Lead the Candlelight Movement"

Former President Moon Jae-in recommended the essay 'This Damn Mess Will Pile Up and Become a Festival,' leaving a review saying it is "a book that reminds me of the phrase 'The world is cruel yet beautiful.'" On the 31st of last month, former President Moon introduced the book on his Facebook, saying, "When I was young, novels were fun, but as I get older, I find autobiographical essays or memoirs about real life more interesting," and added, "The twists and turns of someone else's life, who has lived in a world mixed with good and evil during difficult times, resonate with the twists and turns of my own life, giving a touching impression." 'This Damn Mess Will Pile Up and Become a Festival' is the first essay by author Jo Seung-ri, a late-onset visually impaired person who began losing his sight at age 15.

Former President Moon Jae-in [Photo by Yonhap News]

Former President Moon said, "It is amazing to have the mental strength to write such a wounded and weary life so steadfastly and calmly," and added, "I wonder how many tears were secretly shed to become so steadfast and calm." He also said, "Writing by feeling the braille keyboard must not be easy, but the writing skill that adds humor and fun is remarkable." Former President Moon had remained silent after news of his daughter Dahye’s drunk driving accident on the 4th of the same month but resumed SNS activities from the 21st.

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, who was indicted on charges of obstruction of official duties by deception for hiding a large amount of virtual assets (coins) and allegedly filing a false property report, is attending the first trial held on the 28th at the Seoul Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response to former President Moon’s post, former Democratic Party member Kim Nam-guk said on the same day, "Stop the 'freshman play' book business and stand at the forefront of the candlelight protests as the 'shield of the people.'" Kim said, "I still sincerely respect and like former President Moon, but this is really not right," and criticized, "Posting an essay book review on SNS in this situation is very inappropriate." He added, "This is not the first time, and I earnestly ask to refrain from thoughtless and tactless Facebook messages," and said, "As a party member, I feel discouraged and angry."

He further criticized, "Former President Moon, who bears the original sin of bringing about the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, leisurely 'playing freshman' without reflection or fierce struggle angers party members and the public," and said, "I expect the Democratic Party and party members to stand up and fight together only when investigations into former President Moon begin. Are party members and the public fools?" He also demanded, "Ordinary citizens are fighting fiercely every day, putting their livelihoods aside, so what exactly is former President Moon, who receives 20 million won monthly in pension and made Yoon Seok-yeol Prosecutor General and then President, doing now? Close the bookstore for a day and come up to Seoul Station on the 2nd to stand with party members and the public."