"Nation in Such a State, No Mood to Read Books"… Moon Recommends Books Related to Jeju 4·3

Book Recommendation by Heo Hojun on Social Media
"The Madness and Barbarism of Martial Law Rebellion
Can Be Found in Jeju 4.3"

Former President Moon Jae-in is smiling while wearing an apron at Pyeongsan Bookstore in Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Yonhap News

Former President Moon Jae-in recommended a book related to the Jeju 4·3 Incident, stating that "the madness and prototype of martial law rebellion can be found in Jeju 4·3."

On the 30th, former President Moon introduced on his Facebook, "A book that informs the history of the 4·3 Incident ahead of Jeju 4·3," featuring oral records of survivors and bereaved families of 4·3, titled 4·3, 19470301-19540921 Out of the Long Silence by author Heo Ho-jun.

Former President Moon explained, "'19470301-19540921' marks the start and end dates of Jeju 4·3," adding, "It is a title that shows it was a tragic history that lasted for a full seven years." He continued, "The truths we need to know are organized as if writing a planned article," and said, "It can be said to be a perfect book to properly understand Jeju 4·3."

He further emphasized, "Given the current state of the country, I don't feel like reading books," but added, "However, we must not stop properly knowing and remembering 4·3." He also stated, "It is the greatest tragedy caused by state violence and a history that has not yet been resolved and continues to this day," and warned, "Unresolved history is bound to be passed down."

Former President Moon Jae-in is giving a greeting at Pyeongsan Bookstore in Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Yonhap News

Former President Moon declared, "The prototype of madness and barbarism that the recent martial law rebellion blatantly showed?trying to annihilate those with different thoughts by military force?can be found in Jeju 4·3." Finally, he said, "If reading this book and visiting Jeju briefly brings to mind the traces that still remain, it will be a great comfort to the victims of 4·3 and the residents of Jeju."

Meanwhile, former President Moon has recently been notified by the prosecution for a summons investigation. The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, investigating allegations of preferential hiring of Moon’s former son-in-law Seo Mo regarding Thai Starjet, is reported to have notified former President Moon of a summons investigation. The prosecution is scrutinizing whether there was any quid pro quo in the hiring process, as Seo, who previously worked at a game company, had no practical experience in the aviation industry but was hired as an executive at Thai Starjet. Former President Moon has not made any official statement regarding the prosecution’s summons investigation.