[Yoon Suk-yeol Impeachment] "The Joy of 8-0 Can Be Found at the Bookstore"

Gwangju and Jeonju Bookstores:
"On Democracy Day, Let Us Come Together Through Books"

Immediately after the impeachment decision of former President Yoon Sukyeol, independent bookstores in Gwangju and Jeonju celebrated the moment with small events, sharing their joy with local citizens. Those who recorded and shared this historic moment with books said, "Let us remember together, through books, the democracy that was protected by the people in the square."

According to Asia Economy's coverage on the 5th, "Chaekbang Todaktodak," a bookstore located in Jeonju Hanok Village Youth Mall, posted a notice at its entrance right after the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling: "Yoon Sukyeol Impeachment Commemoration - 8% discount on book purchases."

Moon Juhyun, CEO of 'Bookstore Todaktodak' located in Jeonju Hanok Village Youth Mall, is posing while holding a sign that reads, "We offer an 8% discount on book purchases to commemorate the impeachment of Yoon Seokyeol." Screenshot from Bookstore Todaktodak Facebook

Moon Juhyun, who runs the bookstore, told us, "After martial law was declared at the end of last year, the number of customers dropped significantly. It felt like society had become a place where even opening a book was difficult." She added, "With this impeachment decision, I hoped citizens would regain some peace in their lives, and I wanted to share this joy together, which is why I planned the event."

The 8% discount symbolized both the unanimous 8-0 decision by the Constitutional Court and the date, April 4th. Moon said, "Customers who came to buy books saw the notice and laughed, saying, 'This kind of event is great,' and congratulated us. The joy of sharing feelings was much greater than the monetary value of the discount."

Similarly, the alley bookstore "Sonyeonui Seo" in Dong-gu, Gwangju, displayed a handwritten sign on its sandwich board: "Congratulations on Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment! 5% discount on Ecclesiastes!"

A sidewalk signboard erected in front of the independent bookstore "Sonyeonui Seo" located in Dongmyeong-dong, Gwangju. It reads, "Today is the day democracy has won! Congratulations on the impeachment (removal) of Yoon Seokyeol! Ecclesiastes 5% discount!" Capture from Sonyeonui Seo's Instagram.

Im Inja, the owner, said, "Even under the fear of martial law, citizens protected democracy with their whole bodies in the streets and squares. These people are the real protagonists of this impeachment." She continued, "Running a neighborhood bookstore is tough, but I wanted to share this joy. The day after the impeachment, it rained, so I took out the shop's flowerpots to let them enjoy the rain. I also hoped for days when our thirst for democracy would be quenched."

"Sonyeonui Seo" has been fostering solidarity with citizens even before the impeachment. Since March, they have been running a nighttime reading group at the May 18 Democracy Square, reading Han Kang's "The Boy Is Coming" together. The books were provided through prepaid purchases and donations from citizens. Im said, "If the impeachment hadn't happened, we would have read a different book."

Under the protest tent set up last month at the May 18 Democratic Plaza, citizens are participating in a nighttime reading group holding Han Kang's “The Boy Who Came”. This gathering was initiated at the suggestion of the Gwangju independent bookstore “Sonyeonui Seo”.

Additionally, right after the impeachment, "Moksagol Nongjang," a butcher restaurant in Seo-gu, Gwangju, offered free meals to about 100 customers during lunchtime. "Uwawon Don Gogi Baekhwajeom" in Wolgok-dong, Gwangsan-gu, hung a banner reading, "Free soju and beer on impeachment day," sharing the joy with their customers.

Democracy protected by the people. Local bookstores and restaurants are sharing this overwhelming emotion in their own humble ways.