Publishing Industry Faces Internal Conflict Over Seoul International Book Fair: "Stop Privatization"

Yoon Chulho and Others Hold 70% Stake in Seoul International Book Fair
Book Fair Asserted as a Public Asset
Some in Publishing Industry Sign Petition Against Privatization

There are growing claims within the publishing industry opposing the alleged privatization of the Seoul International Book Fair by certain individuals, including Yoon Chulho, president of the Korean Publishers Association.

The "Coalition Against the Privatization of the Seoul International Book Fair" (hereafter, the Coalition Against Privatization), comprised of publishers, authors, and bookstore operators, issued a statement on April 22. The coalition declared, "We oppose the privatization of the Seoul International Book Fair by a handful of individuals," and insisted, "To ensure the public nature of the Seoul International Book Fair, the plan to establish 'Seoul International Book Fair Co., Ltd.' must be promptly scrapped."

Korean Publishers Association. Yonhap News Agency

According to the statement, the Korean Publishers Association established the Seoul International Book Fair as a corporation last year with capital of 1 billion won. The association holds about 30% of the shares, while the remaining 70% is owned by a small group of individuals, including Yoon Chulho, president of the association.

The Coalition Against Privatization emphasized that the Seoul International Book Fair is a public asset built collectively by the publishing industry. They stated, "The Seoul International Book Fair, hosted by the Korean Publishers Association, has grown into a public asset of the publishing sector through the participation of numerous publishers and readers, as well as government budget support," adding, "This historic public asset, the Seoul International Book Fair, has been privatized by a few individuals for 700 million won."

They continued, "The profits from the Seoul International Book Fair should rightfully go to the publishers, authors, translators, and readers who are the source of these profits, not into the pockets of a few individuals. Even if there is a deficit, all publishers should come together to share the difficulties collectively."

The coalition also pointed out problems in the process of establishing the corporation. They explained, "Even if the book fair is to be made a corporation, at least 50% of the shares should be secured by organizations representing the publishing industry, such as the Korean Publishers Association, the Korean Publishing Professionals Association, the Publishing Cooperative, and the Publishing Culture Foundation, or by author-related groups such as the Writers Association of Korea."

The Coalition Against Privatization began collecting signatures against the privatization of the Seoul International Book Fair on the afternoon of April 21. Within just one day, more than 3,000 publishers and readers had signed the petition.

Since last year, the Korean Publishers Association has been holding the Seoul International Book Fair without direct government support. In response, the association has been seeking a breakthrough by turning the book fair into a corporation. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism excluded the association and provided direct support of about 670 million won to participating publishers last year. This year, the support has decreased to about 200 million won, making difficulties inevitable.