Jin Joong-kwon: "Publishing 'The Black Book of Cho Kuk' Doesn't Need 300 Million Won... Speak Sensibly"

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized Professor Kim Min-woong of Kyung Hee University, chairman of the 'Jo Guk Baekseo' (Prosecutorial Reform and Candlelight Citizens) promotion committee, on the 27th regarding the 300 million won sponsorship fund, saying, "Speak sensibly."

On the same day, Jin posted on his Facebook, saying, "'A country never experienced before' (Jo Guk Heukseo) being published is a perfect proof that 'there is no need for a large sum of 300 million won to make a book.'

He pointed out, "The authors of this book rather received 1 million won as an interview fee from the publisher," and "According to the local custom, they receive 10% of the sales price as royalties. So why is funding necessary here?"

He added, "Couldn't find a publisher? Speak sensibly. Even our book, which didn't seem likely to sell much, was wanted by many publishers," and claimed, "As far as I know, there is no publisher in South Korea who would refuse to publish a book that is sure to become a bestseller immediately upon release, thanks to the zealous Ddaekae-moon (a derogatory term for people who blindly support President Moon Jae-in)."

He continued, "The 100 million won for lawyer fees is the same. The side that fears lawsuits is the one criticizing, not the one being criticized," and criticized, "Moreover, if a lawsuit is filed, the writer should bear the responsibility, so why should the reader bear the cost of that responsibility?"

Jin said, "The form of raising a large amount of funding to make a book is a method taken when the purpose is not the publication itself but a profit-making business," and added, "They respond to reasonable criticism with threats when they just need to disclose the usage."

Earlier, on the 25th, Jin explained that the production cost of 'Jo Guk Heukseo' was 5 million won and criticized, "'Jo Guk Baekseo' team must transparently disclose where the 300 million won was spent. It's a complete fraud. Those people must be looting the country's granary in the same way."

In response, Professor Kim strongly opposed, saying, "There is no reason to answer Jin, who is not even a sponsor. The price for insulting candlelight citizens will never be small."

Professor Kim explained, "All royalty income is donated. The accounting details will be disclosed on the website," and added, "We paid the authors of Jo Guk Baekseo a manuscript fee that is not much compared to their efforts, and there is no profit going to the authors or the promotion committee."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.