Korean Writers' Association Issues Statement Opposing the Deterioration of the Book Fixed Price System

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The Korean Writers' Association expressed serious concerns on the 31st through the "Statement of the Korean Writers' Association Opposing the Deterioration of the Book Fixed Price System" regarding the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's policy to reconsider the Book Fixed Price System.

In the statement, the Writers' Association argued, "The Book Fixed Price System is the minimum safeguard that protects the diversity of the entire publishing industry from market economy logic," adding, "It has contributed to alleviating the price competition that was rampant among bookstores and the publishing industry, and unique publishers and independent bookstores are increasing nationwide."

They also stated, "The Book Fixed Price System exerts considerable influence on enhancing the rights and interests of writers," adding, "It protects copyright, which is the basic human right and property right of writers, from the oppression of the market economy." They continued, "Abandoning the Book Fixed Price System means losing the rights that writers have regained to some extent," emphasizing, "This is the clear reason why the Korean Writers' Association opposes the deterioration of the Book Fixed Price System."

The Writers' Association urged, "We call on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to clearly recognize once again the purpose of the Book Fixed Price System," and stated that if the situation damaging a healthy publishing culture continues, affiliated writers will take immediate action.

The Book Fixed Price System was introduced in 2003 under the "Publishing Culture Industry Promotion Act" with the aim of protecting the publishing ecosystem and fostering diversity. The system is reviewed every three years for validity and revised accordingly. The current Book Fixed Price System, which requires displaying the fixed price on books and allows discounts of up to 15%, was revised in 2014. As the revision deadline approaches on November 20, the publishing industry is strongly opposing the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's notification that it will discard the public-private consultative body's agreement on whether to maintain the current Book Fixed Price System and reconsider the existing discussions from scratch.

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