Korean Publishers Association: "60% of the Public Support the Fixed Book Price System"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The Korea Publishers Association announced on the 22nd that a public opinion poll confirmed that 60% of South Koreans support the book fixed price system.

The Korea Publishers Association commissioned Realmeter, a professional polling agency, to conduct an online survey over five days starting from the 11th, targeting 6,100 Kyobo Bookstore avid readers nationwide. Among them, the responses of 1,000 readers who participated in the survey showed that support for the book fixed price system was higher than opposition.

The survey results showed that about 59.2% agreed with the basic purpose of the book fixed price system, which allows anyone anywhere in the country to buy the same book at the same price (fixed price). Those opposed accounted for 24.8%. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.1%, with a confidence level of 95%.

The Korea Publishers Association stated that these survey results would help correct the mistaken view that "the book fixed price system only serves the interests of the publishing and bookstore industries and does not reflect the position of consumers who actually read books." They emphasized that the establishment of a sound book fixed price system is beneficial not only to the publishing industry that produces and distributes books but also to the final consumers, the readers. Furthermore, they added that through these results, the true nature of 'consumer welfare,' which is the most controversial issue in discussions about revising the book fixed price system, can be understood and should be used as a standard for future revision directions.

In the Korea Publishers Association survey, 7 out of 10 respondents said they choose books based on content rather than price. The opinion that the criterion for selecting books is 'the content of the book' accounted for 69.2%, the highest proportion. Following 'book content' were author (13.7%), recommendations from surroundings (acquaintances, media, SNS, bookstores, schools, etc.) (12.1%), and the publisher's name (2.4%), while the proportion who answered that price was the criterion was the lowest at 2.2%.

Among respondents, 75.4% answered that their reading volume had increased (35.2%) or remained similar (40.2%) compared to last year, while 24.6% said it had decreased. This is interpreted as an effect of reduced outdoor activities compared to last year due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The survey also confirmed that the increase in the number of bookstores and new publications thanks to the book fixed price system has helped improve the reading environment for readers. Regarding the increase in new publications, 56.6% said it was helpful, while 15.5% said it was not. Regarding the increase in neighborhood bookstores, 41.6% responded that it was helpful, while 29.5% said it was not.

The biggest cause of the decrease in average reading volume per person was found to be 'increased smartphone usage time,' cited by 73.4% of total respondents as the main reason. The second most cited reason was 'burden of book purchase costs,' accounting for 10.9%. This was followed by increased work/study time (8.3%) and decreased cultural expenditure (2.5%).

Regarding the current maximum discount rate of 10% and 5% economic benefits provided by online bookstores, the majority of readers (79.8%) responded that it is necessary. Also, when asked whether 'the publishing cultural industry should be protected and fostered as the foundation of knowledge, education, culture, and industry,' 85.6% of respondents answered that they strongly agree (42.8%) or somewhat agree (42.8%).

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