Novelist Han Kang: "If the Fixed Book Price System is Abolished, Readers Will Be the Biggest Victims"

Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Han Kang, the 2016 Man Booker Prize-winning novelist (pictured), stated that it is desirable to introduce a complete fixed book price system through gradual steps. She advocated strengthening the current fixed book price system rather than relaxing or abolishing it.

During a discussion on improving the fixed book price system held on the 6th at the Korean Publishers Association auditorium, Han Kang said, "I believe it is most desirable to have institutional improvements that allow a system where small players can have a voice, rather than a winner-takes-all scenario," advocating for a gradual strengthening of the fixed book price system.

Han Kang pointed out that the number of local bookstores has recently increased due to the implementation of the fixed book price system, and emphasized that protecting local bookstores is essential for maintaining a healthy publishing ecosystem.

"Many bookstores disappeared but re-emerged with the fixed book price system. It hasn't been long. They are just beginning to increase. Local bookstores give owners autonomy over the display tables and bookshelves. In large bookstores, books are placed in good spots through monetary mediation, but local bookstores do not have that. The owner places books they think are good in prime locations. Therefore, books from very small publishers or books that are not bestsellers are placed in good spots where customers can see them. There are many very small books that can gain such opportunities at local bookstores. As a result, people spend more time reading and the variety of books increases."

Han Kang expressed that, as a reader rather than a writer, the most concerning part is the potential disappearance of book diversity. She added that any benefits readers gain from relaxing or abolishing the fixed book price system would be very short-lived.

"If the fixed book price system is relaxed or abolished, large bookstores with stockpiles can dispose of many books. Readers can purchase books at lower prices and financially benefit. However, during that time, many small publishers we do not know about will be lost, and many books that could have been born will be killed. Ultimately, the biggest victims will be the readers. My primary identity is not as a writer but as a reader. Therefore, my concerns about the fixed book price system are greater as a reader than as a writer."

Han Kang said, "If the fixed book price system is worsened, only a very small number of people will benefit or gain something, while many people will lose a lot." She added, "Mainly small people, creators at the starting line, those with small platforms, people who contemplate, attempt, and explore beyond capital or commercialism, and many people who want to share what has been explored will lose a lot."

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