Following Yoon Seok-yeol and Cho Kuk, Even Chu Mi-ae... Former Justice and Prosecution Chiefs Caught in a 'Book Fever'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Recently, there has been a strong 'book fever' among former heads of the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution.

Yoon Seok-yeol, the former Prosecutor General who has drawn attention as a presidential candidate after leaving the prosecution, had books related to him released on April 13 and 14. He did not write them himself. 'Gusuhan Yoon Seok-yeol' was written by his university (Seoul National University Law School) classmates, and 'Yoon Seok-yeol's True Heart' was written by a retired journalist who was a high school (Chungam High School) classmate. However, both the publishing industry and the legal community believe that the authors met with former Prosecutor General Yoon to confirm his intentions before writing. If anything, it can be described as indirect publishing.

Cho Kuk, the former Minister of Justice who had conflicts with Yoon while leading investigations, also released a book titled 'Cho Kuk's Time' on the 1st of this month. It immediately caused a sensation in the publishing industry. Another figure who opposed former Prosecutor General Yoon, former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, is also expected to release a book within this month. There are even forecasts that she will officially declare her candidacy for the presidential election upon publishing the book.

The books by these figures have risen to the top ranks in this year's book charts, drawing attention as 'mavericks.' From the titles alone, using expressions like 'True Heart' and 'Time,' they appeal to readers' emotions. The content covers issues, sorrows, and true feelings about the Ministry of Justice and prosecution from their respective perspectives. Sometimes, they even include circumstances they consider unfair.

Political and legal circles believe that the upcoming presidential election, less than a year away (March 9 next year), has motivated them to pick up the pen. They aim to consolidate their support base and share their philosophy and beliefs through these books. The reason for the 'rush' to use books as a means of communication seems to be the weight and seriousness that books carry.

Professor Park Eun-ah of Daegu University's Department of Psychology said, "Books are a representative 'hot media.' They go through a transmission process that heats up the reader's mind," adding, "Because they are immediate and one-off, books carry more weight than lighter social network services (SNS)."

Even Cho Kuk, who frequently uses SNS, believes that publishing a book woven into a single story has a greater impact than posting a few lines on SNS.

This is clearly reflected in reality. Cho Kuk's book 'Cho Kuk's Time' is selling like hotcakes. More than 200,000 copies were sold within two weeks of publication. The publishing industry estimates that 70-80% of the book buyers are supporters of Cho Kuk. With word of mouth spreading, the success is expected to continue for some time.

Professor Park analyzed, "Supporters who feel Cho Kuk has been wronged likely wanted to confirm through the book that their violated beliefs are correct," and predicted, "Gradually, even those who stood on the opposite side of Cho Kuk will become curious and read it a lot."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Reactions to the books are always mixed. A publishing industry insider said, "When publishing books, expressions can sometimes be exaggerated or distorted. Autobiographies and memoirs, in particular, often face backlash."

Cho Kuk's book is even more so compared to former Prosecutor General Yoon's. Yoon had his book written through acquaintances, while Cho Kuk took up the pen himself, and this difference seems to be reflected in public reactions. Although it is their own intention, when someone else tells their story, there tends to be less rebuttal and criticism than when they do it directly. If Yoon knew this and acted accordingly, it was his publishing strategy. If Cho Kuk wrote it himself to attract public attention, that too is his publishing strategy.

Despite the enthusiastic public response, the political and legal circles remain cold toward Cho Kuk's book. Amid concerns about the timing and intent of the publication, criticism has arisen that Cho Kuk, who is currently a defendant, is creating an off-site public opinion battle.

A former prosecutor turned lawyer said, "I haven't read the book," and questioned, "Is it necessary to read a book that contains one-sided claims?" Another lawyer, formerly a judge, expressed concern, saying, "It may only create misunderstandings and distrust toward judicial institutions."

Kim Jong-min, a lawyer and former chief prosecutor, sharply criticized on his SNS, "Cho Kuk, who exercised his right to remain silent over 300 times in court, symbolizes that the Republic of Korea is suffering from an incurable serious illness."

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