Yu Si-min’s book “Reading of Youth” has become a bestseller, securing the top spot at major bookstores Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24. Originally published in 2009, the book was re-released last month as a special expanded edition. According to Kyobo Bookstore’s bestseller list for the third week of May, Yu’s book rose from the second to the first position, overtaking the former number one, “Ultimately, the People Do It” by Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, which fell to second place.
Kyobo Bookstore analyzed that Yu’s active participation in current affairs debate programs and YouTube appearances has garnered new interest and boosted sales. As a result of his popularity, another book by Yu, “The World History Read Backwards,” also gained attention, rising seven positions to 53rd place.
Despite ongoing interest in political and social books ahead of the 21st presidential election, essays such as “Light and Thread” by Han Kang and “Only Once in a Lifetime” by Kim Young-ha secured third and fourth places, respectively. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-wan’s “Chekmun,” which compiles discussions and solutions by leaders and officials on national policies during the Joseon Dynasty, has emerged as a rising bestseller in the historical and cultural category, climbing to 19th place. Kyobo Bookstore noted that its relevance to current events has helped increase its popularity leading up to the election.
Here are the top 10 bestsellers at Kyobo Bookstore for the third week of May:
1. Reading of Youth (Special Expanded Edition) (Hardcover)
2. Ultimately, the People Do It
3. Light and Thread (Munji Écrit) (Paperback)
4. Only Once in a Lifetime (Hardcover)
5. Beneficial Conservatism and Righteous Progressivism
6. Common Sibling 19 (Hardcover)
7. Contradiction (Hardcover)
8. The Boy Comes
9. Stoner
10. Destruction (Hardcover)