SEOUL — The memoirs of the late former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan have surged to the number one spot on the nationwide bestseller list, fueled by a wave of public mourning and a high-profile recommendation from President Lee Jae-myung.

According to the weekly bestseller rankings released by Kyobo Book Centre on February 13, The Memoirs of Lee Hae-chan climbed two spots to claim the top position for the first week of February. The surge in sales follows the passing of the veteran political figure on January 25, which sparked renewed interest in his lifelong dedication to South Korea’s democratization and governance.

Demographic Interest and Supply Surge
Data from Kyobo Book Centre reveals that the primary purchasing demographic consists of readers in their 50s, accounting for 44.3% of total sales. While the book initially faced temporary shortages due to the sudden spike in demand, supply chains have since stabilized.

"The book saw a momentary supply crunch last week, but the situation has resolved," a representative from Kyobo Book Centre stated. "The sudden passing of the former Prime Minister has driven citizens to look back at his political legacy and personal life."

A Political Odyssey
Originally published in 2022 by Dolbegae, a publishing house founded by Lee himself, the memoir encapsulates his journey from his formative years and his involvement in the pro-democracy movement to his tenure as a seven-term lawmaker and Prime Minister. Within just five days of his passing, orders for the book exceeded 10,000 copies.

Presidential Recommendation
The book’s ascent was further accelerated by a social media post from President Lee Jae-myung. On February 11, the President shared a photo of the memoir on Facebook, expressing his personal grief and respect for the late statesman.

"After bidding farewell to Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan with a heavy heart, I reopened his memoirs," President Lee wrote. "I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to reflect on how South Korean democracy reached its current stage. It clearly presents the values our politics must uphold and the path we must take forward."
The memoir is being hailed not just as a personal history, but as a vital record of the modern South Korean political landscape, offering guidance for future generations of leaders and citizens alike.

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