"Book Recommendations"—Moon Jae-in Becomes the First Former President to Become a YouTuber

[Financial News] Moon Jae-in has become the first former president to regularly appear on his bookstore’s YouTube channel, officially starting his activities as a YouTuber.
The YouTube channel 'Pyeongsan Bookstore' uploaded a video on the 17th titled 'Children Who Became Poets and the First Summer, Wanju,' featuring a conversation between Moon Jae-in and Tak Hyun-min, former Blue House protocol secretary. This marks the first time Moon Jae-in has appeared regularly on a specific channel. The video was produced by Kim Ou-joon's Gyeomson Broadcasting Station.
In the video, Moon Jae-in, acting as the manager of Pyeongsan Bookstore, recommended the poetry collection 'Now, I Go Home' as his first book. This collection compiles poems written by 76 youths from the Gyeongnam Youth Consignment Center, who were placed there by juvenile court orders.
Discussing the book, Moon Jae-in explained, "These children are at a crossroads—whether they will return to a normal life or continue down a troubled path." He emphasized, "What they absolutely lack is someone to listen to their stories. Just listening to them can make a difference." He added, "You can sense a kind of strength that allows them to rise again, rather than succumbing to feelings of isolation, loneliness, or helplessness."
The second book Moon Jae-in recommended was 'I Will Stay by Your Side,' compiled by Ryu Gi-in, presiding judge of the juvenile division at Changwon District Court, along with others. He noted, "The book brings together writings from a juvenile court judge, the head of the youth consignment center, teachers, mentors, and graduates of the center." He suggested, "It’s a great follow-up after reading 'Now, I Go Home.'"
The video also revealed glimpses of Moon Jae-in’s daily life. He introduced his vegetable garden, saying, "There’s nothing we don’t have at home—green onions, lettuce, chili peppers, tomatoes, even ginger and taro." The video also included scenes of him greeting neighbors and tending to sunflowers.
Since retiring in April 2023, Moon Jae-in has been running Pyeongsan Bookstore in Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. He has continued to recommend books regularly on his social networking service (SNS), participate in book talks, and attend various book fairs.

hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter