Former President Moon Jae-in to debut on YouTube book show this month

Former President Moon Jae-in smiles as he greets guests at the 7th anniversary ceremony of the September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration, held at Camp Greaves in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 19. Yonhap

Former President Moon Jae-in will launch a YouTube program later this month from his Pyeongsan Bookstore, where he plans to introduce and discuss books in what will be the first regular YouTube series hosted by a former Korean president.

The venture is a unique blend of cultural outreach and political soft power, with Moon utilizing the massive reach of the streaming platform to connect with a wider audience, long after leaving the presidential office.

The news was revealed by Tak Hyun-min, a special professor at Mokpo National University and former presidential protocol secretary for the Moon administration, during an appearance on CBS Radio earlier this week.

“I am currently preparing a YouTube program where former President Moon and I will introduce books together," Tak said during the radio interview.

Tak explained that he will serve as the host, while Moon will select and introduce books from Pyeongsan Bookstore, located in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, where Moon retired after leaving office.

“We plan to feature about one or two books each week,” he added.

Filming will take place both at a studio in Seoul and on location at the bookstore, with footage edited together for broadcast.

Tak noted that the program will include segments featuring Moon personally recommending books, as well as interviews with authors. The show is also expected to provide updates on Moon’s bookstore and related foundation activities.

After leaving office, Moon opened the non-profit foundation and bookstore in April 2023.