Small Publishers Forced to Destroy Returned Books, Likening It to 'Culling Animals'

Small publishers in South Korea are grappling with a heartbreaking reality: the disposal of returned books. For these smaller operations, each book represents a significant investment of time, effort, and passion. Yet, due to damage sustained during distribution or display at bookstores, many are forced to discard tens of thousands of copies. This practice is likened to the culling of beloved animals, a deeply distressing experience for creators who pour their hearts into their work.

“

Small publishers cherish each book, and it brings tears to our eyes.

The current system allows bookstores to return unsold books to publishers without strict conditions regarding damage or the duration of their stay on the shelves. This leaves publishers vulnerable, especially those who rely on larger bookstores as their primary sales channels. The practice of stamping books for inventory control further complicates matters, making it difficult to resell these returned items to other bookstores.

“

It feels like culling animals that we've raised with great care.

While regulations were improved in 2013 to address the stamping issue and facilitate the resale of stamped books, the reality on the ground suggests these measures are not consistently followed. Publishers often find themselves bearing the restoration costs, which, when combined with storage fees and labor, make disposal the more economically viable, albeit painful, option. The estimated 7% of books, amounting to over 11 million copies, that are disposed of annually is believed to have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating the financial strain on the industry.

“

Even books that have been out of print for years are sometimes returned by bookstores.

Experts emphasize the need for clearer return criteria and standardized contracts between bookstores and publishers. The development of standardized shipping containers could also help mitigate damage during transit. These systemic improvements are crucial to ensure the survival and sustainability of small, independent publishers in South Korea, allowing them to continue contributing to the nation's rich literary landscape.

“

Considering the labor costs of sorting books all day and the storage costs, it's actually more profitable to dispose of them.