South Korea’s public libraries are under fire for not stocking Stop The Steal: The Supreme Court’s History of Election Fraud Cover-Ups. The book claims widespread fraud in past elections and criticizes the Supreme Court for covering it up. Its cover features both South Korean and American flags, hinting at the influence of Donald Trump’s election fraud claims.
Library Officials Receive Threats
Some libraries reported receiving threats demanding they make the book available. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, administrators are still debating whether to stock it. “We strive to remain neutral, but it is difficult to stock books that satisfy everyone,” one library official said.
Written by Election Fraud Lawyers
Four lawyers—Do Tae-woo, Park Ju-hyun, Yoon Yong-jin, and Hyun Seong-sam—authored the book. They previously represented Min Kyung-wook, a former People Power Party (PPP) legislator, in an election fraud lawsuit. Min contested the results of the April 15, 2020, general election in Incheon.
The book states that over 120 lawsuits followed the election, with Min’s case being the most controversial. However, the Supreme Court ruled against him. The authors strongly criticized this decision.
Yoon’s Supporters Echo Trump’s Rhetoric
Supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol have adopted Trump’s “Stop the Steal” slogan, hoping for U.S. support. Yoon’s response to election concerns mirrors Trump’s claims of irregularities and threats to national security.
Although Yoon initially did not mention election fraud, he later ordered a military raid on the National Election Commission (NEC). He also alleged, without evidence, that North Korea hacked the NEC.
Online Backlash and Library Complaints
A screenshot of a text message from a library circulated online, leading to public outrage. Some users threatened staff with messages like, “I will report you to the CIA if you do not stock the book” and “Fire the library director.”
A library spokesperson clarified, “We were not accepting book requests at the time. But we were still singled out for rejecting it, which put us in a tough spot.”
Growing Demand for the Book
A JoongAng Ilbo poll found that by Friday, 64 requests had been filed to stock Stop the Steal in public libraries across Seoul’s 25 districts. Some districts received up to nine petitions.
On the online forum DC Inside, users encouraged each other to request the book and file complaints if denied.
Libraries Struggle with Political Content
Public libraries now face challenges in handling the book’s controversial nature. Policies vary, but they often reject publications deemed offensive, politically motivated, or promoting religious or commercial agendas.
