How have the protests effected your business?
Answer Summary: So far, Kyobo is doing about 1/3 of the business they had expected in Busan.

Protesters contend that Kyobo signed a memorandum in 1994 promising not to open any stores in Busan. What can you tell us about this agreement?
Answer Summary: In 1994, after opening a store in Daejeon there were violent protests from local bookstore owners. Ammonia bombs were thrown, property damaged and some protesters were arrested. In order to quiet the situation, Kyobo signed the agreement. However, this agreement is quite opposed to the principles of free trade and today's market reality. The case will be heard by the courts on May 30 and ruled on a few days thereafter.

Protesters also accuse you of taking money from Busan consumers and sending it to your Seoul headquarters without returning anything to the local economy. How do you respond to these accusations?
Answer Summary: Nonsense! Aside from the jobs we provide, Kyobo's corporate policy is one of localization. That is, we prefer to use local publishers and wholesalers whenever possible. Thusfar, we have been unable to do business with most local wholesalers because another large bookstore here controls them and has told them they cannot do business with us.

Does Kyobo have any plans to demonstrate their desire to be a good 'corporate citizen' of Busan?
Answer Summary: Sure. What people expect first from bookstore is to buy books at a reasonable price. Secondly, we will provide better service and facilities than other bookstores. For example, if peace returns, we could have book signings, jazz bands playing and other cultural events.

What role have city officials or other local business leaders played your decision to open the store and any discussions with protesters?
Answer Summary: They try to play a certain role, but have not had any significant effect. The protesters are demanding 'conditional dialogue. If we close our store, then they will talk. This we cannot agree to, so thusfar, we have had no dialogue.

What instructions, if any, have your received from your parent company in how to deal with these protests? Would you consider closing if protests continue?
Answer Summary: No instructions from Kyobo Insurance. They have not expressed concern that this will effect their business. Kyobo Books policy is to encourage dialogue, but no retreat.

If discussions with protesters do finally take place, what would Kyobo offer in negotiations?
Answer Summary: Let's work together to make our pie bigger and serve our customers better.

What do you thing will happen? How will this situation play out?
Answer Summary: We will endure. We make some money, but they must spend money just to keep their protests going. Criminal investigations are also going on and we may seek compensation for property damage and loss of revenues.

Is there anything else you would like to say to the residents of Busan?
Answer Summary: Sorry for all this noise. We know that we can survive only by servicing our customers. That is the biggest difference between us and them. Customer satisfaction is our policy and our reason for being and our secret for earning money, but the men outside the building think differently, I'm afraid.