Yoon Suk Yeol watch’ traded on a secondhand marketplace
SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – The resale value of South Korean presidential memorabilia has seen a notable decline following the December 3 imposition of martial law, reflecting shifting public sentiment.
According to industry sources, a “Classic” model of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commemorative wristwatch was sold for ₩80,000 (approximately $56) on December 7 through a popular online marketplace for secondhand goods. A “Sports” model fetched ₩60,000 ($42) just two days earlier.
These prices mark a stark drop from the initial ₩200,000 ($140) range during Yoon’s early presidency, and a further decline from earlier this year when they stabilized around ₩100,000 ($70).
The recent political upheaval has also spurred a surge in listings for the watches. Over the past year, 243 such items were listed on the platform, with 12 appearing in the week following the December 3 announcement—double the typical daily rate. On December 4 alone, six watches were listed, underscoring a trend of panic selling.
The resale values of Yoon’s watches now lag behind those of past presidents. For instance, comparable models from the Moon Jae-in era fetch ₩180,000 ($126), Park Geun-hye’s ₩90,000 ($63), Roh Tae-woo’s ₩120,000 ($84), and Chun Doo-hwan’s ₩84,000 ($59).
Presidential gift sets, another popular collectible, have also been affected. The New Year sets, typically distributed to dignitaries, included traditional liquor, citron tea, and beef jerky, selling for ₩100,000 to ₩200,000 ($70–$140) on secondary markets.
However, uncertainty surrounds the distribution of such sets for the upcoming Lunar New Year, as political tensions loom.
The shifting market for these symbolic items reflects both a change in public perception of the presidency and the broader impact of South Korea’s current political climate.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
