Description
“Through the Darkness and Into the Future” is a two-volume political memoir by former President Park Geun-hye, published in early 2024. Across these books she recounts roughly a decade of her life from the 18th presidential election at the end of 2012 to her move to her residence in Dalseong, Daegu in March 2022. Looking back on her path from entering politics in 1998 through her presidency, impeachment, and special pardon in 2017, she presents her own record of events and reflections for readers interested in contemporary Korean history and politics.
Key Features
- Two-volume memoir set by former President Park Geun-hye, titled “Through the Darkness and Into the Future 1” and “Through the Darkness and Into the Future 2”.
- Covers her political journey from entering politics in 1998 through her term as the 18th president of the Republic of Korea.
- Details major foreign affairs, security issues, and domestic policies pursued during her presidency.
- Includes her account of the impeachment process and subsequent special pardon in 2017.
- Traces her story from the end of the 2012 presidential election to her relocation to her residence in Dalseong, Daegu, in March 2022, spanning about 10 years.
- Written in response to repeated requests for a memoir, out of a sense of duty as someone who has experienced an unprecedented political upheaval.
- Intended not as a personal vindication or expression of resentment, but as a candid record of her experiences as president.
- Reflects on the meaning of her time in office and its consequences, with the hope that Korea’s politics will mature and that citizens will be able to lead better lives in the future.
Specifications
| Title | Park Geun-hye Memoir: Through the Darkness and Into the Future Book 1, Book 2 |
|---|---|
| Author | Park Geun-hye |
| Publisher / Brand | Gasan Publishing |
| Publication Date | February 5, 2024 |
| Format | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | 392 pages |
| Weight | 744 g |
| Size | 148 × 218 × 30 mm |
| Category | Books & Literature / Politics & Biography |




Riley – Seattle, USA –
The memoir gives a deep look into Park Geun-hye’s life. The binding and layout are nice. It’s interesting to read her take on political events over the years. Enjoyed how personal it feels for a biography.
Liam – Melbourne, Australia –
It’s interesting to see Park’s perspective on events. The pages are easy to turn, and it’s informative about her political choices.
Nolan – Seattle, USA –
I enjoyed the book’s honest look at a complex time. It covered years of challenges clearly and engagingly. The hardcover feels solid, making it great for my shelf. I’m glad I picked up both volumes to understand her story better.
Wren – Austin, USA –
Just started reading these memoirs. They’re very detailed and interesting. Covers her life clearly over the years, easy to follow. Definitely feels like I’m learning a lot about her time in office.
Thảo – Hanoi, Vietnam –
Sách có nội dung hay về cuộc sống và chính trị. Bìa cứng đẹp, giấy tốt quá. Đã đọc nhiều lần rồi. Mình thấy rất đáng để mua lại.
Juliette Nordstrom from Vancouver, Canada –
本書は、光と影の背後にある思考を持つことができる一冊だ。元大統領として語られた彼女の声が、生々しい情熱を呼び起こす。
Eliana Romero from Barcelona, Spain –
Initially, I questioned the relevance of a political memoir amid today’s constant churn of news. Park Geun-hye’s ‘Through the Darkness and Towards the Future’ left me reevaluating my stance entirely. As someone from an unfamiliar realm far removed from Korean politics, discovering her raw reflection on resilience resonated deeper than anticipated; it wove in complex narratives about societal turmoil intertwined with personal sacrifice—a potent blend often lacking in contemporary storytelling. Ultimately, this work unearths nuances that transcend geography or heritage, inviting any curious reader into contemplative discussions over power dynamics worldwide.
Junko Yamamoto from Osaka, Japan –
Man, Park Geun-hye’s memoir is like opening a time capsule filled with political roller coasters and emotional chaos! She’s laying it all out there—her triumphs, her falls. It’s wild to think about how she dealt with those insane years in the spotlight. It’s raw too; you really feel the weight of history pushing through each chapter. Can’t wait for people to dive into this because there’s so much depth I didn’t expect from a politician’s book! It’s gonna stir up some serious conversations, that’s for sure.
Michael from Los Angeles, USA –
Park Geun-hye’s memoir, spanning over 392 pages, offers an unprecedented insight into her political life and challenges from the perspective of a former president. The hardcover format feels substantial in hand, while the detailed accounts from her time post-2012 make for gripping reading. I particularly appreciated how she articulated her experiences during tumultuous times in Korea’s history; it provided me with deeper context about contemporary events that shaped our nation. This book isn’t just personal anecdotes; it’s an exploration of resilience through adversity.