Following the declaration of martial law, the price of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commemorative wristwatch has reportedly dropped to around 50,000 to 60,000 won ($35 to $42) on the secondhand market.
According to industry sources on Wednesday, Yoon’s commemorative watch was being sold for as low as 50,000 won on the online secondhand trading platform Danggeun Market as of Tuesday. On another platform, Junggonara, a navy sports model of the watch, was confirmed to have been sold for 60,000 won on December 5.
In 2022, unopened models of Yoon’s commemorative watch were initially traded for around 200,000 won ($140). This year, the price steadily rose to approximately 100,000 won ($70), but following the martial law declaration on December 3, the price dropped sharply, with an increase in listings.
For comparison, secondhand watches from former President Moon Jae In are currently priced at around 150,000 won ($104), while those from former President Lee Myung Bak are priced at approximately 70,000 won ($49). Commemorative watches from the late former President Roh Tae Woo are being sold for about 80,000 won ($56), maintaining higher price ranges than Yoon’s.
Yoon’s commemorative wristwatch was created in May 2022 as the first official gift item to mark his inauguration. Two models were designed—one for men and one for women. The production cost is estimated at around 40,000 to 50,000 won.
At the time, the presidential office stated, “The manufacturer was selected based on recommendations of excellent domestic small businesses with over 20 years of experience.”
The front of the watch features a gold-engraved signature reading “President Yoon Suk Yeol,” a phoenix emblem, and a hibiscus design, symbolizing the presidential seal. The back of the watch is inscribed with the slogan “Again, Republic of Korea! A New Nation of the People,” which Yoon used during his inauguration.
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