Author Hwang Sok-yong said he plans to sue Jaeum & Moeum, the publishing house accused of hoarding copies of his latest novel in an attempt to have it included in the bestseller list, for libel and financial and psychological damages, according to news reports.

The author said he wants his best-selling novel “Yeowoolmoolsori” off the selves and that he is not involved with the publishing house’s alleged hoarding, after SBS current affairs show “In Depth 21” on Tuesday accused the publishing house of stockpiling his novel to ensure a spot on the bestseller list.

“The scandal is insulting to my literary career and it is extremely humiliating to have the book involved in such deeds,” he was quoted as saying.

In a press release sent out on Wednesday, the publishing house’s CEO Kang Byung-cheol said he will not “give any excuses” for the scandal, and said they will take Hwang’s novel off the shelves as the author has requested. Kang offered to resign from his position on the same day.

Author Kim Yeon-su also asked Jaeum and Moeum to have his novel, “If the Waves Belong to the Sea,” taken off the shelves on Thursday. A total of three novels, including Hwang and Kim’s, were reportedly stocked up by the publishing house, according to the SBS show.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)