Biographies of Chinese President Xi Jinping are popular among South Korean readers, Xinhua reports.

In the political section of Kyobo Book Centre, the largest bookstore chain in the country, there are 25 different biographies of Xi available. Shop assistant Kim Ha-neul said they sell well as Xi has a high standing in the country.

Yu Sang-cheol, a journalist with Seoul-based Joong Ang Ilbo and expert on Chinese issues, wrote an article explaining the phenomenon.

According to Yu, Xi earned his reputation through his personal experiences at grass-root level, powerful leadership and firmly enacted anti-corruption campaign.

South Korean media displayed great expectations for Xi’s visit to their country this week, having written favorable reports on the issue since late June.

Kim added that the bookstore has 16,488 books on China on the shelves, with works on Chinese history, culture and economy also selling well.