By Shin Hye-suk
Since President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, Korea has plunged into chaos. Like many who had previously been indifferent to politics, I anxiously followed the news, reminded of Plato's warning: "The greatest penalty for refusing to engage in politics is to be ruled by the most inferior men."
The nation was stunned, and the world watched. Citizens from across Korea gathered at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul while others flew in from abroad, united by a shared concern for the nation's future. It was a turning point for many ordinary citizens like myself.
I had never paid much attention to politics before. But suddenly, I found myself deeply invested, worrying daily about the nation’s fate. What, then, is politics? Shouldn’t it be about ensuring the safety, prosperity and peace of the people — those who work and pay taxes to sustain the system? Yet, many politicians seem to focus on factional strife and personal gain, disrupting the lives of those they are meant to serve.
It often feels as though some believe the people’s sovereignty exists solely for their benefit, ignoring their role as stewards of that trust. In times of turmoil, we came together, raising our voices. Through persistence, we succeeded in passing the impeachment motion on the second attempt in the National Assembly.
As an ordinary citizen, I tend to appreciate a right-leaning political stance when it is grounded in principle and fairness. However, I neither blindly support nor oppose any particular party. Even so, this situation demands criticism. President Yoon Suk Yeol and his administration have faced significant challenges, especially in governing with a minority in the National Assembly. Constant obstruction by the opposition majority has made it nearly impossible to move forward with policies.
Even under these circumstances, leadership must navigate obstacles skillfully. What if leaders set aside egos and worked together, pooling their wisdom to move the country forward? Wouldn’t collaboration be more effective than constant antagonism?
Why must politics be a winner-takes-all battle? Instead of resorting to obstruction, representatives should prioritize communication and seek compromise. Politics should focus on crafting policies that enhance lives, not defending ideologies at the people’s expense.
As someone in the arts with little political knowledge, I often wonder: Aren’t coexistence and mutual respect the foundations of any society? Why, then, do politicians neglect these values, driven by ideology and self-interest? Their actions divide and harm ordinary lives, and the public can no longer tolerate such abuses of power.
We need leaders who act as stewards of trust, not agents of division. From now on, I hope politicians set aside self-interest and focus on establishing a peaceful and prosperous future for all. True leadership is about cooperation, not confrontation. Only through unity and shared commitment, we can restore harmony and dignity to our society.
Shin Hye-suk ([email protected]), who also goes by Shindy, completed a doctorate in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a florist and has served as president of the Rotary International Seoul Club Korea.
English (United States) ·