By Shin Hye-suk
Hannam-dong in Seoul has become a hub of unrest, overwhelmed by noise, traffic congestion and protests. Police shields stand as barriers, separating ruling and opposition party supporters from clashing over their beliefs. Amid this chaos are uncertain youths caught in the crossfire, their faces reflecting confusion and fear, untouched by the political disputes around them.
Passing through this volatile scene, I can’t help but feel a sense of pity. Citizens on both sides — those supporting and opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law — shout fiercely, defending their convictions. Yet beneath their fiery resolve lies a deeper fear: the fear of being ostracized or even harmed for daring to express dissenting views.
My foreign friends, observing this turmoil, often voice their concerns, wondering if Korea is teetering on the edge of civil conflict. They express their hopes for avoiding such a disastrous fate. Like them, I am deeply unsettled. Quietly, I walk past these scenes daily, silently documenting these historic yet disheartening moments.
Living near the official presidential residence, I witness these events up close. Even ordinary citizens like me, who once remained indifferent to politics, now find ourselves reflecting deeply on the state of our society. We tread this troubled path with growing unease and concern, especially in the wake of martial law.
What has gone so wrong? Politicians claim to work for the people, yet their actions tell a different story. Ideological conflicts and political infighting have undermined their ability to serve the public. These power struggles harm the very citizens they are meant to represent. So why can’t they rise above division and cooperate for the greater good of Korea?
The government has been crippled by internal disunity, with political circles failing to secure bipartisan support for policies that serve the public good. Opposition parties, focused on undermining the administration, have introduced nearly 30 impeachment bills over the past two years and sharply cut the president’s and government’s special and annual expenses, pushing the government to the brink of collapse.
Even the president’s declaration of martial law, ostensibly as a warning, does not reflect the qualities of wise leadership. Has there been any genuine effort to engage with groups holding differing ideologies? As head of state, wise leadership requires open communication and sincere service to the people.
This entrenched attitude of "I'm right, and you're wrong" has caused enormous economic and social costs. Politicians must redirect their focus toward reducing these unnecessary expenses and prioritizing public welfare.
The relentless power struggles of self-serving politicians have tarnished the state’s dignity, weakened economic vitality and sown confusion and anxiety across society.
As 2025 begins, I hope for a genuine leader — someone who can overcome these challenges, demonstrate exemplary leadership and guide our nation toward unity, stability and lasting progress, leaving behind conflicts.
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) ·