Protecting Korea's democracy

By Habib Toumi

As Korea’s most dramatic democracy and constitutional crisis in more than 40 years was unfolding ominously, the Asia Journalist Association (AJA) issued a firm statement and led the media in taking a clear position to protect democracy in the country and subsequently across Asia.

In such challenging times, opting to remain neutral and to be content with watching passively only contributes to the crisis as misinformation, disinformation and mal-information by various parties poison the situation, exacerbate tensions and incite confrontations, clashes and violence.

Koreans have long moved past these situations since the last turmoil in the 1980s, building a bright and rewarding path ahead for their nation and themselves and becoming an example to be emulated by other countries in Asia and the world.

The way ordinary Koreans resisted martial law by braving the elements and racing to the National Assembly, the very symbol of their democracy, is a testament to their commitment to protect their democratic gains and defend their constitutional achievements. Even the soldiers deployed on that night and sent to lay siege to the National Assembly building sympathized, and either did not carry ammunition or did not load their weapons. Ultimately, martial law lasted only six hours. It was a resounding triumph for Korea’s democracy.

Yet, threats to democracy lurked among those who, for self-serving motives, did not want to see Korea return to normal. They exploited the turmoil to impose their agenda, orchestrating disinformation campaigns to affect public opinion and influence discourse to serve their interests, causing the nation to become polarized.

AJA uncompromisingly stood against manipulating public opinion and undermining democracy. The people of Korea have made huge and bloody sacrifices to build a solid democratic system where people can construct their own views and in which their choices matter.

The media should not idly watch when sophisticated manipulation has become a chilling threat and the people are at risk of losing their cherished right to make their choices and to voice them freely.

For Koreans, democracy is a promise they have nurtured together over the last four decades and they are devoted to fulfilling constantly, regardless of the challenges. Therefore, democracy should remain the way of life of Koreans and the core of their existence, especially as they have set over the years a remarkable example for many other countries in Asia and elsewhere, inspiring millions of people.

“South Korea should swiftly resolve this crisis and solidify its position as a true leader in Asia, actively contributing to problem-solving among its neighboring countries and promoting global peace,” AJA said in its statement.

The information ecosystem has huge responsibilities every day, but more so in times of crisis or when the nation's unity is threatened.

“The ruling party and the major opposition party in South Korea must recognize their shared destiny, exercise mutual concessions, and adopt a perspective of empathy,” the AJA statement said.

“Division leads to regression, while unity fosters progress. We firmly believe that the Korean people will once again demonstrate their dynamism and strong solidarity in times of crisis.”

By supporting Korea in “transforming its current divisions and conflicts into a more inclusive and communicative ‘Korean-style democracy’ based on tolerance and coexistence,” the members of AJA have demonstrated how important it is to be fully engaged in countering all amplified strategies to create false impressions and cause confusion and chaos.

Their statement is a call for a sincere commitment by the media and everybody else to ensure that the notion of democracy is not polluted by aggressive self-serving political propaganda or by sophisticated social media disinformation or computational deception.

Habib Toumi is a journalist and media consultant with vast experience in print, audio-visual and online media and in strategies for journalists. He has a lifelong interest in the changing world of media, mass communication, history, cultures, civilizations and international relations. He worked for ABC News, and has served as editor of Bahrain Tribune and bureau chief of Gulf News for Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. He was also head of the English section of Bahrain News Agency and editor of the English edition of AsiaN.