Lessons for Politics from COVID-19?

Seoul Metropolitan Council Democratic Party Hosts Expert Roundtable on "Challenges Faced by Politics in the COVID-19 Era"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The Democratic Party floor leader group of the Seoul Metropolitan Council (representative councilors Sang-ho Jo, Seodaemun 4) held a regular policy forum called 'Wednesday Morning. Deoksugung Forum' at 7:30 a.m. on the 28th at the Seoul Metropolitan Council Members' Hall, with the theme 'The Challenges Politics Faces in the COVID-19 Era.'

Cheon Gwan-yul, a current affairs IN journalist who is a pioneer of data journalism known for analyzing various phenomena in Korean society based on data analysis, and author of famous books such as 'Cheon Gwan-yul's Zoom Out' and 'Men in Their 20s,' was the keynote speaker.

Based on a social survey conducted last June, Journalist Cheon explained that the fundamental reason South Korea was able to respond effectively to COVID-19 lies in the high level of 'democratic citizenship' among its people. The stronger the democratic citizenship, the more people avoid behaviors that could harm others; due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19, the concern about causing harm to those around them led Korean citizens to actively participate in quarantine efforts.

He also explained that a large proportion of respondents felt that the state was functioning properly and that the people were well united during the COVID-19 situation, analyzing that the pandemic increased the public's interest in politics and trust in the government.

Based on these analysis results, Journalist Cheon stated, “Our people understand the values of dedication and solidarity and have an attitude to protect the value of community,” adding, “The role of politics is to give meaning to citizens so that we can all unite and strive together to fight infectious diseases, which is a noble cause, and to maintain the sense of belonging to the community.”

Lee Kyung-sun, Deputy Head of the Democratic Party's Livelihood Division and councilor for Seongbuk 4, who organized the forum, said, “When we closed Gwanghwamun Square as part of the COVID-19 quarantine policy, we seriously considered how to democratically protect the community in the era of infectious diseases, which led us to invite Journalist Cheon Gwan-yul.”

About 20 Seoul Metropolitan Council members, including Representative Councilor Sang-ho Jo, attended the forum. Representative Jo said, “The disaster caused by COVID-19 has presented a significant crossroads for Korean politics. It is time for fundamental reflection on which path we will take and what we will leave for the next generation.”