[Initial Insight] The Judgment of Politics Belongs to the People

On the 1st, cherry blossoms are in full bloom along Yeouiseo-ro near the National Assembly building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, where the weather was warm and spring-like. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The term "Taeguk Warriors" is familiar. The motto of sports, "fight to win," is identical to war. Homo sapiens, modern humans, have engaged in fierce survival competition with other primate species since primitive times, and war has been perceived as a natural event repeatedly throughout the history of Homo sapiens. Humanity living in 2021 is experiencing an unprecedentedly (relatively) peaceful era. This may be due to lessons learned from the destruction and despair caused by two world wars in the last century, as well as the deterrent effect of weapons capable of destroying the Earth.

Nevertheless, competition continues at the level of nations functioning as single entities. Although there is no war, conflicts do not subside. During the 2012 London Olympics soccer match between Korea and Japan, the "Taeguk Warriors" performed a three cheers victory celebration. This was at a time when Japan's territorial claim over Dokdo had resurfaced. Sports are sometimes called a "proxy war."

Sports are governed by rules and decided by wins and losses. There is emotion not only in the thrilling moments of victory but also in the scenes where the defeated acknowledge their loss and shake hands with the winners with a smile. This is different from the total collapse of defeat in war and is a moment that can be praised in the realm of purity. It is peace after having poured everything out.

Politics can also be considered a substitute for war. Instead of violence and slaughter, opinions are contested and decided through debate and democratic systems. The referee is the people, but ambiguous matters are governed by rules. In sports, the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has made judgment easier, but in the world of politics, various tactics not regulated by election laws run rampant.

This presidential election is also chaotic. Numerous words are poured out, most bearing the tip of an arrow. It can truly be called a "war of words." Each camp digs up and aims at the opponent's vulnerable points. As is often the case, the vulnerable points are in the past. The boundary between verification and negativity is arbitrary, like distinguishing between speculation and investment. Since it cannot be cut like a knife, negativity becomes freer. Because it is considered beneficial for votes, the people are ignored.

It is desirable to fiercely debate policies. For example, the debate over basic income is a process of finding policies that directly affect the lives of individual citizens. Deciding where to concentrate the limited national resources is one of the main points of this presidential election. Ultimately, the decision belongs to the people. We must take the first step well in this era of "post-COVID." Regardless of the direction of the nuclear phase-out debate, social consensus will approach closer through the election. The presidential election aims for and defines the future.

Perception is also important. People often say "the problem is the mouth," but in many cases, the problem seems to be the "head" or the "heart." In such cases, the mouth is merely a channel. No matter how flashy the rhetoric, it is meaningless if it is not reflected against basic philosophy and perception. If the sight and the sighting bar do not align, the arrow will fly off to a distant place even if aimed at the target.

Because the essence of politics lies in difference, complaining that "they always fight" will not stop the fighting and only accumulate stress. It is enough to examine and judge who has perceptions more aligned with the values they aspire to. Candidates who consistently resort to personal attacks are ignoring the people. The price should be paid with defeat. The flag is in the hands of the people. Those who try to exploit hatred need not be mentioned further. They are voluntarily becoming the target of hatred themselves.