[The Typing Baker] To Break the 'Yeouido Grammar,' I Willingly Raise an Unfamiliar Voice

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] There is an old saying called the "Yeouido Grammar" in the National Assembly building, the legislative body of the Republic of Korea. It commonly refers to the language and customs used by Yeouido politicians, but it has no clear principles or substance. It is like a badge of honor naturally acquired by becoming accustomed to the political arena that prioritizes experience and seniority above all else. However, if one fails to learn the Yeouido Grammar, they are likely to be excluded and eliminated from the "league of their own."

The author of this book, former Emergency Committee Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea Park Ji-hyun, was someone far from the Yeouido Grammar. She was a member of "Chujokdan Bulkkot," the group that exposed the "Telegram Nth Room case" to the world, and was recruited into the Democratic Party’s election camp last January before the presidential election with the position of "Special Committee Chairperson for the Eradication of Digital Sexual Crimes." Then, in March, right after the presidential election, she was appointed as the party’s co-emergency committee chairperson. Although it was a "flash recruitment" for election strategy, she nonetheless became a rare 20-something female politician entering the core of the party within Yeouido.

The book contains behind-the-scenes stories of Yeouido politics as seen by the author, a political newcomer who served as a senior party official for 82 days. The process by which an anonymous social activist and youth suddenly became a politician may seem like a drama. However, reality was far from dramatic. When she opposed the candidacy of a former administration figure due to responsibility for the failure of real estate policy during the nomination process, she faced fierce backlash from the leadership. After stating that party lawmakers involved in sexual violence and harassment cases should be dealt with according to principles, she was attacked by strong fandoms.

Regarding the situation at the time, the author said, "I came in as an emergency committee chairperson to promote reflection and innovation, but it was like being told not to carry out those activities." Ultimately, although she was called by the party, nothing was easy to decide. The Yeouido Grammar required in the National Assembly was no different from following the power held by the 586 generation and male-centered politicians.

The author’s continuous conflicts with the party leadership might be seen by some as "clumsy." However, the unfamiliar voice that appeared in the political world, which changes slower than anywhere else, carries significant meaning in itself. Even if one young politician cannot lead the party to reflection and change, it can serve as a wake-up call to established politicians. If the party only accepts voices from the same people because they fail to follow existing customs or meet the demands of strong party members, change in Yeouido politics will become distant. This also makes it difficult to fulfill the role of a legislative body that should represent the diverse opinions of various ages, eras, and regions.

Ultimately, for the current politics that only represent the "586 generation" and the "two major parties" to change, unfamiliar voices must continue to flow in. The author explains the reason for "doing politics despite the hardships" in this book as follows: "I have to endure a little longer. I believe that by standing firm and tall, more people will come to understand the sincerity of my voice." If more people clash to break the solid vested interests and add their voices to change, our politics will gradually take on a different shape.

Thus, the author’s roughly three-month political challenge came to an end, and like many young politicians, he found himself standing outside Yeouido. Whether he will adapt to the Yeouido Grammar in the future or succeed in breaking the rock of vested interests in his own way is unknown. Can the National Assembly change going forward? The clue lies within this book.

Park Ji-hyun in a Strange Land ｜ Park Ji-hyun ｜ Jeosang Bus ｜ 276 pages ｜ 15,300 KRW