[Insight & Opinion] The "Humility" Left by Hong Sehwa: An Unfinished Task for Both Ruling and Opposition Parties

An Intellectual Who Advocated Self-Reflection for Progressives
A Life Dedicated to the Weak Beyond Left and Right Camps

As Dante journeyed through Purgatory, he saw souls guilty of the sin of pride bending their bodies toward the ground under heavy punishment as they moved. The teacher accompanying him said,

“Look closely over there! Do you see those carrying rocks as they move? Can you see each one beating their chest in remorse? Proud Christians, poor souls, your eyes of the heart are sick, still placing faith in backward steps! Are we not larvae, born to become angel butterflies that will fully fly toward the Last Judgment?” In Canto 10 of Dante’s "Purgatorio," the proud humans endure the pains of punishment in Purgatory.

The only thing that can suppress the sin of pride is humility. The last words left by the late Hong Sehwa, who passed away on the 18th after battling cancer, were also “humility.” Although he was labeled a “leftist” for having been involved in the 'Namminjeon' case?a public security incident during the late Yushin regime?and living in exile in France for 20 years, he was an intellectual who advocated self-reflection of fossilized progressivism more than anyone else. He lived a life for the weak, free from the ideological logic of left and right. The fact that the late left “humility” as a parting word painfully suggests that today’s left and right camps are trapped in arrogance that knows no humility.

The worst defeat suffered by the People Power Party in the 22nd general election was also the result of President Yoon Seok-yeol’s arrogant governance that lacked humility. President Yoon always regarded his own thoughts as absolute and tried to lecture people at length. What was required in today’s diverse and complex society was democratic leadership with delicate coordination skills, but President Yoon pushed his judgments unilaterally. He closed his ears to criticism, earning the reputation of being “uncommunicative,” which was nothing but arrogance.

The harm of arrogance without humility is a problem that must be especially emphasized for the opposition party, which won a landslide victory in the general election. During the four years of the 21st National Assembly, the Democratic Party, which held an absolute majority, pushed through many bills with sheer numbers, bypassing even consultations with the opposition. The victims of hastily enacted laws related to real estate, punitive taxation, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Act, and the “complete prosecution reform” law were the people.

In the 22nd National Assembly, the opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and the Innovation Party for Justice, hold 192 seats. This is a parliamentary power even stronger than the executive branch. During the election, opposition parties pledged to enact special investigation laws such as the “Han Dong-hoon Special Prosecutor Act” and the “Kim Kun-hee Special Prosecutor Act.” While the ruling party should seriously consider the “Sergeant Chae Special Prosecutor Act,” which the Democratic Party is about to pass, it is excessive for the opposition to indiscriminately bring up other special prosecutor laws. Democratic Party lawmakers mentioned as candidates for the Speaker of the National Assembly unanimously say there will be “no neutrality” and vow to become tough speakers.

Meanwhile, Cho Kuk, leader of the Innovation Party for Justice with only 12 seats, proposed, “As the leader of the third-largest party in the National Assembly, I hope to meet President Yoon in any form at any time.” This is a case of excess. Cho detailed ten demands for President Yoon, including refraining from drinking. However, Cho, who is awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling that will decide whether he goes to prison, still bears the responsibility of reflection. Achieving results in the general election does not grant immunity for illegal acts such as admission bribery. Opposition parties, too, risk a backlash if they lose the virtue of humility and show arrogance after gaining parliamentary power. It is a rule of political history. The ruling and opposition parties should learn from each other’s mistakes, restrain the use of power, and practice humble politics. There is a good reason why the last two words left by Hong Sehwa were “humility.” It is not enough to offer loud words of condolence; what is truly important is to reflect on the meaning of the words the late intellectual entrusted.

Yu Chang-seon, Political Commentator