[This Week's Books] 'Imagination of Part 4' and Others

Imagination of the Fourth Branch

In the era of the climate crisis, this advocates for the establishment of a fourth branch to discuss long-term ecological solutions. It argues that in addition to the existing tripartite separation of powers?legislative, judicial, and executive branches?a fourth branch is necessary for the ecological reconstruction of democracy, proposing the name "Future Deliberation Branch" for this fourth branch. The fourth branch is described as an institution that creates a place for future generations and non-human life and opens new possibilities for their participation in politics. (Written by An Byeongjin / Munhakgwa Jiseongsa)

Only If One Can Be a Traveler

This is an essay collection published to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the passing of writer Park Wan-seo. It is a travelogue containing the joy, happiness, and reflections on humanity that the author felt after traveling not only within Korea but also around the world. Locations mentioned include Namhansanseong, Gangneung, the Vatican, Tibet, Ethiopia, Mongolia, as well as Kaesong and Baekdu Mountain in North Korea. It is a re-edited version of the travel essay collection "Lost Travel Bag" published during the author’s lifetime, with five previously unpublished manuscripts added. (Written by Park Wan-seo / Munhakdongne)

Why Has South Korean Conservatism Become a Traitorous Right-Wing?

This critiques that the values pursued by groups claiming conservatism in Korea contradict true conservatism. It argues that instead of pursuing the interests of the community that conservatism should uphold, these fake conservatives are obsessed with maintaining vested interests and personal gain by relying on subservience. It analyzes the background and problems of the emergence of the New Right, which theoretically supports today’s fake conservatives, stating that the only true conservatism since the late Joseon period was the Shanghai Provisional Government. (Written by Lee Byeong-gwon / Hwangsogeoreum)