[From Conflict to Harmony] Son Bong-ho: "Refusing to Accept the Constitutional Court's Decision Is Self-Harm"

③ Son Bongho, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University, on Social Integration
"Many Mature Citizens... Ignoring the Center Means Election Defeat"
Politicians Obsessed with Winning Votes... Driving Polarization
Grant Universities Autonomy, Penalize Excessive Private Education
'Minimum Suffering Theory' Is Moral... Protecting the Vulnerable Is a Valuable Life

Editor's NoteThe Constitutional Court has put a brake on the division within the Republic of Korea community. The impeachment trial decision of President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 4th is a catalyst for change. The resilience of Korean democracy, which does not falter in the face of hardship and adversity, has amazed the world. Now is the time to remove the shadows of hatred and discord and prepare for the future. With less than 60 days remaining until the 21st presidential election, it is a crucial test. We cannot afford to wander again in the swamp of conflict and chaos. To heal the wounds of our society and prepare for a new world, we present suggestions from distinguished figures across politics, economy, society, and education.

"Whatever decision the Constitutional Court makes, it must be accepted. Refusing to accept the court's decision would be a form of self-harm."

Professor Emeritus Son Bong-ho of Seoul National University is being interviewed at the Asia Economy headquarters, discussing his memoir "I Tried to Carry the Mountain on My Back" and the reality of the country. Photo by Heo Young-han

On the 28th of last month, Asia Economy interviewed Professor Emeritus Son Bong-ho of Seoul National University. At that time, the date for the impeachment trial of former President Yoon Seok-yeol had not been set, and the conflict between the pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions was at its peak. Professor Son was full of concern about the confrontation and discord between the two sides. He did not hide his criticism of the political circles obsessed only with seizing power. Yet, he showed faith in the power of silent citizens. He said, "The voices of the far right and far left are loud and they take direct action, so they seem like a formidable force, but there are far more people in Korea with mature civic consciousness."

Professor Son emphasized that Korean democracy stands at an important crossroads and that our society must now move beyond conflict toward integration. He stated, "The Constitutional Court's judgment may politically favor one side. Although that should not happen, forces that resort to violence will inevitably be defeated. Turning the center against you means certain defeat in the next election." The following is a Q&A.

Professor Emeritus Son Bong-ho of Seoul National University is being interviewed at the Asia Economy headquarters. Photo by Heo Young-han

- The impeachment trial has completely divided Korea. Even talking about politics in private has become taboo. How do you diagnose this?

▲ During the late Joseon Dynasty under Emperor Gojong, factions such as pro-Qing, pro-Russian, pro-Japanese, conservatives, reformists, the Min faction, and the Daewon-gun faction fought and tore the country apart, leading to its loss. Dosan Ahn Chang-ho lamented that the Korean people could not unite as one. Even within the Provisional Government, there were factions, but Dosan refused the presidency to promote unity and took a lower position. The political circles must understand how foolish division is, how it ruins the country, and harms themselves.

- For a long time, the political spectrum was framed as 'democracy versus anti-democracy,' but since the 1990s, it has shifted to 'progressive versus conservative.' However, both major parties tend to lean conservative. How do you define progressivism and conservatism?

▲ It is incorrect to view progressivism as democracy and conservatism as anti-democracy. In the US and Europe, people with higher education tend to be progressive, and others conservative, but in Korea, it is a mixed state. Korean political parties aim only to gain power and lack ideological consistency. Politicians are obsessed with winning votes and indifferent to the country's proper path. They act like petty criminals, dividing society into extremes.

- There are 'double standards' politicians from the 86 generation. They talk about leftist policies but engage in real estate speculation and entrance exam corruption. Public disappointment is high.

▲ Those who have received high-level education and social status should behave accordingly. To ordinary people, their behavior is cowardly. They should be made to feel guilty. I was deeply moved by the record of former US President Jimmy Carter. After leaving office, he flew only economy class. Despite receiving a substantial pension, he took less than a tenth compared to others. This is the Christian spirit.

- There are many criticisms that religious circles fail to play their role amid social conflicts. What role should religion play?

▲ In the past, many outstanding figures emerged from Christianity, like Dr. Jang Gi-ryeo. Dr. Jang was the founder and first director of Busan Gospel Hospital (now Kosin University Gospel Hospital), known as 'Korea's Schweitzer,' 'Foolish Doctor,' and 'Little Jesus.' But nowadays, there are no socially exemplary figures. If someone speaks the truth, they are attacked like a swarm of bees.

- What do you think about the conservative Christian rallies led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church?

▲ I cannot understand why they carry the US flag while advocating liberal democracy. They seem to think their actions are anti-communist, but they have the wrong address. Look at Donald Trump; isn't he friendly with Russia? The conservative shift in Korean Christianity is largely due to the anti-discrimination law. In the US, Republican supporters think opposition to abortion is the entirety of Christianity, but in Korea, opposition to homosexuality has become a basic creed.

- Democracy still has a long way to go. Some say the system needs reform; others say the problem lies with people.

▲ I think both need to change. In the West, democracy started from the bottom up, leading to institutional reform. In Korea, democracy was introduced institutionally first, then civic consciousness changed. Improvement in civic consciousness matching institutional democratization is necessary.

- Since the December 3 emergency martial law, calls for political system reform have grown. In what direction should discussions proceed?

▲ Most countries adopting a presidential system are developing democracies, while advanced countries mostly have parliamentary systems. I support the parliamentary system, but even if we cannot reach that, presidential powers must be greatly reduced. Then ruling parties will not take reckless risks to gain power. Also, reform of the parliamentary candidate nomination system is needed. Citizens and party members should select candidates and hold them accountable, not have party leaders dictate. Korean parliamentarians have become puppets.

- The political circles are inclined to support constitutional amendment for a 'four-year renewable term.' Wouldn't this concentrate presidential power?

▲ I am worried too. In a democracy, if voters are swayed by populist policies, the country will collapse. Argentina became a mess due to populism. Despite abundant resources, it cannot prosper. The US is also trending populist, and Korea is at risk. In Europe, even if far-right and far-left forces rise, they do not seize state control.

- Fake news via social media is becoming a bigger problem. Some profit economically from it. How do you diagnose this?

▲ So-called legacy media are officially licensed and regulated, but YouTube is not. How can you trust unfiltered information? People lacking rationality obsess over YouTube. They lack passion to know the truth. To be frank, those lacking rationality cling to fake news. When encountering information, they do not try to verify facts but get emotionally excited. The development of social media causes 'confirmation bias,' where people increasingly lean toward views that confirm their prejudices.

Professor Emeritus Son Bong-ho of Seoul National University is discussing social integration at the Asia Economy headquarters. Photo by Heo Young-han

- We cannot ignore the problem of flawed education. Public education has long collapsed. Without private education, university admission is difficult. How should Korean education be corrected?

▲ I half-jokingly say, 'Even if Zhuge Liang came, he couldn't solve Korea's education problem.' Like in the US, student selection should be left to university autonomy, and laws should be strict to prevent fraud. If students received private education, it should all be reported, and even if grades are good, excessive private education should incur penalties. Now AI knows better, so rote memorization education is meaningless. Children should be encouraged to debate and develop critical thinking.

- You have lived a long life advocating for the vulnerable. What does wealth mean to you?

▲ Money is enough if it covers basic living activities. It is a parent's fault if their child has to beg others. If parents educate and empower their children to avoid that, nothing more is needed. Utilitarianism in ethics says the greatest happiness for the greatest number is good, but nowadays, minimizing suffering for the fewest people is moral. This can be called the 'minimum suffering theory.' The same money has greater value when used for those suffering more. In Africa, just 10,000 won is worth hundreds of thousands. If we save a little and help poor countries, we can greatly reduce suffering.

- Many people in their 20s and 30s live with frustration. What would you like to say to them?

▲ Even animals eat well and live well; what makes humans different? It is protecting the weak in society. I hope they reflect on the value of their lives. Historically, no wealthy person is praised as great. Those who sacrificed for others are honored as living valuable lives. You must live less well yourself to help others. Young people should know that those who contribute to humanity are recognized.

Interview by: Cho Young-joo, Political and Social Managing Editor

Compiled by: Lim Chun-han, Reporter

Who is Professor Emeritus Son Bong-ho of Seoul National University?

Professor Emeritus Son Bong-ho of Seoul National University is a philosopher, civic activist, and one of the few respected elder intellectuals in our society. He does not hesitate to offer harsh criticism of Korean Protestantism, which is often difficult to criticize.
Professor Son was born on June 22, 1937, in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, but his birth was officially registered on August 18, 1938. After graduating from Seoul National University’s Department of English Language and Literature, he earned a Master of Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary and both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Philosophy from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
He has served as a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, professor in the Department of Social Education at Seoul National University College of Education, president of Dongduk Women’s University, president of the Korean Philosophical Association, professor emeritus at Seoul National University, and distinguished professor at Kosin University.
Professor Son has led various civic movements in environment, education, and welfare. In 1987, he founded the Christian Ethics Movement, leading progressive evangelical Protestant civic activism, and devoted himself to disability rights activism.
He has been actively involved as co-representative of the Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice, co-representative of the National Council for Fair Elections, chairman of the Sharing National Movement Headquarters, chairman of Blue Asia, chairman of the Saemmul Hospice Mission, and chairman of the Jang Gi-ryeo Memorial Association.
Recently, he published his memoir, "I Tried to Carry the Mountain on My Back," reflecting on his childhood, growth, study abroad, civic activism, and thoughts on living a sincere life.