[Reporter’s Notebook] Cooling Heated Public Sentiment After the Impeachment Verdict

The area within 150 meters around the Constitutional Court is practically a "vacuum zone." A strict security posture was maintained as if not to allow any ordinary person to enter. Over 7,000 police officers from about 110 riot police units were deployed only around the Constitutional Court and the Gwanghwamun Jongno area. Ventilation shafts near subway stations were surrounded by barbed wire, and police barricades were also prepared in front of major media outlets. Police personnel were increased around the National Assembly to prepare for any possible intrusion by outsiders.

Since December 3 last year, South Korea has been like a heated frying pan for 122 days. Public opinion divided over President Yoon Seok-yeol’s impeachment has raised voices at their respective strongholds such as Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, and in front of the Constitutional Court. However, there is a caution before washing a hot frying pan with water. If a frying pan that has been heated to the maximum is immediately put into cold water, the thermal shock can cause water droplets to scatter everywhere, potentially causing burns.

The citizens torn apart over President Yoon’s impeachment show no signs of healing. As simultaneous rallies and protests take place in limited spaces, each group is quick to growl at those holding opposing views. The division is not only visible on the streets. An acquaintance said that because his father gets furious whenever political topics come up, he hastily changes the channel whenever political news appears on TV.

Today, when the impeachment trial verdict is announced, is a critical moment. If the pent-up emotions explode, it is uncertain where they might flare up. Considering that after the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017, protests intensified and resulted in four deaths, concerns are inevitable. It must be remembered that explosive emotions can spiral out of control.

Politicians have poured oil onto the heated frying pan instead. Until the day of the impeachment verdict, many provocative remarks made by politicians trying to defeat the opposing camp or to satisfy their supporters have done just that. Their words and actions have given supporters the legitimacy to engage in provocative behavior.

Just as air cools the heat of a frying pan, what the heated public sentiment needs is a message of acceptance. Acceptance of the Constitutional Court’s ruling is as natural as air in a democratic society. Until now, calls for acceptance have only fueled division, but now it is time to unite public sentiment. Without hesitation or waiting for the other side, messages of acceptance must be issued. Even if uncomfortable feelings remain, efforts must be made to calm the agitated public sentiment by issuing joint statements.

Having received the verdict on President Yoon’s impeachment, we must build a new South Korea. To do so, the frying pan must not be damaged, and the cook must not be hurt. Cooling the politically heated public sentiment is the responsibility of politicians.