[From Conflict to Harmony] A Society Divided into Extremes... The Solution for Recovery and Integration

① Presidential Impeachment: Not the End, but a New Beginning
Moon Heesang: "Overcoming Through Community Trust"
Religious Leaders: "Recognize the Existence of Others... Harmony"
Liberation Association: "Restoring the Spirit of Independence and Constitutional Values"

The Constitutional Court has put a brake on the division of the Korean community. The impeachment ruling against President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 4th is a catalyst for change. South Korea's democratic resilience, 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 various prominent figures.

The National Assembly Building in Yeouido, Seoul, and the buildings of the securities and financial districts behind it are brightly lit. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

"Without trust, there is no faith among community members, so the nation cannot stand upright."

On the 8th, Moon Hee-sang, a senior political figure and former Speaker of the National Assembly, conveyed the words of Confucius, a scholar from China's Spring and Autumn period, in an interview with Asia Economy. This was about the direction South Korea should take amid the chaos caused by the shockwaves of last winter's emergency martial law.

Former Speaker Moon explained, "Confucius said that when asked 'What is politics?' he mentioned three things: military (defense, security), food (economy), and trust (community). He said that if one must inevitably give up something first, even if military and economy are abandoned, trust cannot be discarded."

The era of political absence plunged our society into a crucible of conflict. The pros and cons surrounding emergency martial law and presidential impeachment created shadows of hostility. An era where politics and government cannot be trusted led to a depletion of trust. It was a self-inflicted blow that shook the foundation of South Korea's history, where people united to overcome national crises. However, the Constitutional Court's decision created an opportunity for change. Former Speaker Moon evaluated, "The Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss former President Yoon was a process that confirmed the people must unite to protect and restore democracy." Entering politics in the late 1980s, with six terms as a National Assembly member, and having served as Speaker of the National Assembly and Chief of the Blue House Secretariat, the senior politician spoke of hope again.

Former Speaker Moon said, "Even now, leaders of both ruling and opposition parties should talk about the future," adding, "In a turbulent era where the whole world has become a 'one-man era,' we must stay alert." Since the inauguration of U.S. President Trump, the world has been going through a stormy period, and he urged that we must also maintain our balance and respond accordingly.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly Moon Hee-sang. Yonhap News Agency

To end the era of conflict and open a world of harmony and integration, the role of the religious community is also important. Father Ha Sung-yong, Chair of the Justice and Peace Committee of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, said, "When dealing with people who think differently from me, dialogue or compromise must be premised, and the attitude of recognizing the existence of others should be prioritized," adding, "Regarding the common rules, laws, morals, and ethics set by society, there must be a willingness to accept them to live together."

During the Japanese colonial period, overcoming oppression and welcoming the joy of liberation was based on the courage, patience, and resilience of our community. This year, marking the 80th anniversary of liberation, the point we must focus on is precisely that. Lee Jong-chan, Chairman of the Liberation Association, attributed meaning by saying, "The dismissal of former President Yoon is not a judgment on a single regime but a historic decision for the restoration of the spirit of independence and constitutional values."

There is a common understanding that presidential impeachment is not the end but a new beginning. The key to resolving the chaotic era lies in respect and listening to those with different opinions. It means not forcing intellectual submission through the logic of power but using others' views as a foundation for coexistence. Experts urge that the perspective of viewing the world in a dichotomy of good and evil must change first. Professor Cho Jin-man of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Duksung Women's University advised, "At some point, politics became polarized into a good-versus-evil framework. The problem is trying to subdue the opponent," adding, "To achieve cooperative governance, one must be able to embrace or mediate diversity."