[Insight & Opinion] Restoring Politics Begins with Preserving the Dignity of Language

Verbal Abuse and Lies Rampant in the National Assembly
Fueling Voter Distrust and Political Aversion
Raising Political Standards Through Proper Language

Before the emergence of the profession known as "annatainer," announcers were considered the last bastion for preserving the dignity and correctness of the Korean language. Even after retirement, former announcers like Kang Seonggon have dedicated themselves to upholding proper Korean. Lee Gyejin, who was renowned for his dignified presence as an announcer and his warm hosting style, served as the spokesperson for the opposition Grand National Party for over two years after becoming a member of the National Assembly. Upon debuting as the party's spokesperson, he left a rather absurd first remark, stating that he wanted to become a "sobyeonin" (a spokesperson who brings laughter), contributing to more entertaining politics.

In a political culture where spokespersons from both ruling and opposition parties were preoccupied with trading harsh criticisms, such an approach was considered impossible. There were also concerns within the party that if the spokesperson for the opposition lacked sharpness, the party would be dragged along by the ruling party. However, Lee Gyejin pushed forward with the conviction that it was possible to deliver impactful messages through gentle commentary without raising his voice. He practiced with the belief that the style of a spokesperson's commentary alone could help transform the harsh political culture.

Although there were instances in the past where gangsters were mobilized to wield clubs or even people threw excrement inside the National Assembly, members of parliament were generally recognized as respected elders in society. At the very least, they possessed personal dignity, spoke with decorum, and conducted parliamentary activities while acknowledging each other.

However, when observing the current political sphere, it seems that politicians are regarded even less favorably than street thugs. First and foremost, the way they speak is utterly disgraceful. Since politics is conducted through words, the way politicians speak only serves to remind us of Chairman Lee Kunhee's criticism that Korean politics is of the fourth tier.

The most notorious verbal scandal involving a politician is likely the profanities that Lee Jaemyung hurled at his sister-in-law. Even setting aside this incident, as it occurred in a private context, the most serious issue is the way politicians yell at or use high-handed, abusive language toward witnesses, ministers, vice ministers, and other officials under scrutiny. It is difficult to comprehend just how highly they regard their own positions.

Repeatedly hearing mutual shouting and slander laced with profanity between the ruling and opposition parties is downright irritating. Not only do they utter words as inappropriate as referring to the president as "gwitae" (demon spawn), but they also freely use hateful expressions such as "dalchang," "mamchung," and "hannamchung."

It is even more serious that politicians lie without hesitation. Although Richard Nixon was not directly involved in the Watergate scandal, his efforts to cover it up and his lies became a bigger problem, ultimately leading to impeachment proceedings and his resignation under pressure. This remains the biggest scandal in American political history. The lies of politicians are thus a grave matter, but in our case, lying has become routine and is often glossed over. Furthermore, politicians hide behind parliamentary immunity and irresponsibly amplify and reproduce fake news for political attacks, escaping punishment for what is essentially a crime, which makes the situation even worse.

Such inappropriate language from politicians not only undermines the dignity and authority of the National Assembly but also degrades the quality of politics, fostering distrust and aversion among voters.

The British Parliament regards inappropriate remarks as "unparliamentary language" and imposes disciplinary actions such as expulsion from the chamber, naming, or suspension from duties. Our National Assembly should also strictly regulate the language of its members as part of the Speaker's authority to maintain order. As Lee Gyejin attempted, I recommend initiating a movement to purify language within the Assembly, based on the belief that political culture can be changed through words. It may even be necessary to implement a "Declaration of Proper Language by Members of the National Assembly."

In a political arena filled with hostility and hatred, it is hard to know what the people are supposed to hope for. As the "Emperor of Song" Na Hoon-a once said, we must ask for whom these actions, so far removed from the demands of the people, are truly intended.

Kim Hongjin, CEO of Work Innovation Lab