[The Editors' Verdict] The Sword of Damocles, Memento Mori, and the Constitution

President Lee Jaemyung of Korea Standing on the Edge
Keep Candid Advisors Instead of Flatterers
May He Uphold the Pledges of His Inaugural Oath to the End

The presidential inauguration ceremony, which marks the beginning of a new administration, is filled with numerous symbols and metaphors. The inauguration of the President of the United States, often cited as the best example of the separation of powers, is a representative case. The President of the United States takes the oath of office on the front lawn of the Capitol, a symbol of popular sovereignty, led by the Chief Justice, whose lifetime appointment represents judicial independence. In keeping with the nation's Protestant heritage, the President places a hand on the Bible in front of family and citizens, solemnly swearing to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States" and to faithfully execute the office.

In such a solemn setting, the Capitol, the Chief Justice, and the Bible?all the symbolic elements of the inauguration?point to one thing: the Constitution. The nation's constitution encompasses not only the system of governance but also the freedoms and rights of its people, as well as the leadership's duty to safeguard them. The President's oath makes it clear that, no matter how democratically elected, no power stands above the Constitution, and that the essence of democracy lies in faithfully upholding the rule of law and its mandates.

On the day of the inauguration of the President of the Republic of Korea, I found myself recalling the U.S. presidential oath, out of both regret and hope. Since the constitutional revision of 1987, I have felt that the symbols and meanings embedded in our presidential inaugurations have not fully reflected the path our democracy has taken. In particular, the lack of judicial symbolism stands out. I have even imagined what it would be like if the President, when reciting the oath of office that begins with "I will abide by the Constitution and defend the nation" (Article 69 of the Constitution), placed a hand on the Constitution itself. It is regrettable that this is not the case.

At the same time, I sincerely hope that this time, we will see a President who truly keeps the promises and pledges made in the oath?such as "upholding the Constitution," "defending the nation," and "promoting the freedom of the people." Rhetoric, symbols, and appearances are of little importance. The expectations and hopes that the people have for President Lee Jaemyung are no different.

If I may add one more wish for President Lee, it is that he should not try to oversee everything himself, but instead surround himself with good advisors?especially those who are willing to offer candid criticism. In ancient Rome, it is said that during a victorious general's parade, there was someone who would shout "memento mori," meaning "remember that you will die," right in front of the triumphant general riding a chariot drawn by white horses, to warn him against arrogance.

But the meaning surely went beyond that. It was also a reminder to remember the sacrifices of comrades who made his success possible and not to forget the responsibilities that came with his position. At this very moment, President Lee may be surrounded by flatterers rather than those who speak frankly. I hope he will not forget the promises made to the people who elected him, and that he will heed uncomfortable criticism over pleasing words, keeping "memento mori" in mind. In fact, even without "memento mori," there are countless examples from which President Lee can learn as negative lessons.

There is a long-standing political adage that holding power is like riding on the back of a tiger. Even without listing them all, the reality facing President Lee in our country stands on the edge of a precipice. I hope that, like Dionysius?who endured the pressure of the sword hanging by a single horsehair above his head, rather than Damocles, who fled in fear?President Lee Jaemyung will untangle these complex challenges and bear the weight of power with responsibility.