[Political Reset] Jeong Chungrae's Red Tie, Jang Donghyuk's Blue Tie

So Jongseop Political Specialist

A friend I recently met shared an awkward experience. He attended a gathering wearing a red tie, and some attendees asked if he supported the People Power Party. At first, he didn't understand why they were asking. Only after someone nearby explained that red is the symbolic color of the People Power Party did he realize the reason. He said, "It felt unpleasant, as if people were judging my political orientation based on the color I wore."

At some point, our society lost its 'freedom of color.' Red symbolizes passion and vitality, while blue represents trust and stability. However, since the Democratic Party adopted blue and the People Power Party adopted red as their party colors, red and blue have become standards for dividing 'us' and 'them.' It is natural for political parties to choose and use symbolic colors. However, as these colors have become almost exclusive to certain parties, personal preferences and expressions are now often immediately interpreted politically. This is not a sign of a healthy society. Part of the reason is that the conflict between ruling and opposition parties has extended into a 'color conflict.' Still, whatever the case, we should avoid equating color with political orientation. Respecting diversity and freedom is the true strength of democracy.

Jeong Chungrae, the leader of the Democratic Party, and Kim Byungki, the floor leader, are attending the policy members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

To achieve this, unless it is a major party event such as a national convention or candidate selection, politicians should have the 'freedom of color' in their daily lives. Breaking away from uniformity and expressing oneself with a rainbow of colors can symbolize confidence and a commitment to an open society. When you look at scenes from party Supreme Council meetings, general assemblies, or press conferences, it often seems as if the color of attendees' ties was prearranged. They never seem to tire of it. Is it wrong for Jeong Chungrae, leader of the Democratic Party, to wear a red tie? Would it be a problem if Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, wore a blue tie to a meeting? Sometimes, I would also like to see them in yellow or purple ties. Why do politicians insist on only wearing blue or red ties?

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on August 28. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The confusion over the color of civil defense uniforms is similar. These days, when you look at public officials or party representatives at disaster sites, it is puzzling. Some wear yellow civil defense uniforms, while others wear teal. Even though they are all public officials, the color of their uniforms differs depending on the party affiliation of the local government head. When people on the front lines of crisis response and disaster recovery wear different uniforms, the message of overcoming difficulties together inevitably becomes diluted. It seems that prompt cooperation and integrated response become more difficult. Most importantly, it makes the public uncomfortable to witness such scenes. Ultimately, it is the people who bear the consequences. From 1975 to 2005, civil defense uniforms were khaki; from 2005 to 2022, they were yellow. In 2022, the Yoon Suk-yeol administration changed them to teal. Now, under the Lee Jae-myung administration, yellow has become the dominant color.

On August 30, President Lee Jae-myung visited Obong Reservoir in Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung City, Gangwon Province to inspect the drought response situation. Photo by Yonhap News

Color is a message. Insisting on only one color can be perceived as a refusal to acknowledge the other side. The advancement of politics is not only about regime change or institutional reform, but also requires changes in the behavior of politicians. Perhaps even a change in tie colors, or new seating arrangements in plenary or committee meetings, could help ease the conflict between ruling and opposition parties. Instead of grand slogans, what if lawmakers wore ties in the other party's color, striped ties with mixed colors, or purple ties that blend blue and red? Amidst the heightened conflict between the ruling and opposition parties, I imagine President Lee Jae-myung wearing a purple tie, Jeong Chungrae wearing a red tie, and Jang Donghyuk wearing a blue tie. Wouldn't that be a refreshing shock?