[Namsan Stroll] New Year's Scenery Beyond the Rainbow

The start of 2026 is nothing short of tumultuous. Let’s take a look at the different atmospheres at the beginning of the year across politics, the economy, and culture.

In the political arena, an old-fashioned scandal involving the buying and selling of positions has erupted on both sides of the aisle. In the Democratic Party, former Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo and former floor leader Kim Byungki are at the center of the controversy. Previously embroiled in scandals over abuse of power and preferential treatment, they are now under investigation for allegedly accepting money in exchange for influencing nominations.

The behavior of Kim Keonhee, who was once the First Lady, is even more blatant. As if obsessed with luxury goods, she is being accused of allocating positions in exchange for jewelry and bags. This vulgarity and brazenness, which will go down in the dark history of position trading, are tarnishing year-end and New Year news. Seeing such things, it feels less like 2026 and more like 1986, before democratization. Once again, it has been proven that politics remains the most backward sector in our country.

On the other hand, there are places where celebrations are in full swing. The KOSPI index, which surpassed 4,000 at the end of last year, has been rising daily toward 5,000 as soon as the new year began. Just a year ago, it was below 2,500-like someone doubling their height in a year. It’s hard to recall such a steep rise in history. Moreover, the outlook is entirely rosy. If someone had made such a prediction a year ago, they would have been laughed off as a dreamer, but at this rate, we might actually see a ‘5’ at the front of the KOSPI index this year. Of course, let’s not forget the old adage: “Buy in fear, sell in euphoria.”

In popular culture, sad news has followed one after another. At the end of last year, Yoon Seokhwa passed away, and at the beginning of this year, Ahn Sungki also left us. Both were beloved national actors representing the theater and film industries, so the sorrow among fellow actors and fans runs deep. I, too, nurtured my creative dreams watching their plays and films. As a scriptwriter and radio producer, I always wanted to create a work like “Radio Star” (starring Ahn Sungki). I confess that my attempt to imitate it resulted in “Wonderful Radio.” It’s hard to believe I’ll never see their gentle smiles again. The saying that “art is eternal” offers little comfort for now. Perhaps with more time, I’ll find the courage to revisit their final works. My deepest condolences to the departed.

How is the New Year unfolding for you, dear readers? I hope your days are filled with joy and hope. To accompany such a mood, let me end today’s column by recommending a song. It’s “Over the Rainbow,” the theme song from the 1930s film “The Wizard of Oz,” sung by lead actress Judy Garland. This song, now famous worldwide, has since been covered by countless artists. In particular, the remake by Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo?ole, a native Hawaiian singer, is even more moving than the original. I encourage you to watch the video of him-over 300 kg-playing a tiny ukulele.

For the first column of the year, my top recommendation is a guitar instrumental version. Listen to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by guitarist Chris Impellitteri, who displays dazzling, lightning-fast virtuosity. Turn up the volume, and you’ll feel the thrill of a soaring leap, as if flying over the rainbow. The drum performance by Pat Torpey, who became famous as a member of Mr. Big, is like a pounding heartbeat. Wishing all readers a Happy New Year!

Lee Jaeik, SBS Radio Producer and Novelist