▲ Korean Traditional Hahoe Mask Dance Drama
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A few days ago, a South Korean actor named Lee Sun-kyun passed away. The suicide of the renowned actor, who was under investigation for drug use, has evoked a significant response from the South Korean citizens. Even when faced with tragic incidents, such as the Itaewon tragedy where hundreds of young people lost their lives, South Koreans did not simply dismiss it as an accident.
International media outlets like BBC, CNN, and The Washington Post are pointing out the responsibility of President Yoon Suk-yeol and his subordinates for Lee Sun-kyun's death. Articles suggest that the intense investigation, driven by President Yoon's declaration of a "war on drugs," led to public exposure of Lee, who denied drug use. Only after strict scrutiny by the investigative authorities yielded inconclusive results did the police release him. However, following his release, he chose to take his own life.
In South Korean society, even if someone is cleared of charges, once publicly identified as a suspect, they find it challenging to resume normal social life.
Reflecting on the past Itaewon incident provides insights. On Halloween, excited youths crowded into narrow areas, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The police, preoccupied with the president's security, failed to deploy adequately to the anticipated accident location. The young victims, who went out to enjoy "Western ghost play," were unfairly stigmatized as naive children. The essence of South Korea, evident in the global popularity of cultural phenomena like BTS, movies like "Parasite" and "Squid Game," Korean cuisine, and athletes making waves worldwide, goes beyond such tragic events.
Whether it's the hundreds who perished in Itaewon, the students on a field trip who faced the Sewol ferry disaster, or the government's refusal to take responsibility despite protests from bereaved families, the South Korean government did not take responsibility.
The social system cannot be shaped by a single president alone. Even President Yoon Suk-yeol, who passionately claims, "I must listen to the people; the people are right," did not step aside to let someone else take responsibility. While facing public suspicion about his wife's real estate, stock investments, and bribery allegations, he continues to perform presidential duties during overseas visits, ignoring the concerns of the Korean people.
South Korea, a nation that put an end to military rule that lasted almost half a century, is now approaching the end of the era represented by Yoon Suk-yeol and the prosecutors. Unfortunately, despite ousting Japan, South Korea has not yet secured a seat at the table with victorious nations. Even in the current historical context, South Korea remains an extra, as seen when even the orchestrator of the Gwangju massacre, Chun Doo-hwan, lived a long life and passed away piecefully.
Joining the ranks of citizens in advanced countries is not merely measured by economic power. The common criterion for middle-class citizens in these communities is their participation in "fair play" within their communities. Even if they have entered the global top tier economically, if the members of these communities cannot express anger at public injustices, they remain distant from global citizens.
Middle-class criteria in the UK, France, the US, and Korea:
UK
Engaging in fair play
Clearly presenting one's own arguments
Holding firm beliefs
Avoiding arbitrary decisions
Supporting the weak and responding to the strong
Dealing confidently with injustice, complaints, and illegal actions
France
Proficiency in one or more foreign languag
Enjoying one or more sports
Playing a musical instrument
Cooking dishes with unique flavors
Willingly participating in "public outrage" and consistently engaging in volunteer activities to help the weak
US
Upholding one's convictions boldly
Assisting social minorities
Resisting negativity and illegality
Regularly reading critical reviews on the table
Korea
Owning an apartment of 30 square meters or more without debt
Having a monthly salary of 5 million won (3,000 pounds) or more
Owning a mid-sized car with an engine capacity of 2000cc or more
Having a deposit of 100 million won or more
Engaging in overseas travel at least once a year