[The Editors' Verdict] Through the Crisis

The constitutional declaration that all power comes from the people is often nothing more than empty words. It is not uncommon for those who hold power, whether individuals or groups, to look down on the people who granted them that power. Who does not understand the human nature of wanting to exercise power when one has it? However, power must be used appropriately and shared for society and the nation to remain stable. And it must be institutionalized that way.

The fall of the Yi Joseon dynasty was probably not solely due to the king’s faults. However, since all national affairs had to go through the king’s mouth, it seems the people themselves had few opportunities to develop their capabilities. Although it was an autocratic regime, it does not appear that the people were unaware that they were the foundation of power. Yet, the regime was so focused on concentrating power that it lacked the recognition that the prosperity of the people, the root of power, is the prosperity of the nation.

The concentration of power is dangerous. Look at how Joseon lost its sovereignty so tragically. The king and a few close ministers were threatened by guns and swords, and the country was handed over to another nation far too easily. In an autocratic state, the country is no different from the personal property of an individual. It is that much easier to seize a country where power is extremely concentrated. The history of resistance, such as the martyrdom of An Jung-geun and the righteous armies, is very precious. However, under the shadow of autocracy, it was difficult for the common people to develop greater capabilities to mount a larger resistance.

How futile the concentration of power is can be clearly seen in the conquest of the New World by Spain’s ambitious conquerors. The Maya of Mexico and the Inca of the Andes were both theocratic states. The king was a god, so the degree of power concentration is understandable. In the early 16th century, their population exceeded 25 million, so they were not small countries. Yet, their armies of hundreds of thousands were conquered by just a few hundred Spanish soldiers. Once the god-like rulers with concentrated power were removed, they collapsed helplessly.

Scholars like Darren Acemoglu of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) call regimes with concentrated power “extractive.” They argue that a country’s strength comes from decentralization and self-reliance. Just as the United States, the first democracy to enshrine the separation of powers in its constitution, and the French Revolution that overthrew absolute monarchy, found modern states and prosperity, prosperity under concentrated power always has limits. Considering the mirror of the United States, which has prospered for nearly two and a half centuries since its founding, the political changes unfolding in countries like China and Japan are worrisome in that regard.

The reason I suddenly speak of the concentration of power is because I feel it keenly after passing through the crisis of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Although outwardly democratic, sometimes I wonder if South Korea is still under the shadow of a distant autocratic regime. In this country, if the president does not act, no problems are solved. The National Assembly, courts, and media all watch only his words and actions. Even proxy purchasing of masks is only possible if the president orders it. Does this not remind you of someone from a distant past?

The world is currently going through a major crisis. This may only be the beginning. The economic crisis that will follow is expected to be no less severe than the 2008 financial crisis. What shines in a crisis is the capability of each citizen. Enabling citizens to make more decisions on their own is, above all, precious education and an asset that supports the country. In many cases, crises are not our choice, but whether they deepen or are overcome is our choice. I send my support to all citizens facing difficulties due to COVID-19.

Jo Jang-ok, Professor of Economics, Sogang University

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.