[Deputy Editor's Column] An Unprecedented Crisis, and an Unprecedented 177 Seats

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] In a way, it is peculiar. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, which has been named a 'national disaster,' the Democratic Party of Korea has become a giant party with 177 seats. The interpretation that the psychology of not changing generals during wartime played a role is understandable. There is also the added appeal of being the 'storekeeper' sending 'disaster relief funds' to the lives of people battered by harsh winds. Whatever the reason, an unprecedented situation has created an unprecedented political landscape. As a result, Korean voters have effectively supported change.

The horse is already running. The key question may be how and how much to whip it. At first, it was thought rashly that another infectious disease outbreak had come and would come again, but this time is different. The ultra-fine virus threatens life and safety and even prompts reflection on civilization. It acts as a shockwave for fundamental changes in the direction and way humanity has lived. Inertia is strong, making essential trajectory adjustments difficult without external shocks. Even for individuals, shocks usually change 'other people,' don't they?

Venice, Italy, is symbolic. The canals, which suffered pollution making the name 'City of Water' ironic, have recently become so clear that the bottom is visible. The sky of New Delhi, India, once reminiscent of a gas chamber, is also returning to its original state. Humanity is imprinted with a stark proof that peaceful and sustainable coexistence with nature was pushed to a lower priority.

A somewhat 'small' story: in Korea, dung beetles have long disappeared due to pesticides and antibiotic feed. This means one axis of waste processing in the ecosystem has vanished, which is by no means a trivial matter. Last year, the government took the initiative to import foreign dung beetles to restore and breed them. There are gains and losses. It makes us reflect on what is essential.

The government and ruling party have introduced a 'New Deal' for the post-COVID era. They plan to expand from digital to bio and green sectors. Although the Democratic Party has taken the lead, the opposition is not on a different boat. In other words, it is simply a political task. How petty party interests are in the face of a historic change for humanity. Public opinion will see this clearly.

On the other hand, Korea has an opportunity. Having established itself as a leading country in quarantine, if it shows a leading role in future changes, this shock could become a chance for qualitative leap. We hope for the seeds of hope that grow amid pain.

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