[Lee Geun-hyung's Odok Odok] Democracy Is a Series of Tests

Which is fairer in the university admission system, regular admissions or early admissions? Generally, people tend to think the former is fairer. They believe that taking a single standardized exam simultaneously is the fairest form of competition.

However, there are quite a few who argue that the latter is fairer. There is evidence to support this. An analysis of SKY university admittees showed that, contrary to common belief, the proportion of successful candidates from Gangnam was higher in regular admissions than in early admissions.

The former pursues equality of opportunity, while the latter pursues equality of outcome. There are contentious issues such as additional points and quota systems. Guaranteeing only equality of opportunity cannot prevent polarization. Focusing on equality of outcome can render competition itself meaningless.

There can also be controversies about reverse discrimination. No system can be perfect. We have no choice but to decide where to place emphasis based on social consensus at each moment... After the Cho Kuk scandal brought early admissions issues to light, voices calling for an increase in the regular admissions ratio grew louder. Policy makers responded accordingly.

The book There Is No Democracy by documentary filmmaker Astra Taylor explains democracy. However, the author argues that democracy does not exist. This is because complete democracy has never been realized in history.

Both Athens, often called the root of democracy, and the United States, a symbol of modern democratic countries, built economic stability through slavery and democracy through privilege. A paradox of achieving democracy through anti-democratic means. Moreover, democracy has diverse attributes that make it difficult to define as one. If there are 50 million people, there are 50 million kinds of democracy. Even Choi Soon-sil, though unclear what she meant, clamored for a democracy special prosecutor.

There Is No Democracy divides the attributes of democracy into eight chapters. Each chapter consists of opposing elements: freedom and equality, conflict and consensus, inclusion and exclusion, coercion and choice, improvisation and system, expertise and public opinion, local and global, present and future.

The author clearly shows a preference for one side of each pair. However, she says that the essence of democracy is to maintain a proper balance with the opposing side. Democracy’s destiny is to undergo countless tests to find that balance.

We are now taking new democracy tests every day. The task is to choose between freedom versus freedom, or freedom versus equality. This is due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Should we guarantee freedom to live as we please or impose controls? Should everyone be able to get tested, or should testing be prioritized?

The past four months have been a continuous series of huge choices. Just as we tried to guarantee more freedom and resume economic activities, we faced cluster infections again. Now, debates are raging over human rights versus public health, and further, over protecting the identity privacy of sexual minorities versus mandatory testing.

The author defines civic autonomy as "an ideal and principle that is always distant and constantly receding on the horizon, achievable through the persistent awakening, creativity, and struggle of ordinary people, living a life that embraces the contradictions and opportunities of democracy without giving up, and constantly living in tension."

There is a case that put this into practice. Hong Seok-cheon, a broadcaster and restaurant entrepreneur. Although he is a celebrity, he is just an individual. He does not have to bear the burden himself. Yet recently, regarding the Itaewon incident, he showed courage. He posted a message saying, "I know better than anyone how great the worries about outing are," but added, "Right now, the health and safety of oneself, family, and society come first."

We have experienced removing a president we elected ourselves. Through this, we gained confidence that democracy, though slow, somewhat tedious, and sometimes regressive, ultimately moves forward in the right direction.

This time as well, we will create a new democracy. The world is watching this process.

There Is No Democracy / Astra Taylor / Translated by Lee Jae-kyung / Banni / 22,000 KRW

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