[Initial Moment] Discernment in the COVID Era, at a Minimum

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The bottom is only visible once the water recedes. The true nature of each person is revealed when faced with extreme situations. In works like novels or movies, stories often unfold based on premises that are unlikely to happen in reality. These are devices to reveal the bare truth.

Among men, those who have experienced military service may have somewhat experienced this. Survival and safety are absolute, and above all, in a confined time and space, human instincts and various different temperaments tend to surface. It was surprising to see what kind of beast lurked inside these seemingly ordinary and similar people, and even their own selves, which they did not know. The image one wants to show and reality inevitably differ.

Democracy is based on freedom, so various political perspectives and claims inevitably emerge. Nevertheless, the premise is that they must benefit the community. Distinguishing forces that cleverly disguise private interests as public claims is one of the conditions for a healthy democratic society. Protecting minority rights is also increasingly meaningful not only from the perspective of human rights and humanity but as an essential condition for a healthy community. History has repeatedly proven that oppression and discrimination lead to the collapse of communities.

As society becomes more complex and pluralistic, the number of issues requiring judgment increases accordingly. Depending on the issue, one may be disappointed with political groups once considered right, or the opposite may occur. However, it is fundamental that those who cross the line and harm the community must not be allowed into the public discourse. Those who unnecessarily consume social energy and obstruct productive discussions are merely obstacles that must be decisively removed.

When unclear, it is necessary to apply a clear standard to distinguish. The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is an issue directly related to human life and safety. There can be no clearer standard than this. Therefore, it is meaningful to clearly reveal the true nature of those who, under the guise of politics, defy quarantine systems and to investigate their origins. Just as the end does not justify the means, evidence obtained illegally has no validity; if one chooses methods that disregard the community’s basic duties and threaten safety, no claim can be listened to.

The People Power Party, which has tried to show a new image even changing its party name, suffered headaches over suspicions of involvement in the recent 'Gwangbokjeol rally.' As forces have announced rallies for the upcoming National Foundation Day, there is now a movement to clearly draw the line. This is a natural attitude for a public party. We hope there will be no lukewarm response this time such as "We never told anyone to attend the rally." After all, the prominent figure who stood on the rally stage was with the People Power Party leader just about six months ago, so even if there is some grievance, patience is required.

It is self-evident that if the opposition party tries to embrace all forces criticizing the government and ruling party and cannot let go of lingering attachments, it will inevitably face the majority’s indifference. The upcoming by-elections for Seoul and Busan may weigh heavily on the mind. However, a bicycle burning to look only at the immediate front is prone to fall at any time. "The People Power Party is a party that builds tomorrow together with everyone" is the first sentence of the recently fully revised People Power Party charter.

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