[Reporter’s Notebook] Tess-hyung, Why Is Politics Like This?

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Singer Na Hoon-a's Chuseok special non-face-to-face concert heated up not only living rooms but also the political sphere. The opposition party said that his remarks during the concert "boldly criticized the current government," while the ruling party countered, calling it an "overinterpretation." What was the true intention behind Na Hoon-a's remarks that stirred the political world during the holiday weekend?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During the performance on the 30th of last month, he said, "I hope KBS becomes a broadcaster for the people," and added, "I have never seen a king or president who risked their life for the people. It is you who have protected this country." The opposition linked this statement to criticism of the government and public broadcasting. On the 2nd, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at a virtual party meeting, "Singer Na Hoon-a clearly represented our feelings. The task imposed on the main opposition party has become clear." The ruling party responded by calling it a "self-serving interpretation."

Na Hoon-a has remained silent since then. It is important to pay attention to the context and intent of his remarks. Did Na Hoon-a come on broadcast after 15 years just to launch a political attack? He emphasized, "Even during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crisis, people sold all their gold at home for the country," and "The people of the Republic of Korea are number one in the world. We can definitely overcome COVID-19." He seemed to place emphasis on comforting the people.

Of course, as one of the people, he subtly expressed his frustration. It is important to note his remark, "If the people have power, there can be no rulers." Na Hoon-a referred to politicians who govern with 'falsehood (?)' instead of 'will (爲).' This applies to all politicians regardless of party. Arguing over this by saying "Actually, the meaning was not that, but for the people to live well" or "It is your fault" is meaningless. The ruling party should not simply dismiss this as a misinterpretation either.

Confucius said, "If the heart is not joyful, even if there is sound, one does not listen. Only when the heart is peaceful can one listen to and enjoy music." While living rooms were joyfully stirred during Chuseok, the political world could not smile.

Public sentiment is harsh. A graduate of a certain philosophy department started a tteokbokki franchise named after Socrates. It attracted attention as a name mixing self-deprecation and criticism of reality, implying "If you graduate from liberal arts, you can't get a job." It seems the political world cannot grasp the sentiment of wanting to bring back even the dead Socrates in a world without good adults or trustworthy military officers. They cannot even leave the interpretation to the people, only asking to see it this way or that way. Rather, one wants to ask, "Tess-hyung, why is politics like this?"

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