[Initial Moment] There Is No Dokkaebi Bangmangi

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] "Often, when a recipient leaves their position, they are regarded as nothing more than a boastful talker, and a general who loses subordinates becomes just an insignificant character in the marketplace."

This is a passage from the first chapter of British literary figure Somerset Maugham's "The Moon and Sixpence." It is difficult to think of others without their titles. The influence and weight of titles infiltrate unconsciously.

In Korea, politics has long been symbolized as a word associated with power, resonating with images like charisma or halo effects. In the National Assembly chamber, senior lawmakers generally occupied the back seats, while first-term lawmakers sat in the front. Everywhere, "seats" are linked to power.

The emergence of a 30-something leader of the main opposition party is a national issue. Just as when the military held power and the country resembled a military state, changes in the nation's top leadership inevitably affect society in some way. Those who said "still quite young" were probably too familiar and accustomed to the rigid order of seniority and hierarchy. Now, they are bewildered by the changed world, thinking "was it really like that?"

Regardless of his intrinsic value, it is noteworthy that he broke one of the fixed notions about titles. This is a society where "how old are you!" is an indispensable item in fights. Age is power. Of course, the hierarchy will not be shaken drastically overnight, but cracks have definitely appeared, and the future trajectory will be adjusted. At the very least, it seems certain that the "kkondae" (older generation with authoritarian attitude) will become more marginalized.

Politics constantly demands novelty. The more frustrating and harsh reality is, the more the public desires fresh new air. Although he has been in politics for 10 years, he appealed with the freshness of being "young." The ruling party’s most likely presidential candidate has never entered the National Assembly, and in the conservative opposition, a "political novice" who recently stepped down as the government’s Prosecutor General stands out. It can be called the heyday of "zero-term" politicians.

However, novelty does not necessarily equate to hope. Every election brings a "new wind," but the public’s political efficacy remains low. It is worth considering whether novelty has only been consumed as a temporary emotional outlet.

Politics values image, but if we do not look beneath the wrapping, frustration will not be resolved. There are countless challenges to solve. The key is where to find clues to solve issues each person thinks about, such as polarization, regional imbalance, employment difficulties, soaring housing prices, and the climate crisis. Politically, youth can be defined not only as a specific period of physical change but also as the spirit and pure attitude to change reality. Judgments should be made through words, writing, and actions. Titles and images are not the essence.

Above all, too high expectations lead to repeated disappointments. The structure of Korean society, entrenched for decades, does not change easily. Therefore, it is difficult to feel significant changes in a short period. What matters is whether the direction is right and whether there is strong will.

After all, beyond the initial stage of the state as a fence, politics rarely decisively determines individual happiness. Happiness is the sum of many factors. The language of "revolution" that once flourished is now hard to find. Rather than hoping for a nonexistent magic wand, it is better to focus on steady saving.

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