Jeonggyeom, Director of Gyeonggi Poets Association, Satirizes Taxes in 'Gonggal Gonghwaguk'

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] We live our entire lives alongside taxes. Until we die, taxes remain an unwelcome guest and a shackle by our side.

A poem that critiques this social reality has recently drawn attention.

Jeong Gyeom, director of the Korea Gyeonggi Poets Association (poet), released a satirical poem titled "Gonggal Gonghwaguk" (The Extortion Republic) related to various quasi-tax levies such as fines, penalties, and forfeitures encountered while living in South Korean society.

Through the autumn issue focus of the poetry journal "Sisasa," the poet pointed out the reality, saying, "From the moment office workers step out the front door to go to work, they face all kinds of taxes such as fines, penalties, and forfeitures."

In particular, he sharply criticized the harsh reality, stating, "Due to COVID-19, not wearing a mask results in a violation of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, and fines are imposed for failing to separate recyclables and food waste when disposing of them. Even conflicts between neighbors caused by noise between floors lead to a fine of 100,000 won as a minor offense."

He added, "Quasi-tax levies in our society, such as fines for not yielding to emergency vehicles and penalty charges for violating speed limits on traffic signs, are countless."

Born in 1957 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, Jeong Gyeom (real name Jeong Seung-ryeol) debuted in 2003 through the poetry journal "Sisasa" and has been active in the central literary scene for over 20 years.

After more than 30 years of public service at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, he retired honorably as a deputy director and has published poetry collections including "Pureun Gyeongjeon" (Blue Scripture), "Gongmuwon" (Public Servant), and "Gungpyeonghang" (Gungpyeong Port).

The poet is currently active as a columnist.

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