[Current & Culture] I Hope You Won't Cry

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, reportedly said in his inauguration speech:

“I have spent my life trying to make the people of Ukraine laugh. For the next five years, I will do everything possible to ensure you do not cry.”

He is known as a comedian-turned-president. Watching videos from that time, it is clear he truly did his best to bring laughter to the people of Ukraine. I can only guess what reasons led him to resolve to keep his people from crying, and what circumstances prompted the citizens?who responded with an astonishing 73% approval rating?to feel such desperation. It seems that everyone in Ukraine was in a dire situation.

Some mock the Ukrainian people, saying that electing a political novice like a comedian as president is why war broke out. Many have said so. But unless one was present in that time, in that place, among those people, one cannot possibly understand. Just because a comedian candidate appeared does not mean the presidential election became a comedy, nor that the people became comedians. In fact, the upcoming presidential election in the Republic of Korea, with only a few days left, looks far more like a comedy to anyone watching. Crude remarks that would not even be made on a B-grade variety show are being exchanged. Watching the campaign videos of each candidate, I laughed a lot. When politicians and their supporters become comedians, who are we to mock anyone’s politics? The joke that comedians do politics and politicians do comedy is an old one, but it perfectly describes our current reality.

President Zelensky stayed in the capital of Ukraine. It was not that he could not flee. He refused the United States’ offer to help him and his family escape abroad. While he failed to prevent the impending war, he is at least keeping his promise to the people. From the start, he did not make the easy and grand statement that he would make the people laugh. Instead, he said he would do everything possible to keep them from crying. He understood better than anyone the weight of his duty. Even in simple human relationships, it is always harder to keep someone from crying than to make them laugh.

What about our soon-to-be new president? Will they stay in their position during such a national disaster, or will they prioritize their own wealth and life? But before that, what about you and me? Everyone has someone they must make laugh, someone they must never let cry. Those we serve or care for?our romantic partners, friends, and family. When faced with disasters that could shake these relationships, can I choose not to run away? Can I keep them from crying? Watching President Zelensky, I learn not only about politics but also about the dignity an individual must possess. We are witnessing the most noble way to earn the love and trust of those precious to us.

I hope, as he wishes, that all the people of Ukraine will be able to laugh. I, too, will do everything possible in my place to ensure that the one I love does not cry.

Kim Minseop, Social and Cultural Critic

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