[Current & Culture] The Purpose of Politics Is Not Politics Itself

There is a term called "technical faction." Its dictionary meaning refers to writers who prioritize form or technique over the expression of ideas or emotions in literary works. Besides literature, there are also artists classified as technical faction in music and fine arts. In popular music, for example, there are fast-playing guitarists. The essence of fast guitarists, represented by "Yngwie Malmsteen," was to play the guitar faster and more flamboyantly. In the 1980s, such guitarists even released albums based solely on their playing, and guitar solo showcase sections often appeared in the middle of general pop/rock songs.

Listening to such performances naturally elicited admiration. Wow, that guitar playing is really good! But that was all. I too once enthusiastically collected albums and sought out live performances of technical faction players, but although I was amazed, I rarely felt moved. Because excellent playing skills alone cannot make good music. There are occasional cases, like Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos or some masterpieces by Dream Theater, where extraordinary technique also moves the listener, but generally, the masterpieces that brought me to tears were not pieces that flaunted outstanding playing skills.

There are also technical faction politicians in the political sphere. These are people who speak well, write well, and are adept at so-called political engineering calculations. Of course, a minimum level of political technique is essential for political newcomers, just as a certain level of playing skill is essential for musicians. However, technique is neither the purpose of performance nor the purpose of politics. To grow into a great politician, an ultimate purpose is necessary.

Under military regimes, there was a grand and common purpose called democratization. After some degree of democratization was achieved, a tendency emerged to place the economy at the center of politics, as seen in Bill Clinton’s election campaigns. Politicians from backgrounds such as lawyers, journalists, and even those who majored in medicine or engineering all claimed to be economic experts and laid out economic policies. Their shamelessness eventually made the public either incredulous or numb, and so on.

It has been 100 days since the Yoon Seok-yeol administration took office. While they succeeded in defeating the previous government and winning the election, there is concern that once in power, they might not know what to do next. Are they busy dealing with inflation and soaring exchange rates? That is, after all, the job of the economic departments. Let us not forget the failure of politicians in the previous government who confidently tackled real estate issues but only further disrupted the market. Politicians should not clumsily interfere with economic policy. It is acceptable to pretend to be economic experts during elections, but let’s stop there.

The ruling party leader, who should play the most important role as the government’s key supporter, is absurdly waging an all-out war against his own party. This is a typical appearance of a technical faction politician. Watching the dazzling metaphors and various tactics used to continue political struggles, some people are amazed, but few are moved. At least for me, it is not moving but tiring. It feels like having listened to a chaotic guitar performance for too long.

I ask the technical faction politicians: before you degenerate into mere political operators, reflect on the ultimate reason why you engage in politics. If your purpose is simply to win elections, gather followers, and seize power, then perhaps it is time to stop the performance.

Lee Jae-ik, Novelist

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