[Inside Chodong] One Year Ago, the President Shouted "People"

Despite Efforts to Stay True to His Original Intentions, Confusion Grows Over Compensation Solution
No Apology or Remorse from Japan, and Insufficient Comfort and Persuasion for Surviving Victims

"I will only look to the people and serve only the people."

One year ago, President Yoon Suk-yeol, who rose to the highest pinnacle of national power, mentioned the "people" first when he appeared before the public after his election was confirmed. Conscious of the narrowest margin of victory in constitutional history (about 240,000 votes), his message, delivered with the sentiment that "the night was very long," emphasized his original intention and unity.

Over the past year, there is clear evidence that President Yoon has tried to maintain his original intention while managing the country's affairs. Even during the final campaign rally, he identified "economic leap to overcome ultra-low growth" as the most important task. Now, calling himself "Korea's No. 1 salesperson," his diplomatic efforts are also focused on the economy.

It has not been without difficulties. The three major reforms (labor, education, pension), on which the success or failure of Yoon's five-year administration depends, have faced obstacles from the start. In a political landscape where the opposition holds more seats, it is difficult not only to pass legislation through the National Assembly but even to listen to the voices of the opposition and some civic groups. The president's "law and principle" stance, which once helped raise his approval rating from the 20% range, is no longer as effective. Even though the president sharply criticized the labor sector the day before, calling it a "cartel of vested interests plundering the people," this time the timing was off.

Currently, the public is re-examining the president's values regarding the government's solution to compensation for forced labor during Japan's colonial rule. Although surviving victims like Grandmother Yang Geum-deok have said they "do not want money like alms," President Yoon stated that the solution was "the result of respecting the victims' positions and seeking a plan that aligns with the joint interests and future development of Korea and Japan." Instead of comforting and persuading the victims, the president's remark that "Japanese people rank Korea as the number one country they want to visit once COVID travel restrictions are lifted" only widened the gap between the people and the president.

Of course, the value and weight behind the president's decision for "national interest" and "future" were sufficiently conveyed. The decision, made despite the anticipated domestic criticism, will significantly reduce threats to our economy and security. The joint interests and future development pointed out by the president are likely to expand into cooperation in emerging and core technology fields such as semiconductors, quantum, bio, and space, along with easing export restrictions.

However, there was a lack of explanation and persuasion matching the message. A senior government official's statement that "I think the glass is more than half full. Depending on Japan's sincere response going forward, the glass is expected to be filled further" borders on irresponsibility. The government has not secured either an apology or compensation but has only demanded a sign of sincerity from Japan.

That said, it is even less appropriate to support the current opposition party, which has spent five years advocating a hardline stance against Japan, and their claims of the "humiliation of Samjeondo" and the "Gye-myo Treaty." What has the Democratic Party done for a "diplomatic victory"?

The public's anxiety is just beginning. Besides the forced labor compensation solution, sensitive issues closely tied to public sentiment such as the Japan-Korea comfort women agreement, Dokdo territorial dispute, and the registration of Sado Mine as a UNESCO World Heritage site are lined up. It is already a matter of curiosity what kind of "glass" our government will present regarding the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, which is expected to begin as early as spring or summer.

One year ago, after enduring a grueling vote count, President Yoon visited the election situation room and said, "I learned many things about what is necessary to become the leader of the country and how to listen to the voices of the people." We cannot wait for the Japanese government to fill the remaining half. We must approach the victims who do not agree with the president's message or government announcements as soon as possible. Persuading the opposition party is also essential. It is not too late; it starts now.

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