[Reporter’s Notebook] The Royal Table of Joseon and the National Assembly’s Air Conditioning

During the Joseon Dynasty, when there was a famine, the king implemented ‘Gamseon (減膳).’ Gamseon was an order for the king to reduce the number of dishes on the royal table, remove meat, or shorten the number of meals. One king eating less food did not solve poverty. Rather, it was significant as a gesture showing that the king shared the suffering of all his people and personally demonstrated a frugal lifestyle. This is an example that shows how important the role model of those in power was even in a class-based society.

“Today, the National Assembly standing committee meeting room was cold, so I checked and found the air conditioning temperature set at 21 degrees Celsius. It might get a bit warm, but let’s set an example.” This was what Justice Party lawmaker Jang Hye-young said after suddenly requesting to speak during the full meeting of the National Assembly’s Planning and Finance Committee held the day before. There is a reason why Representative Jang openly pointed out the indoor temperature in front of fellow lawmakers and high-ranking officials.

According to current regulations, public institutions are limited to an indoor temperature of 28 degrees Celsius during summer. This system was established in 1980 to cope with the global energy crisis. The recommended appropriate indoor temperature for citizens is also 26 degrees Celsius. Following government recommendations, many private companies maintain office temperatures at 26 degrees or higher.

The National Assembly, where public opinion is discussed, is more public than any other institution. Yet, even before summer began, the National Assembly turned on the air conditioning to the point where people felt “cold.” Electricity rates for the second quarter rose by 5.3% (8 won per kWh). There is a high possibility that rates will continue to rise. Ordinary citizens are finding ways to live without air conditioning to save even a single won. Self-employed people who use a lot of electricity are distressed. The price increases driven by electricity costs are adding insult to injury.

The ones who proposed energy saving as a solution were none other than those in power. They warned stores that opened their doors while running air conditioning and appealed to reduce the use of home appliances. Last winter, even low-level public institution employees shivered working in offices at 17 degrees Celsius as a way to set an example. Even the kings of the Joseon Dynasty set examples during difficult times, and our citizens are reluctantly saving energy with tears, yet those in power show no exemplary attitude.

At this rate, who will accept energy policies? Wasn’t the climate crisis and energy crisis a social issue that required the full mobilization of national capabilities? If so, those in power should first turn off the air conditioning, take off their jackets, loosen their ties, or wear short-sleeved shirts. That is the attitude those in power should have.

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