[Current & Culture]The Disturbing Meaning Behind "Gukppong"

We Must Stop Making Drugs Seem Familiar
The Story Behind "Mayak Gimbap"
and the Lingering Impact of "Hiropon" in Society

A few days ago, I saw a news story about a gimbap shop in a neighborhood called "Mayak Gimbap" (Drug Gimbap), where elementary school students sent a letter to the owner asking to change the shop's name. There was also a teacher who led this action. The school conducted a drug prevention class and held a discussion about the common use of shop names with "Mayak XX" around the school area. As a result, the children even recommended new names themselves and handed over handwritten letters, and the shop owner responded sincerely to the children's earnestness.

This was not just a simple heartwarming story to smile and move on from. I felt dizzy and ashamed. As someone who produces broadcasts and writes articles, I too had used expressions related to "drugs" without much thought. I am not alone. Such expressions are easily seen everywhere?in broadcasts, YouTube, shop signs, promotional phrases, and so on.

"Highlights of the final match that naturally fill you with national pride!"

"Addictive Mayak Tteokbokki you can't stop eating once you try!"

"A blockbuster hit with drugged-out acting!"

As the children wrote in their letters, these expressions psychologically lower the guard against drugs. This is similar to how young drug dealers recently use animation character names on social networking services (SNS). It is marketing that exploits human instinct to feel familiarity and safety toward what is familiar, but it means we ourselves are participating in the marketing chosen by drug dealers to spread drugs.

Until now, I have held an extremely progressive stance on censorship. I opposed labeling songs as banned just because they contained one or two swear words or vulgarities, and I was lenient about violence and sexual content. However, from today onward, I have decided to be strict with myself about expressions that make drugs seem friendly.

Especially the worst expression is "Gukppong" (nationalistic pride). This expression is related to drugs and also carries remnants of Japanese language and touches on painful history. During the Japanese colonial period, Japan, which fought in the Pacific War, sought ways to mobilize not only soldiers but also ordinary citizens as much as possible for the war effort. Methamphetamine (Philopon), which has a stimulating effect that removes fatigue and drowsiness, was considered a miracle drug that turned soldiers into killing machines and made citizens war maniacs. The side effects that damage body and mind and the deadly addiction were secondary concerns. The priority was to grind the people into the war effort. Pharmaceutical companies openly advertised Philopon, and the product name was "Hiropon." You can still find newspaper ads from that time.

South Korea, once a drug-free country, is now a thing of the past, and drugs are spreading at a frightening speed regardless of age or gender. There are frequent news reports of students becoming addicted to drugs and even being caught as drug dealers. In this situation, taking down "Mayak Gimbap" signs on the streets, erasing the expression "Gukppong" from broadcasts and YouTube, and refraining from phrases like "drugged-out acting" or "drugged-out play" will not make real drugs disappear. Still, at the very least, we must stop making drugs seem friendly ourselves. Since elementary school students have taken the first step, it is now the adults' turn to follow.

Ah, praise must be given openly. These admirable children are said to be students of Kim Dosin, a health teacher at Pungnam Elementary School in Jeonju. Thank you.

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