[Opinion] Change Politics of "Because" to Politics of "Will Do"

There has never been politics like this. There was a time in the past when the people had hope in politics. It was rare, but it definitely existed. There were politicians who gave the belief that the world would change, and there was a time when the visions they presented made hearts flutter. Although it was only for a moment, the public's desire for new politics transcending party lines condensed and erupted. Each supporting force or pattern was different, but it was symbolized as a 'wind.' Examples include 'Changpung (Changpung - Lee Hoi-chang wind),' 'Nopung (No-pung - Roh Moo-hyun wind),' and 'Anpung (An-pung - Ahn Cheol-soo wind).' The visions that these 'winds' promoted?'clean politics,' 'resolution of regional sentiments,' and 'new politics'?were keywords representing the spirit of the times, regardless of their concreteness or feasibility.

What about now? The people have nowhere to place their hearts. There is a saying that politics is about choosing the lesser evil, but these days, even that seems like a luxury. Many people truly wish to completely overhaul the political scene, and there are more than a few who feel they might suffer from stress-related illness if they do not control their emotions. Before political democratization, people believed that society would advance step by step with each regime change. There is some truth to that. However, looking back after several regime changes, it seems that this is not the case in the political field. The 21st National Assembly is especially so. It is regressive. It is a betrayal of politics.

One might say that politics has always been like this. However, among the many words that define politics?'power struggle,' 'conflict resolution,' 'results,' 'compromise and adjustment,' 'words,' 'rightness'?our current politics seems to have only 'struggle' and 'conflict.' Politics filled with hatred and contempt, politics that refuses to acknowledge differences and insists the other side is wrong, politics that only assigns blame to others, and politics with no reflection but only assertions are widespread. This is precisely the political culture that must be eradicated.

At some point, "It is my fault" disappeared from our politics. The People Power Party is quick to blame the previous administration, saying "It is Moon Jae-in administration's fault" whenever something happens. Similarly, the Democratic Party of Korea is busy attacking the current administration, saying "It is Yoon Seok-youl administration's fault." But if you look closely, although to varying degrees, most cases involve both the current and previous administrations. In fact, how often do things in the world suddenly fall from the sky? This happens because people look only at others' faults and not their own.

The ruling People Power Party has failed to show leadership or new changes in policies and issues. Perhaps due to being overshadowed by the presidential office, it appears colorless and lethargic. The first message from Kim Ki-hyun, who returned to party duties after summer vacation, was a criticism of the Democratic Party, saying, "It is pathetic that the Democratic Party uses large-scale international events as tools for political strife." The opposition Democratic Party continues to face a leadership crisis. Not only Lee Jae-myung, who faces 'judicial risks,' but also Innovation Committee Chair Kim Eun-kyung has exacerbated the crisis with remarks such as 'elderly disparagement.' Since the presidential election defeat, instead of innovating, the party has been floundering in a swamp. It is not gaining trust as an alternative force. The core issue is the whereabouts of Lee Jae-myung.

Currently, the ruling and opposition parties coexist antagonistically. They compete not with "We will do it" but with "It's because of you." In times of upheaval, speed wins over size. The side that first changes with positive politics of "We will do it" will receive the people's choice in next year's general election.

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