[Inside Chodong] Han Donghoon and Lee Jaemyung Must Find Solutions for Politics That Feels Like Hell

Long before the 22nd general election, when the third political camp was gaining attention, a politician who was rallying people under the banner of the third camp warned that a "time like being in hell" would come. The opposition was only shouting for impeachment, and the president had given up on politics with the opposition, signaling a time of extreme confrontation where everyone would go their own way. Perhaps because of the intensity of the word 'hell' or the anxiety that this forecast might become reality, that conversation occasionally comes to mind. The third camp's challenge, which vowed to prevent catastrophe, ended miserably under the banner of regime judgment. And the prophecy is becoming reality.

Several months have passed since the National Assembly convened, but not a single bill has been passed through bipartisan agreement. All bills that have passed the Assembly were pushed through solely by the opposition party. Every bill passed has been vetoed by the president or is awaiting veto. The rules of politics are being completely overturned. In the past, impeachment, filibusters (unlimited debate), and the right to request reconsideration (veto power) were treated as a kind of 'nuclear button.' Their mere existence before use was enough to maintain a fearful balance of power.

At least a few years ago, publicly hinting at impeachment or being photographed attending impeachment-related events would make the news. Now, impeachment has become a commonplace word in politics. Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, was impeached just one day after taking office. Even a filibuster lasting 5 nights and 6 days?the second longest in constitutional history with 1,382 pages of transcripts?failed to sustain public interest. Only the eyelids of those who stayed awake guarding the chamber grew heavier. With repeated vetoes, it has become impossible to count the number without checking records. Given this situation, no one is surprised anymore when the political nuclear button is pressed. Politics has become like a brawl where each side just throws punches and kicks indiscriminately, claiming to 'land a blow' on the opponent.

At this point, one wonders if there is any strategy at all between the ruling and opposition parties. The opposition, focused solely on winning, only shows off its strength and ignores persuasion. As a result, they always win votes but achieve no legislative accomplishments, and the world remains unchanged. The only difference is that people are 'angrier.' The 'competence' promised during the general election campaign is nowhere to be found. The ruling party, seemingly existing only to block the opposition's unilateral moves, has responded by pretending to block bills with unlimited debate and then recommending vetoes, rather than seeking any minimal compromise. All that remains is a sense of helplessness.

Is there any way out?

For now, after the nationwide party members' convention on the 18th, if the Democratic Party leadership is newly decided, it could open the door to change. This is because the new leadership of both ruling and opposition parties will have an opportunity to seek solutions to the political situation through a formal meeting. With Han Dong-hoon elected as the leader of the People Power Party with overwhelming support from party members, it is also expected that Lee Jae-myung will be elected as the Democratic Party leader with over 80% support.

If these two figures, who symbolize the future and top the polls as the next presidential candidates for the ruling and opposition parties respectively, lead their parties, the meaningless confrontations of the past two months must end and a breakthrough must be found. The key word is livelihood. The stock market has collapsed to a level comparable to the financial crisis, and the entire country is in emergency amid record-breaking heavy rains followed by heatwaves. Living in a world that feels like hell, it is time to close the door to yet another hell.

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