[The Editors' Verdict]The Wounds of That December Day: A Year Without Healing

"Jian, have you reached peace?"

"Yes..."

This is a famous line from the drama "My Mister," which has comforted many people. It is a wordless conversation that resonates in the hearts of wounded souls. It carries the hope that each person's difficult life will be healed. The language of hope spreads in this way. It gives us the strength to believe that the world is still worth living in and to overcome reality.

We all experienced the power of empathy connecting people on that day, one year ago. On December 3, when the phrase "Martial Law Declared" appeared in large letters at the bottom of TV screens, some people stopped in their tracks. Others collapsed onto their living room sofas. The breaking news delivered at 10:28:09 p.m. instantly plunged our society into silence.

The moment the line between film and reality collapsed, a time of chaos began. During last winter, when shock, anxiety, and fear swept over us, we ultimately found a solution in the face of the threat of mutual destruction. The roar of over one million citizens filled Yeouido in Seoul, creating a massive wave. The echo of empathy that was born became the foundation for the resilience of democracy that astonished the world. After a bitter winter, a tumultuous spring, and a passionate summer, we face December once again. Is our society truly returning to its rightful place?

The past year has left us with a sense of regret, as we needed time to heal. When we ask whether the truth of the event that terrified the nation has been revealed and whether those responsible have been properly punished, we can only sigh. Have any of the main culprits truly reflected on their actions? Investigations, indictments, and multiple trials have followed, but all we hear are excuses and attempts to shift blame.

The judicial system, which should be the backbone of our society, has strayed from the path of trust. Controversy over delayed trials and the outlook that a first-instance verdict is unlikely within this year are causes for concern. Some judges even seem unhurried, out of step with the gravity of the case. One cannot help but wonder if they are aware they are presiding over a case that will go down in history.

President Yoon Sukyeol declared martial law on the night of December 3, 2024, and in the early morning of the 4th, martial law troops are attempting to enter the main building of the National Assembly. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At this point, our society needs to return to the fundamental question that was at the center of the Constitutional Court's deliberations. It is the question of whether to treat that day as just a passing incident. "I often felt as if we were chasing the reflection of the moon on a lake, talking about who gave or received orders when, in reality, nothing actually happened."

Does this explanation by former President Yoon Sukyeol at the Constitutional Court truly reflect the seriousness of the event? How can an incident where armed soldiers stormed the National Assembly by helicopter be considered trivial? If such an event is taken lightly, there is always a risk that something similar could happen again. The balance of judgment is shaken because political interests are prioritized over discerning right from wrong.

Only by stripping away political logic can we approach the truth. Whether progressive or conservative, whichever party holds power, we must build safeguards to prevent dangerous gambles at the expense of the people. Turning a blind eye for political convenience is like stitching up a festering wound without treating it. When the wave of healing once again circulates through a space shadowed by hatred, our community can finally reach peace.

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