[Reporter’s Notebook] The Void Left by Lee Haechan... The "Stage of That Day" on the Lunar New Year Table

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The five-day Lunar New Year holiday, which once seemed long, is now coming to an end. Amid an economic recession, wallets have grown lighter, and conversations at the dinner table have centered more on the realities of politics than on exchanging well-wishes. In particular, the upcoming June 3 local elections, now less than four months away, remained a constant topic throughout the holiday.

One name, in particular, was mentioned repeatedly. It was the late Lee Haechan, former Prime Minister of South Korea, who stood at the heart of the nation’s modern democratic history.

Lee was a veteran politician who experienced the turbulence of Korea's political history firsthand. He was deeply connected to the current core of political power, to the extent that President Lee Jaemyung is often said to consider him a spiritual mentor. Lee’s presence and influence were so significant that they hardly needed to be quantified.

In these times, as the nation faces renewed turbulence such as the reimposition of martial law, many lamented that they could no longer hear his incisive and clear advice. Amid the increasingly harsh political rhetoric, he was one of the rare politicians known for speaking with remarkable accuracy.

On January 31, the day of his funeral, the local political community maintained a subdued presence. Many canceled or postponed book launch events and various gatherings. This was seen not just as an expression of sadness but as a minimum gesture of respect for a political elder who devoted his life to democracy.

However, the social sentiment and atmosphere appeared to differ from the stance and convictions of one politician in Naju.

Lee Jaetae, a member of the South Jeolla Provincial Council representing Naju, went ahead with his scheduled book launch event on the day of the funeral.

It is reported that the event included singing, dancing, and even participants wearing brightly colored wigs on stage. This seemed quite different from the somber mood of the broader community.

Of course, there was nothing legally wrong with Assemblyman Lee's actions. The event schedule had been announced in advance, and, in some respects, it is natural for a politician to keep his promises. Lee also expressed his condolences for the former prime minister's passing through a statement on social media.

Nonetheless, some have inevitably expressed disappointment with his decision. In politics, justification often matters more than circumstances, and evaluations of one’s choices depend on the weight of that justification.

The prevailing public sentiment during the holiday seemed to ask, “Did it really have to be on that day?” For politicians, trust and empathy are their greatest assets. What one refrains from doing during a period of mourning can itself send a political message.

Once the holiday ends and daily life resumes, this debate and criticism may subside. But will even the lingering afterimage completely disappear?

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