Did I overestimate Korean society?
I realize that my belief that common sense and justice prevailed was a mistake.
I was dumbfounded to see my childhood friends, who had PhDs and considered themselves part of the social elite, supporting Yoon Suk-yeol. Maybe they thought I was beneath them.
Seeing acquaintances around me get heated up saying "How could you possibly declare martial law if you weren't rich?" makes me acutely aware of the reality of this country.
Until now, I have been proud to watch Korea from afar and envied not being a part of it. Now, even those feelings seem like luxuries.
I wouldn't be surprised if Yoon Suk-yeol isn't impeached. If 30% of the people support him, this society may already be over.
If things continue like this, commoners will live like serfs and the wealthy and powerful will live like yangban (aristocrats), reverting to a feudal society.
It seems like we are heading towards national ruin like in the late Joseon Dynasty. But the world doesn't always move in a straight line, so I can't give up hope.
I think that's why vested interests are clinging on. Even logical and justifiable changes, like when the Roh Moo-hyun administration pushed for the relocation of the capital, are not easy.
Democracy has gone through such ups and downs to get where it is today. We were able to have presidents like Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in because we gradually chipped away at the walls of vested interests.
This may be their last stand. They have always been stronger and wealthier than us, and they have been better at mobilizing the public. But I don't think we should be disappointed.
I comfort myself by thinking that this is just like getting over a cold.
The court's decision seems to show its intention not to leave any room for interference in future trials.
It could be a choice to neutralize Yoon Suk-yeol's opposition. Of course, it is shocking and infuriating, but ultimately it may be a small setback for a bigger change.
Just as Turkey has yet to properly establish democracy, I think our country is on a rollercoaster ride.
I am disappointed but hopeful again.
There has never been a history where citizens were the masters. We are now pioneering uncharted territory.
Democracy is not given in a finished state, but it is constantly shaken, rebuilt, and conserved.
The fact that we are developing resilience and problem-solving abilities within this vulnerability is a positive aspect.
There is a Western saying that history repeats itself.
We learn history to look back, understand the past, and live our present lives correctly.
I felt dazed and confused watching the news yesterday and today, so I'm leaving a few words.
