The Republic of Korea was a nation correctly founded as a liberal democracy by patriot Rhee Syngman, amidst all sorts of conspiracies and assassination threats from North Korea and the Soviet Union.

Whenever I write such things, there are always people who curse me, saying, “If you defectors want to be accepted, then earn your keep and live quietly, or if you don’t like it, go back to North Korea.”

I did not come to South Korea because I couldn't eat. Nor do I dislike South Korea. I am simply writing today because I cannot stand to see South Korea becoming increasingly like North Korea.

The Republic of Korea was a nation correctly founded as a liberal democracy by patriot Rhee Syngman, amidst all sorts of conspiracies and assassination threats from North Korea and the Soviet Union. Even pro-North, pro-China leftists cannot deny this fact.

This is because the leftists clearly know that if South Korea had founded a nation like North Korea, then the Korean people would have to starve under surveillance and control, just like the North Korean people.

There is much evidence for this. If you were to tell pro-North elements to go and live in North Korea now, not a single one would go. They know that in North Korea, they would have to become dogs that cannot bark.

The fact that countless intellectuals and cultural figures who admired socialism after liberation and went to North Korea were all purged or lived as slaves is also evidence.

Look also at the case of Lee In-mo, who dedicated his utmost loyalty to North Korea for over 40 years as a long-term political prisoner who refused to reform. Upon returning to North Korea, he uttered just one truthful word and was branded a traitor.

In the end, President Rhee Syngman's choice was correct. However, today's Republic of Korea, 80 years later, is completely going in reverse.

First, the Republic of Korea has become a nation where patriotic presidents are dragged to prison or cannot even find a place to be buried when they die. Instead, spies and criminals have taken over the country, and a world has emerged where they command the people.

Second, South Korea has degenerated into a nation where spies and traitors who betrayed the country are protected and treated favorably, becoming the nation with the most spies and traitors on Earth.

Third, South Korea has become the most shameful and cowardly nation on Earth, where Chinese people enjoy more national benefits than national merit recipients from Korea, and where Koreans are imprisoned for 5 years if they criticize China.

Fourth, the separation of powers of the government is merely in name; criminals have seized power, and the nation is moving towards a state identical to North Korea and China, where legislative and judicial powers have been reduced to tools of dictatorship.

Fifth, businessmen and self-employed individuals who should be respected for earning money are treated as exploiters and criminals, while corrupt politicians who spend money are enriching themselves with taxpayer money and commanding the people, leading to a degenerate and dirty nation.

Sixth, despite the constitution guaranteeing the people's right to know and freedom of the press, if citizens question fraudulent elections, they are sent to prison for 10 years, transforming the nation into an unprecedented violator of human rights.

Seventh, the enemy nation sends waste and drones to threaten the populace and conduct reconnaissance without any response from our side. Yet, if patriots send drones to the enemy nation, they are imprisoned for 30 years, and the Drone Command is dismantled, making it a nation of imbeciles.

Eighth, millions of Chinese are being brought in, occupying South Korea's political arena, public authority, and even its land. If it weren't for the US military, "People's Committees" or a "Chinese Federal Korean Autonomous Government" would have already been established here before.

Ninth, during the times of Presidents Rhee Syngman and Park Chung-hee, the people were vocal in their protests. Now, with their bellies full, they are becoming a nation of dogs and pigs, unconcerned whether the country becomes like North Korea or a vassal state of China.

It is the responsibility of the citizens to protect their nation. I earnestly implore the citizens to protect the flame of patriotism ignited at Jamsil Stadium and to correct this nation that is rolling backward.

◆ Advisor Kim Tae-san

Advisor to the Hankook Ilbo, former representative of a North Korean trading company in the Czech Republic. In South Korea, he has been active as the Vice President of the North Korean Society Research Institute, providing deep insights and experience on inter-Korean relations and North Korean issues.