Doctor of Confucian Philosophy Citizens! My body trembles with indignation. I am so shocked that I am speechless.

The Republic of Korea has historically been known as the "Eastern Nation of Etiquette and Righteousness" (東方禮義之國). The world respected us because we were a nation that understood courtesy, loyalty, shame, and disgrace. However, today, our courtesy and sense of shame are being shattered.

I confirmed a shocking fact relayed to me via KakaoTalk by an acquaintance, CEO K (a businessman who fears retaliation from this administration and wishes to remain anonymous). Lee Jae-myung ignored the Korean War Veterans Memorial during his visit to the United States.

Citizens,

Located just a 3-minute drive from the White House in Washington D.C., a place reachable in just 30 minutes, it is where the spirits of over 36,500 U.S. soldiers and UN forces who sacrificed their blood and lives for the freedom of the Republic of Korea rest. It was a pilgrimage that no past president, not even during times of diplomatic conflict, had ever omitted. Yet, Lee Jae-myung turned a blind eye to it.

Is this a mere oversight in the schedule? No. A president's overseas schedule is coordinated by the minute. This is clear evidence that Lee Jae-myung and his diplomatic aides held the roots of the ROK-U.S. alliance in contempt. Furthermore, it cannot be denied that this reveals the inherent nature of the current administration, which explicitly displays anti-American and pro-China tendencies.

What is more infuriating is the attitude of the media.

The so-called mainstream media, including terrestrial broadcasters, cable news, and major newspapers like Chosun, JoongAng, and Dong-A, did not even report this significant fact. If a president omits a visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial during a trip to the U.S., it should be reported immediately, sparking national debate. However, the media remained silent. If the media abandons its role as the last bastion of truth, there is no reason for its existence.

This is precisely why I, Shin Baek-hoon, am contributing this article to the Hankook Ilbo. If the media closes its eyes in the face of power, I hope that at least the Hankook Ilbo will investigate the truth and reveal it to the public. This is the mission of the media.

Citizens,

The Republic of Korea was built on the sacrifices of others. The freedom we have today was made possible by the sacrifices of American and 16 UN youth who came to this land, strangers, and shed their blood to protect it during the Korean War. If the president turns away from this and the media remains silent, we will lose the strength to protect our freedom.

As a child, I embarked on the path of a Confucian scholar after seeing the four characters for etiquette, righteousness, integrity, and shame (禮義廉恥) hung on the wall of the Chinese elementary school. A nation without etiquette is no different from a herd of beasts. A leader who knows no shame is unfit to lead the country.

Citizens, the time for decision is now.

We must apologize to the 16 participating nations on their behalf. And above all, the people must take action themselves. Lee Jae-myung must be removed from office. That is the way to protect freedom and courtesy.

Shin Baek-hoon, Defender of the Free Market Militia (Representative of Jeongik Hakdang, Doctor of Confucian Philosophy)