The State Council's "disruption" remarks and the controversy over those recognized for burning the U.S. flag raise fundamental questions about the national훈 (honor) system and freedom of expression. Hanmi Ilbo Graphics

The scene of the President, who should be respected and trusted by the people, uttering vulgar language in public was shocking. President Lee Jae-myung's characterization of anti-China protests as "disruptions" in a State Council meeting is not a mere slip of the tongue. 

According to the Korean dictionary, '깽판' (kkaengpan) is a vulgar term for an act that ruins something or intentionally destroys it, or a state of chaos. Strictly speaking, this can only sound like a self-confession from the President that he himself is disrupting state affairs.

Young people protesting on the streets to protect freedom and sovereignty is an embodiment of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. However, the President framing this as "disruption" is an insult to the basic rights of the people and a dangerous signal that power is trying to suppress inconvenient voices. Furthermore, in a situation where the President himself is suspected of evading trial and usurping power, the attitude of labeling the youth's resistance as "disruption" only breeds division and distrust, not empathy and persuasion.

The State Council is the highest deliberative body for state affairs. However, as President Lee Jae-myung's remarks were broadcast live, the public had to witness the crude laughter and flippant attitude of the State Council members. Amidst a series of national crises, such as the security vacuum caused by the recent Paju explosion and the arrest and detention of over 300 Korean workers in Georgia, USA, the President broadcast a caricatured meeting instead of seriously dealing with state affairs, plunging the public into greater anxiety.

The problem does not end there. The President's remarks immediately came as a shock to the young people who were continuing their protest. Indeed, at the scene, it was observed that young people rushed to join out of fear that "the President's remarks might lead to strong law enforcement." This demonstrates that the freedom and safety of assembly can be greatly shaken by the attitude of state power alone.

The Namdaemun Police Station's warning broadcast stating that tearing the Chinese five-star red flag could be punished is in the same vein. The excessive response restricting freedom of expression has already led to constitutional controversy. However, the incident of burning the U.S. flag at Kangwon National University comes to mind here. While the incident at the time was thwarted by the school's intervention, many related individuals were later designated as democratization patriots.

The Kangwon National University U.S. flag burning incident on April 22, 1982, was led by theology student Song Min-seok, who attempted to burn the U.S. flag with his colleagues but failed. During this process, a statement was read along with the slogan "Yankee Go Home," but no actual arson occurred. Nevertheless, some of those involved were listed on the rosters of 5·18 democratization movement patriots and democratization patriots. This even included individuals who served as the chairman of the Kangwon National University Democratization Promotion Committee.

A fundamental question arises here. According to the President's language, the U.S. flag burning incident would be considered "disruption." If so, is it truly just for the individuals who caused that "disruption" to be designated as democratization patriots and be respected? The democratization movements that the nation should honor must be distinguished from simple anti-American or anti-state deviant acts. Public distrust that the훈 (honor) system is unfair stems precisely from such contradictions.

The Constitution and laws clearly stipulate the procedures for designating democratization patriots and deleting fraudulent commendations. If a public service is found to be false or an act contrary to the democratic order is revealed, fraudulent commendations can be revoked. Therefore, the designation of patriots related to the U.S. flag burning incident should be re-examined, and if necessary, the deletion of fraudulent commendations should follow. That is the way to truly uphold the spirit of democratization.

President Lee Jae-myung's remarks cannot be dismissed as a mere verbal mistake. This is because he not only trivialized the authoritative setting of the State Council but also stifled freedom of expression and paradoxically revealed the contradictions in the national훈 (honor) system. The President's language and attitude are established on the minimal trust that protects the people's freedom and rights. When that trust is broken, democracy becomes nothing more than a fragile shell.

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