Nero's harp still resonates in today's politics. Hanmi Ilbo Graphic

Politics must stand on the foundation of public trust. However, the recent controversy surrounding Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-kyo and Mr. Jo Kyung-sik is once again shaking that foundation of trust. 

The actions of these two individuals go beyond mere personal matters; they are sparks that amplify the lack of morality and distrust in politics as a whole, and embers that fan the flames of social unrest.

Lawmaker Seo Young-kyo has already tarnished her public ethics in the past due to allegations of family employment, attempts to influence court rulings, and plagiarism accusations.

Recently, she herself, who proposed the law to punish fake news, undermined her own credibility by raising suspicions about the Chief Justice based on a transcribed conversation that was itself questioned for manipulation.

Her actions, prioritizing political effect over responsibility from the position of a legislator who should respect laws and systems, are rightly criticized.

Mr. Jo Kyung-sik, too, carries a record of nine previous convictions and is currently facing trial for alleged assault. The controversy surrounding his self-proclaimed title of "Vice Chairman of KH Group," allegations of attempts to influence prosecutors, and his appearance on the parliamentary witness stand are causing social confusion beyond a mere lack of credibility. 

His testimony created a huge stir in political circles, but no concrete evidence was presented to substantiate it. Ultimately, all that remains are political disputes and public fatigue.

The essence revealed by the intertwining cases of Lawmaker Seo Young-kyo and Mr. Jo Kyung-sik is clear.

Politics is taking place outside the boundaries of common sense, and society is sinking into a mire of distrust, with only suspicions remaining. 

The lack of self-examination by responsible politicians, combined with the irresponsible revelations of untrustworthy witnesses, is spreading an atmosphere of moral insensitivity.

However, looking back, this situation is by no means unprecedented. Korean politics has repeatedly exhibited the same pattern, falling to a low level.

The problem is that the individuals involved in these regressive behaviors still hold positions at the center of power. 

If the ruling party inflates suspicions and evades responsibility without fulfilling its political obligations, it is essentially wasting its own power. And the price for this will inevitably be judged by the public.

If even the President wields power to avoid his own trial, that itself undermines the very foundation of democracy. 

The public will no longer tolerate power that is blindfolded and deafened. If power cannot correct itself, the public will ultimately intervene to pass judgment.

#KoreanPolitics #PoliticsOfSuspicion #PoliticalDistrust #MoralInsensitivity #CorruptionOfPower #RulingParty #PublicJudgment #CrisisOfDemocracy #PoliticalReform