Guest Columnist. ROK Military Academy Class of '84The imposition of emergency martial law on December 2nd is being twisted into an insurrection, and the Chief Justice, who sought to uphold judicial justice, is being dragged into a hearing. Despite the free right having a logical and moral advantage in various social debates concerning economic freedom, national security, and real estate, they are repeatedly facing defeat in emotional public opinion battles. Is this due to the free right's deficiency in understanding public sentiment and articulating language that resonates with it? 

The reality that former President Chun Doo-hwan's remains have not yet been interred, four years after his passing, and are still temporarily held at his Yeonhui-dong residence, goes beyond a mere personal funeral issue. It highlights that while South Korea's modern history may superficially appear to be governed by the rule of law and legal order based on political beliefs, economic policies, and social justice, it is underpinned by "evil laws" enacted through rigged elections, "mob laws" created by "strength in numbers," and the "illegality" of "whataboutism." 

Today, South Korea is not governed by the rule of law but by mob violence dictating order. The free right's experience of their fundamental rights being violated due to "mob laws," particularly after the May 18th Special Act disregarded the principle of double jeopardy, is not merely a tactical defeat for the free right but symbolizes a crisis in the collapse of the free democratic system. We must deeply reflect on why "mob laws" arise and what grim future they portend, and devise countermeasures.

The Violence of 'Mobs' Masquerading as Social Justice

The long-standing power of the "mob" in leftist circles, where the majority attacks individuals, extends beyond mere physical aggregation and is superficially based on moral superiority. They legitimize their actions by championing universal values such as 'justice and equality,' 'human rights and peace,' and 'protection of the socially vulnerable.' Voices opposing these values are deemed 'unjust' and become objects of 'hatred' for their followers. This framing inherently blocks criticism and rebuttal, compelling silence from those who do not join the group. 

In this process, extra-legal "mob laws" become "public opinion," and "public opinion" forms a dangerous feedback loop, becoming distorted and corrupted "truth." Rational debate is overwhelmed by emotional appeals, and facts are dismissed as meaningless numbers. The mob manipulates public opinion when necessary. We have already witnessed countless oppressive instances where this phenomenon undermined judicial independence, distorted media reporting, and silenced free expression.

Collective censorship, carried out in the name of 'Political Correctness,' collapses the realm of logic and even discards important books if they displease the group. Under the guise of 'equality,' they strip away 'freedom' and shrink the voice of the free market through psychological terrorism targeting free right discourse creators and messengers. 

The Dilemma of the Free Right

Five right-wing presidents have been imprisoned. Left-wing presidents, despite violating current laws, have remained in power. The judiciary has been captured by leftist ideology, and the cultural sphere is dominated by leftist narratives. Is the reason the free right is losing the ideological war because their core values of 'rational individual,' 'representative democracy,' and 'free market' are incompatible with public interest and national interest? 

Individuals with right-wing leanings believe "truth will eventually be revealed" and therefore refuse to fight by "forming mobs." They do not know how to connect forces or engage in propaganda for partisan struggles. They prioritize 'facts' and 'logic' over emotional appeals, believing their logic will be reflected in society through representation. However, they are repeatedly defeated when faced with evil laws and "mob laws." Consequently, the rule of law has been pushed back to the Nakdong River front line by the tyranny of the mob, which is closer than the law. 

The power that brought down the Communist Party in Nepal this time was not from authoritarian organizations but from 'Individualistic Solidarity.' If group leaders become entangled in vested interests and hesitate, the cause is lost. Even a million people gathering can be ignored by the media.

A new form of collective intelligence is needed, where individuals voluntarily gather to confront common threats to protect individual freedoms. This solidarity is not formed for "someone else's justice" but to protect "one's own freedom." It is akin to countless ants, each going their own way, but facing a common threat with remarkable organizational skills to confront a massive enemy. Each individual is a conscience for upholding justice and a constitutional organ. 

To build this new solidarity, several insights are necessary.

First, Establish Digital 'Signal Platforms': When pressing issues arise, a platform should be created to systematically disseminate short messages through social media. Users can respond with SNS 'likes' and, if necessary, small donations, visually confirming that there are many others who support the current issue and do not succumb to mob oppression. The online memorial for the late Charlie Kirk and participation in comments are good examples. This provides psychological comfort that many comrades are participating and instills the courage to break individual silence.

Second, Reconstruct 'Facts' into 'Stories': Logical and rational facts must be reframed into 'stories' that resonate with the public's emotions. Various experts, writers, and artists should participate to produce narratives from diverse perspectives that counter the unilateral dogmatism, deviations, and illegality of the "mob." These should be disseminated through various cultural content such as films, dramas, webtoons, and music. Producer Lee Young-don's "Rigged Election, God's Work?" and Director Kim Deok-young's "The Birth of Korea" series are representative success stories. This is a new strategy to counter the leftist 'cultural war.' 

Third, Establish a 'Fundamental Rights Protection Lawyer Network': To counter the pressure from the "mob," an independent legal network must be established to identify and support cases of infringement of individual fundamental rights. This network should not only provide legal recourse but also play a role in publicizing the stories of those whose rights have been violated.

A Call for the Continuation of the Republic of Korea

If the free right continues to tolerate the crisis of losing sovereignty to the "mob culture," they will be unable to protect the Republic of Korea. We must now seek a new path of voluntary solidarity towards the goal of defending freedom, much like the "spontaneous chorus of ants," each from their own position. This is the minimum duty towards liberal democracy and the last resort to protect it amidst mob tyranny and pressure. 

We hope for the courage and miracle to neutralize the issue of rigged elections and the immoral "mob laws" through our own efforts.