A Gaecheonjeol event at Liberty University that opened the way for large-scale rallies. ⒸHanmi Ilbo 

Novelist Kim Gyu-naNovelist Kim Gyu-na reflected on the label of "far-right" that has been rampant in our society for some time, through her Facebook serialization.

In "Kim Gyu-na's Novel-like World (296) - We Are the Far-Right: 1984," Kim criticized, "Power changes words before it points a gun. It erases meaning and distorts intent. It blocks questions and criminalizes common sense." 

'Language Control' More Terrifying Than Torture or Surveillance

Kim stated, "The most terrifying device in the society of George Orwell's '1984' is neither torture nor surveillance," and introduced the following passage.

"If there is a word like 'good,' why is there a need for a word like 'bad'? If you express it as 'not good,' it's sufficient. In fact, it carries the opposite meaning more accurately than other words. Also, if you want to emphasize the word 'good,' what's the use of numerous vague and unnecessary words like 'excellent' or 'superb'? The single word 'better' is sufficient to convey the meaning, and if you want to emphasize it further, you can say 'even better.' Winston, don't you think it's brilliant? This was originally Big Brother's idea. - From George Orwell's '1984'"

Kim revealed that the most terrifying aspect in the novel is "the control of language," stating, "Power changes words before it points a gun. It erases meaning and distorts intent. It blocks questions and criminalizes common sense. They do not allow debate. The moment a name is given, individual thought is prohibited. What remains is obedience to power." 

She also pointed out that the most potent control language (Newspeak) in our society today is "far-right," reminding us that we are in the midst of a cultural war.

Kim emphasized, "If you agree with the statements, 'Should the economy be left to the market's autonomy? Do you support Coupang's dawn delivery and oppose China's artificial market infiltration?', then 'You are far-right.'" 

She further conveyed, "If you respect Presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee, believe Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-un are dictators who exploit North Korean residents, and think communism should be discarded," this too is 'far-right.'" 

Kim continued, "If you think the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature was not awarded appropriately, you are undeniably far-right. No rebuttal is allowed. Only the label of far-right exists," she raised her voice. 

Why is there 'Far-Right' but not 'Far-Left'?

She also noted, "There is night because there is day, and there is day because there is the sun. Those who speak of the far-right never speak of the far-left," prompting reflection on how patriotic conservatives are being labeled as far-right, setting aside 'extreme nationalism' and 'racism,' which are typically considered far-right.

An illustration using the phrase "Big Brother is Watching You" from George Orwell's novel '1984.' Part of the cover from Open Books

Kim defined Nazism and Fascism as totalitarianism where the state oppresses the individual, stating their structure closely resembles communism. "Whether it is Jews, anti-nationalists, or bourgeoisie, or who they target as the enemy, it is the same extreme left-wing ideology in that it controls individual freedom and thought," she asserted.

She also claimed that "the left-wing forces rooted in our society apply the same totalitarian mindset, lumping and denouncing all dissenting opinions as 'far-right'," and that the reason they label patriotic conservatives as far-right is "to silence them."

She further revealed their purpose behind this constant "far-right campaign": "They seek to avoid debate and gain moral superiority. They have been constantly working to eliminate individuals and freedom from our society. When we analyze the causes of thought and prioritize reason and logic, they force us to feel grief from the victim's perspective by saying, 'Think of your family.'" 

She also criticized that the far-left forces "incite anti-Japanese and anti-American sentiments by overlooking the importance of diplomacy and North Korea's invasion, calling it a tragic war of national division," and "If you question whether the May 18th Democratization Movement was a democratization movement, they will report you, fine you, imprison you, and muzzle you." 

She then asked if it was right that "if you speak of eradicating communism, civil servants are investigated and dismissed, businesses collapse due to boycotts, athletes are disciplined, and celebrities are expelled." 

If Speaking of Freedom Makes One Far-Right, Then I Am Far-Right

Kim further stated, "By creating new words and distorting the meanings of words, those with left-wing ideologies have definitively labeled conservative values and right-wing thinking as far-right, resulting in the bottom becoming the top, the left becoming the right, and the outside becoming the inside.

Reason and logic have been replaced by emotion, the normal has become abnormal, and common sense has become nonsensical. However, can coercion and oppression become truth? What Winston, the protagonist of '1984,' clung to until the end was not a painful ideology, but the simple and clear truth that '2 plus 2 equals 4.'

I hope everything returns to normal in the new year. However, it is the end of the year, and a more challenging new year is anticipated. Let us greet the new year with a resolve to start anew from the basics. If common sense is a sin, let us willingly bear that sin. If speaking of freedom makes one far-right, let us willingly become far-right," she declared.

Finally, Kim stated, "The most frightening thing is to remain silent in the face of being pointed at and called 'You are far-right.'" She then loudly exclaimed, "Let us all shout together. We are the far-right! I am the far-right! Long live the right wing! Long live the far-right! Long live the free Republic of Korea! Wake up, individuals! Rise up, free Republic of Korea!"

Kim's serialization, "Kim Gyu-na's Novel-like World," is published only on Facebook, not in newspapers. The voluntary subscription fee is 10,000 won. Shinhan Bank 110-072-537351 (Kim Gyu-na)

Reporter Lim Yo-hee