Lawyer Gordon Chang. [Photo = Fox News]

Gordon Guthrie Chang, an international expert and lawyer, is drawing attention for publicly stating that "the most dangerous threat comes not from overt adversaries but from internal collaborators." 

Chang's remarks on X on the 17th have attracted significant attention from the conservative right, in relation to statements made by Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, who demanded an apology to the public from President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Kim Min-jeon, another People Power Party member, who said, "The issue of election fraud is likely to become 'spitting at the sky.'" 

Strong Internal Opposition Labeled 'Extremist'

Lawyer Gordon Chang stated, "The 'enchufados' claim to be 'reasonable' or 'moderate,' but they remain silent or quietly go along when structural problems are raised," adding, "At critical moments, they weaken momentum and control their supporters."

He further pointed out that their behavior is consistent, citing examples such as ① distancing themselves when core power structures are questioned, ② remaining silent when system reforms are demanded, ③ labeling strong internal opposition as 'extremist,' ④ emphasizing principles in interviews but backing down during crucial votes, and ⑤ dismissing allegations about the fairness of electoral systems and the judiciary, or the concentration of power, with phrases like 'insufficient evidence' or 'respect the judiciary,' while uncritically accepting opposing views.

He emphasized, "This behavior is not incompetence but a strategic choice to avoid destabilizing the system that sustains them, while camouflaging conflict."

Ahead of the first trial ruling for President Yoon Suk-yeol, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Min-jeon said, "The issue of election fraud is likely to become 'spitting at the sky,'" and People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun demanded a public apology from President Yoon. [Photo = Yonhap News]

He also revealed that Venezuela's "enchufados" operated in a similar manner, stating, "Various political factions existed, elections were held, and while the institutions nominally functioned, the networks connected to power could not dismantle each other."

Lawyer Gordon Chang noted that "moderate factions within the opposition neutralized structural challenges, buying time, and in that window, strengthened their control over institutions," and said that some conservative forces in Korea exhibit similar patterns.

"They internally filter out strong systemic criticism, manage the anger of their base, and step back at critical moments. They eliminate genuine opposition while guaranteeing their own political survival. As long as these 'false alliances' dominate the opposition landscape, structural recovery will be difficult. The problem is not external pressure but internal self-disarmament."

Even with the Media, Scrutiny is Selective

Lawyer Gordon Chang argued that institutional distortion is not abstract but manifests in everyday citizen life.

In other words, governments change, but structural alliances persist.

He stated that this includes ① no accountability for major scandals, ② lingering doubts even after elections, ③ trials are held, but rulings do not restore trust, and ④ the media exists, but scrutiny is selective.

"The procedures continue. Parliament convenes, courts issue rulings, and elections are held. However, if trust in the outcomes collapses, democracy devolves into a hollow, procedural charade."

Lawyer Gordon Chang's statement, "Venezuela did not collapse overnight. The constitution remained intact, elections were held, the opposition existed, and the media was active. But when the people's trust eroded, the institutions no longer protected the nation," suggests that these events may not be mere distant stories.

He concluded his writing by stating, "The fall does not come with dramatic announcements. It accumulates quietly in the void of trust, reaching a point of no return."

By Reporter Lim Yo-hee