How should we view those who, on the deck of the Titanic rushing towards a giant glacier, fiercely debate the wallpaper color of the first-class cabin even in the urgent moments as the ship tilts?

This bizarre scene, where people insist that their room's interior is more important than the fate of a sinking ship, unfortunately, mirrors the true face of South Korea's conservative political circles today.

Although the fancy wallpaper will mean nothing after the ship sinks, the People Power Party, the leading conservative party, is currently teeming with individuals who are obsessed with decorating their own rooms rather than the larger entities of the party and the nation.

Experts Lacking Philosophy and Courage, They Coveted 'Political Fruit'

The periphery of conservative politics is always full of those who claim to be 'experts.' However, when one looks into their backgrounds, the traces of opportunism chasing the sweetness of power are clearer than any consideration for the nation's future. They assert they are experts with political acumen, but in reality, they are merely 'political predators' driven by private desires, devoid of public mission, and impoverished in philosophy.

Instead of insight into the flow of the times, they have only been keenly focused on political 'fruit' and tangible 'rewards.' Politics is inherently a battle of values and philosophies. The values conservatives should uphold are responsibility, sacrifice, and dedication to the community. However, such nobility is hard to find today. For them, politics was not a calling, but merely a means to maintain and expand vested interests.

Cowardly Silence and Ignorance, Power Struggles Chasing Only the 'Queen Bee'

Their opportunism culminates in cowardice and ignorance. They always remain silent on issues where immediate losses are foreseen. A prime example is their reaction to 'election fraud.' Despite unresolved public suspicion, they consistently resort to ignorance and silence, rushing to cover up the issue. There is no courage to step forward and take the stones.

Such behavior becomes more rampant during election seasons. They are engrossed in a deplorable power struggle, devoid of values and philosophy, busy chasing the 'queen bee' of each faction. Instead of discussing who will contribute more to the nation, calculating who to stand beside to secure their own position resembles the fight for scraps among uncouth animals.

It's Time to Boldly Shed the 'Coat of Opportunism'

True conservatism must become the pillar supporting the great edifice of the nation through self-sacrifice. What the conservative right needs now are not opportunists who switch their allegiance with the tides of power, but genuine capable individuals who can uphold conservative values even when buffeted by storms.

Politicians only gain public support when they carry the banner of clear philosophy and values. Did not the people willingly take the stones thrown at politicians who faced adversity with the resolve of dying to live, understanding that they were fighting for a greater cause?

The fake politicians who have parasitized the conservative sphere, indulging in power and positions, must all disappear now. As long as the politics of greedy 'fat pigs' continues, the reconstruction of conservatism will be distant, and the nation's progress will also be delayed.

The walls of vested interests must be torn down, and the void of philosophy must be filled with the mission of the era. Otherwise, even the precarious position of conservatism will be swept away by the great waves of public sentiment and disappear into the annals of history.

◆ Author Min Byung-gon

Current) Political Documentary Writer

Current) Spokesperson for the People Power Party Chungnam Provincial Chapter