“Today, in South Korea, a bizarre phenomenon is occurring where specific events and organizations, disguised as 'justice' and 'human rights,' are becoming 'sanctuaries exempt from jurisdiction,' with criticism being blocked.”

The oxygen essential for the organism of democracy to breathe is none other than ‘freedom of expression and criticism.’ No matter how tragic an event, no matter how authoritative a state institution, it can only be recognized as legitimate when it accepts the rational doubts and criticisms of its citizens. 

However, today in South Korea, a bizarre phenomenon is occurring where specific events and organizations, disguised as 'justice' and 'human rights,' are becoming 'sanctuaries exempt from jurisdiction,' with criticism being blocked.

Entities that have become ‘Sanctuaries of Criticism’: Sanctuaries Designed by Leftist Regimes

Leftist regimes have always been engrossed in creating ‘sanctuaries’ in various fields. In the case of May 18th in particular, despite growing circumstantial evidence of North Korean military involvement, attempts are being made to legally punish any mention of it. This is a heinous act intended to muzzle freedom of expression and criticism, core values of democracy. 

Furthermore, the National Election Commission, identified as a key player in election rigging and the center of numerous suspicions, is also being transformed into an unverifiable sanctuary. Objects of criticism inevitably become corrupt, and a sacred place where questions are forbidden becomes fertile ground for evil. The expansion of sanctuaries means the contraction of free territory.

The Lineage of Dictators: Monsters of Dictatorship Incubated in Sanctuaries 

Throughout history, dictators have always ascended to power through the gate of sanctuaries. 

Nazi Germany’s Hitler sacralized ‘Aryan racial purity’ and ‘the infallibility of the Führer.’ Criticizing these was akin to treason against the nation, and under the guise of protecting these sanctuaries, he justified the madness of massacring millions.

Stalin, another dictator on par with Hitler, made 'dictatorship of the proletariat' and 'the absolute authority of the party' his fortress of sanctuary. He too purged all voices challenging this sanctuary as 'enemies of the people,' and in the place where freedom of criticism vanished, he established a sanctuary in the name of fear, driving tens of millions to their deaths.

The deification of the Kim Il-sung dynasty in North Korea, the sacralization of theocracy in Iran, the nationalism of Vladimir Putin in Russia, and the 'Chinese Dream' of Xi Jinping in China all follow the same pattern.

These sanctuaries share one commonality: they serve as pretexts to label opposition forces as ‘illegal’ or ‘anti-state,’ ultimately leading to the privatization of power. The sanctification of specific events occurring in South Korea today and the establishment of new legal provisions for punishment bear a striking resemblance to the methods of these dictators.

The Lee Jae-myung Administration's Sanctuary Creation: A Declaration to Continue the Lineage of Dictatorship

The current series of actions being pursued by the Lee Jae-myung administration is clear. It is an attempt to silence criticism by sacralizing entities that form their political base. This is an overt declaration to continue the lineage of dictators.

Remaining silent on allegations of election fraud, obstructing the investigation of historical truths, and sacralizing institutions at the center of suspicion are acts that destroy democracy. The walls of the sanctuaries they are building are not to protect the people, but merely moats to defend their own dictatorial power.

Only the courageous struggle of the sovereign can tear down the walls of sanctuaries.

The successive creation of sanctuaries by the left-wing regime is an act of building a door to dictatorship. Sanctuaries drive citizens out of the public square of democracy and cultivate the monster of dictatorship in that space.

Freedom of expression is not given freely; it must be fought for and protected. Expression and criticism are the only mechanisms to minimize the 'blood' that must be shed for democracy. 

The moment we give up the right to question, to doubt, and to criticize, we are reduced to slaves of power. We must firmly resist the sacralization that buries the truth of 5.18, demands transparency from the Election Commission at the center of election fraud allegations, and politically exploits tragic events.

We must not remain silent in the face of this deceptive sanctuary creation.

To protect a South Korea where freedom of criticism thrives and genuine democracy with guaranteed fair verification is upheld, all citizens must become vigilant guardians.

They will be swept away by the waves and disappear into the annals of history.

◆ Writer Min Byung-gon 

Current) Political Documentary Writer 

Current) Spokesperson for the People Power Party, South Chungcheong Province Branch