The site of the Seosomun Overpass demolition accident (left) and a post from Jung Won-oh's supporter group chat.

A single text message that emerged from Jung Won-oh's campaign group chat made me pause for a moment.

“This is a great opportunity! The more damage, the better, wouldn't you say?”

Amidst the tragedy of people fighting for their lives in the rubble, someone was calculating votes and celebrating, smelling the blood. While I too am a 'politics fanatic' who is second to none, and it's understandable that one's eyes can turn when immersed in politics, this goes beyond a sickness; it's simply monstrous.

There's a simple reason why we end up discussing politics despite our aversion to it. Ultimately, it is an intense process of asking, 'How will we live as human beings?' However, if humanity is completely stripped away and only the victory of one's faction is sought, what kind of world will be created with that blood-stained power?

Then again, it's not surprising. Didn't they, of all people, nonchalantly consume death by saying that even Lee Jae-myung making an extreme choice would be a fortunate event? It's simply the unmasked, natural face of a group that has been running the engine of power on the fuel of others' deaths and misfortunes.

In front of this horrific group chat, I feel a paradoxical sense of relief. It is a perfect cautionary tale. No matter how heated factional battles become, it chillingly shows us where the minimum line we must uphold is.

To them, who unknowingly displayed their depravity by turning into monsters themselves, I willingly offer my cold gratitude. It was a truly excellent mirror of negative example, making me resolve not to abandon our humanity.

◆ Park Ju-hyun, Writer

Composer, music director, columnist, and essayist. She actively expresses her opinions on political, current, and social issues on Facebook, earning the empathy of many. She published the essay collection 'Crossing the Stormy Sea'.