hankyoreh

Hundreds of thousands of candles filled the center of Seoul again on July 5. The unfavorable weather did not put the candlelight out, and riot police and an offensive from the conservative media did not shrink the numbers either. The streets were filled with songs of victory and rhythms of advancing forward, and there was the burning resolve of strong solidarity. It was because of this one is able to dare declare, to an administration and old conservative establishment that had abandoned pride and sense of sovereignty, that the people have won.

The administration of Lee Myung-bak and the old conservative establishment had been betting that time would be the remedy, but their hopes have now been mercilessly shattered. Public opinion as expressed through the candlelight has been consistent, despite the big fanfare about the “additional agreement” and despite harsh pressure from the riot police for more than two months now. It was silly from the start for the administration to have put its hopes in that “additional agreement,” since it was like giving up the main house and borrowing back the servants’ quarters. Public support for the way the Lee administration has been running the country was at its worst, with only 20.9 percent approval, according to a Hankyoreh survey performed on July 5. While the survey revealed diverse opinions about the continuance of protests that has seen clashes with police, more than 70 percent of respondents said they sympathize with the candlelight protests. The Korean public is overwhelmingly against the administration’s efforts to control online and offline news media. The overwhelming flow of public opinion as expressed in the candlelight remains unchanged.

The “candlelight cultural festival,” as the event is officially called, of July 5, had the additional effect of confirming the following. First, that the values and demands citizens have been defending are justified. Second, that the strength with which they have been defending these legitimate ideals is strong. Third, that the administration cannot beat the citizens. The Korean people will not be made to surrender, neither with lies nor with physical force. Which is why one is able to be sure the candlelight will burn amidst strong solidarity, wherever and whenever it may. This is why the candlelight burns brightly in an atmosphere of optimism while the administration remains dysfunctional.

It is time for the Lee administration to answer again. So far it has angered the country with a deceptive attitude that is one thing on the outside, and another on the inside. Of course it is highly likely this originated from Lee’s own shortcomings. Indeed, most of the comments he has made at major junctures along the way have only served to make matters worse instead of contributing to their resolution.

Which is not to say that the problem of how his advisers and Cabinet ministers are stuck in the paradigms of developmental dictatorship, the Cold War, and religious fundamentalism is any less serious. There was a complete reshaping of the Blue House, but that is still a long way from being about resolving the issues before the country today. This new lineup of presidential secretaries had something to do with the way in which the president said he was engaged in “painful introspection,” only to immediately have the police use violent tactics. Lee’s Cabinet is a typical example of what happens when ministers concern themselves only with trying to read what it is the president wants. The prime minister looks to the president for what to do and changes what he says with even more frequency. The economy-related ministries have made the economic crisis worse in order to fulfill Lee’s wild campaign promises. Ministries that deal with social issues have aggravated social disunity and discord with things like old-style red baiting.

At this point, there will be few opportunities to reconcile with the people. The president has to make a choice, whether he is going to maintain his vegetable administration amidst confrontation with the people or overcome the economic and social crises together with the people. The people’s victory is the president’s victory. There is no reason for him to hesitate.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]