[Special Feature] The Swift Progress of K-Democracy
The Quarterly Changbi 207, Spring 2025
Abstract
This issue's special feature, the “Swift Progress of K-Democracy,” explores new possibilities opened by the “light,” leaving behind the darkness of treasonous violence. Paik Nak-chung vividly recounts how the Candlelight Revolution has evolved further, despite experiencing such an “irregular situation” as the emergence of the Yoon Suk Yeol government. Pointing out the absence of new philosophies to match the remarkable progress of the Candlelight movement that spans generations and classes, he responds with the idea of the “transformative middle way,” aiming at systemic change on the Korean Peninsula and the expansion of forces seeking a middle path. Aligning with a practical approach and holding global historical significance in today's world where democracy and liberalism are in crisis, his thought of “transformative middle way” shines brightly.
Following this, Kim Sora's article introduces the democracy of solidarity and consideration that emerged during the Candlelight rallies. By highlighting the activities of women in their 20s and 30s who have generated new hope in the public square, she inspires us to dream of a world where we live together with others in harmony. Equally important is her ultimate message: by examining the aspects of hate incidents that preceded the recent riot, we should expose and sever the links that cause dissatisfaction with society to be expressed in attacks on the vulnerable.
Han Hong-gu vividly illustrates why Korean conservative forces, focused solely on maintaining their vested interests, have failed to connect with democracy over the past hundred years. He sharply criticizes their behavior of gaining benefits by surrendering to the strong and analyzes their current status as a result of surviving without learning how to dialogue or compromise. One aspect of his sharp reflection is his illumination of mourning deaths from social causes as an example of the experiences that conservative forces have not learned.
Lee Nam Ju's article, the fifth installment in the series “Searching for K-Discourse,” discusses Kim Dae-jung’s thoughts from the perspective of “transformational middle way.” He introduces Kim Dae-jung's pioneering insights that linked the market economy and inter-Korean relations with the advancement of democracy. Pointing out that Kim did not lose trust in the people throughout his many ordeals and evaluated the Candlelight protests as an example of direct democracy in which peace was maintained, Lee argues that the potential of democratic Korean citizens could be a source of hope in the current world.