[Feature] Building a New World through 'Candlelights' and Inter-Korean Relations / Paik Nak-chung
The Quarterly Changbi 175, Spring 2017
Abstract
Paik Nak-chung, emphasizing the fact that the 2016-17 candlelight demonstrations in South Korea are quite a new civil revolution different in nature and aspects from any precedented revolutions or uprisings, calls them "the Candlelight Revolution" without reservation. In spite of considerable achievements in terms of the turnover of political power and epochal spirit the Candlelight Revolution has made, we have yet to completely overcome the Park Chung-hee model. Even long after the Yusin (rejuvenation) regime, the political base of the Park model, came to an end, the division system on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the expectations for development dictatorship, has still been in effect. Therefore, the main task of the Candlelight Revolution should be to abolish the "Hidden Constitution", the anti-communist and anti-North ideology functioning behind the scene, unbound by the Constitution. This could be done by expanding exchanges and cooperation, improving inter-Korean relations, and regarding North Korea not as a main enemy, but as the partner of future reunification. This process will also call for the promotion of peace in both East Asia and the Korean Peninsula with increased awareness of the division system in Korea, as well as through the complete overcoming of the Park Chung-hee model.