[Noh Dong-il Column] One Year Since Martial Law: A Time for Lessons Learned

"I apologize for having participated in toxic politics." This was the statement made by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, during a CNN interview on the 17th of last month (local time). Although she is just one among 400 members, Greene’s words sent shockwaves through the American political scene. As a leading figure in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, Greene had previously been known for her harsh rhetoric toward political opponents. Her public reflection marked a dramatic shift. President Trump, surprised by her transformation, attacked her personally, calling her a traitor instead of by her name, Taylor. Greene responded, "Loyalty should be to the country, not to an individual president."
"The record of the vote will outlast President Trump’s term." This was the encouragement given by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie on the 16th of last month, urging his colleagues to support the bill to release the Epstein files. This came at a time when allegations involving Jeffrey Edward Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in prison, and President Trump resurfaced as a political issue. Republican lawmakers, who had been hesitant due to Trump’s influence, began to speak out. The shift was influenced by a YouGov poll showing that 73% of Republican Party (GOP) members supported the release. Earlier, Republican senators had publicly rejected Trump’s demand to abolish the filibuster, agreeing that legislative procedures should outlast any president’s three-year term. It is notable that these developments occurred around the first anniversary of Trump’s sweeping victory in last November’s election.
Tomorrow marks one year since the so-called December 3 Martial Law. In Korea, toxic politics seem to have persisted without pause. Politicians’ words, which spread venom not only in the political arena but also among the public, have never ceased. The Martial Law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol remains incomprehensible. The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)’s repeated impeachment attempts and obstruction of state affairs deserve criticism. However, it is hard to argue that the conditions for Martial Law—such as war or national emergency—were met. Even the notion of a 'soft martial law' lacks persuasive power. The result was self-inflicted impeachment, the rise of Lee Jae Myung to the presidency, and legal troubles for Yoon and his family. The so-called conservative bloc was reduced to a marginalized group. The wounds inflicted by Martial Law on Korea are deep and severe.
Given this, one must ask: Have the president and political forces responsible for the aftermath of the conservative collapse fulfilled their duties? The current ruling power has a responsibility to heal the nation’s wounds and foster recovery. If they continue to aggravate these wounds, they are unfit to govern. One year after Martial Law and six months into their administration, they should be evaluated on their governance in next year’s local elections. They now control not only an overwhelming majority in the legislature but also the executive, with the prosecution and judiciary subdued. One wonders what would have happened if the results of the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations had come under the previous administration. Demonstrations led by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), denouncing the government as traitors, would have swept the nation. Fortunately, things are quiet. The exchange rate is surging, and real estate prices remain high. Unlike the concerned public, those in power remain focused on incitement of insurrection.
Ironically, it is President Trump who has caused the once-unbreakable unity of the GOP to unravel. Despite his vehement denials of any deep ties to Epstein, the release of the files increases the likelihood of damaging revelations. As his moral standing collapses, talk of a lame-duck presidency grows. Some used to say that morality is irrelevant as long as one is competent—both in the U.S. and Korea. Now, with time, everyone is realizing the importance of a leader’s integrity. It is also worth noting that Trump’s ethical issues have not benefited the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) in the U.S. context. In Korea, despite the government and ruling party’s missteps, the People Power Party has not gained from their mistakes. Another Yoon administration? Or Hwang Kyo-ahn again? The opposition continues to score own goals and cannot win this way. They fail to persuade their hardline supporters and lead them in a rational direction, remaining mired in political mudslinging. One year under Martial Law—are there any politicians, whether from the ruling or opposition parties, willing to apologize for participating in toxic politics? Loyalty should not be to an individual, but to the nation of Korea. The record of the vote will outlast the terms of both lawmakers and presidents. A year is enough time for reflection.
Based on such reflection, it is time to set national unity as the goal, rather than division. Instead of seeking political gain by demonizing opponents, it is time to shift toward a positive and constructive approach to governance. I hope that President Lee’s address, to be delivered tomorrow, will embody these principles.
dinoh7869@fnnews.com Reporter