[Editorial Note] What 2025 Has Left Behind

"Has 2025 already come to an end?"
This year, it seemed as if more people than ever remarked that they had no idea where the time had gone. Whenever I exchanged greetings with friends and acquaintances, I often heard, "This year passed by especially quickly," or, "I can't remember what I did." Time always moves at the same pace, but this year felt different. Perhaps because it was such an eventful year, our daily lives and emotions struggled to keep up, even as the calendar turned.
The starting point of this confusion was a period of social upheaval. Beginning with the December 3 Martial Law Incident last year, followed by the impeachment crisis, the early presidential election, and the launch of the new government, society was in constant turmoil with no time to catch its breath. Although the administration changed and new slogans were introduced, the reality is that daily life for citizens still feels distant from these changes. The plaza has long been divided, and scenes of conflict appear in the news every single day.
The changes throughout the Eulsa Year left traces of conflict and division across society. It was difficult to find a dinner table, company gathering, or group chat where politics did not seep in. Exclusionary remarks became more common than efforts to understand one another, and hate was consumed more readily. Disputes over political differences frequently arose even among close friends and family, and in extreme cases, escalated to violence. In the articles I have written, the words 'division' and 'hatred' have become all too familiar.
More than 365 days have passed since December 3 last year, yet the scars left by that day remain in our society. Every weekend, progressive and conservative civic groups continue to hold rallies in the streets, and the plaza is repeatedly split by the claims of each side. This demonstrates that conflict has become a part of everyday life, not just a temporary phenomenon. Even after the major turmoil has subsided, it feels as though society has not fully moved past that time, leaving a lingering sense of regret.
As the period of confusion has been long, I hope that in the coming Fire Horse Year, our society can take a step toward stability and unity once again. At the very least, I wish for a society where people do not turn against each other simply because they think differently. If this year left our society with deep wounds, I hope that 2026 will be a time to heal, embrace, and rebuild empathy and trust. With the arrival of the Year of the Red Horse, I look forward to seeing our society gather its strength and charge forward with renewed vigor.
welcome@fnnews.com Jang Yoo-ha Reporter