Whenever a new policy or a new system is proposed, we Koreans tend to oppose it immediately. In the late 1960s, for example, we opposed the construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway from Seoul to Busan that was proposed by the Park administration. At that time, poets wrote elegies lamenting the disappearance of traditional serpentine roads and thatched-roof farmhouses in the name of modernization. Others worried that the expressway would allow North Korean ground troops to reach Busan within a day, should they invade the South some day. Today, however, everybody enjoys the benefits of the expressway and appreciates the convenience of modernization.

Some time ago, we also opposed the designation of a bus-only lane on crowded roads. When Seoul City Hall announced its plan to adopt the European model of a bus-only lane, the citizens of Seoul immediately objected to it. They argued that the construction of the bus-only lane would cause even more traffic since cars could use fewer lanes. But such worries turned out to be unfounded. The new system actually significantly reduced traffic jams by encouraging people to use public transportation.

A few years ago, we opposed the WTO treaty, arguing that it would devastate our farming businesses and bankrupt our farmers. Some famers protested by blocking expressways with agricultural products, while others came up to Seoul and demonstrated violently at Gwanghwamun Square. Most farmers did not understand the details of the WTO treaty. But they nevertheless had vague worries about change, provoked by sly politicians who used their anxiety for political gain. Today, however, experts point out that the WTO agreement did more good than harm for our farmers and agricultural businesses.

Yet, we still continue to vehemently oppose policies without fully exploring their implications. Nowadays, we oppose the free trade agreement with the United States, once again presuming that it will annihilate our otherwise prosperous export/import businesses. Strangely, few people seem to object to the FTA treaty with China, so we are suspicious that the anti-U.S. FTA campaign is being waged by ideologically charged groups. Indeed, many people oppose the FTA treaty without even knowing what an FTA is. We oppose simply because it looks foreign, and therefore, suspicious. Since Koreans have vivid memories of being exploited via unequal treaties with foreign countries in the early 20th century, it is understandable that we remain suspicious of treaties to this day.

Nevertheless, as a country whose economy heavily depends on export and trade, South Korea cannot categorically dismiss free trade agreements with other countries. Instead of opposing with blind hatred and antagonism, therefore, we need to calmly and seriously consider the pros and cons of the FTA treaty. We cannot insist on protectionism forever. Instead of crouching under the umbrella of protective trade, we should actively participate in free trade, while seeking strategic means to make the most of free trade agreements. Years later, we may recall that we made a wise decision to agree to an FTA with the U.S.

Undeniably, we Koreans tend to oppose anything suspicious. And yet, strangely enough, we do not oppose our own politicians who seem suspicious and malicious. We reelect crooked lawmakers again and again, until they believe they can get away with anything. So they continue to disgrace the National Assembly by committing impertinent acts of violence, neglecting their duties as representatives of the people, and/or telling lies without remorse.

On the other hand, we cannot dismiss or denounce a politician simply because we do not like him. We should acknowledge his merits and achievements, even when we criticize his flaws and failures.

A few days ago, I met some old friends who were close friends of former President Roh, and who now support the opposition party. During our conversation, one of my friends remarked, “I hear South Korea is now the second best place for foreign investments, after China. That is something, isn’t it? We criticize President Lee for his failure to listen to others and recruit new talent for his cabinet. Yet we should acknowledge his achievement in economic development.” Then she added, “It is undeniable that Korea is now suffering less from the global economic recession. It would be wrong to denounce someone completely just because we don’t like him.” I was impressed by my friend’s capacity to embrace her political foe. If only all the leftists in Korea had such magnanimity, things would be different today and Korea’s future might be brighter as well.

Then this friend of mine impressed me with another insight: “I used to think we were in the same boat, Professor Kim,” she said. “But I hear you have turned to the right.”

“That’s not true,” I replied. “My position has always been in ‘the middle against both ends.’ I am neither a leftist nor a rightist.”

“I know,” she said. “I’m not a red either.”

At that moment, I came to realize that even when we oppose something, we should try to view it from multiple angles and acknowledge its merits. Only a simpleton engages in unconditional denouncement. All things have upsides and downsides, after all.

By Kim Seong-kon

Kim Seong-kon is a professor of English at Seoul National University and director of the Korea Literature Translation Institute. ― Ed.