Opinion: Festivity and Democracy

Enthusiasm for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan!

Nothing recently has ever brought the Korean people together like football.

Whenever the Korea squad has a match, streets are emptied and schools and companies shorten classes and working hours as red-clad football fans mass around large TV screens and stadiums. There is no distinction between the old and young in chanting and clapping in unison. Depressed by a series of the so-called "gate scandals", the Korean people have recovered their confidence with the better-than expected performance of the Korean national football team in the World Cup games. Moreover, the encouraged patriotism and social consciousness of the public have been reflected in the matured cheering culture. As witnessed here, the World Cup is indeed a national gala having greater impact than anybody bargained for. On the darker side, however, are some problems that have been, but should not be overlooked.

Let`s look back at the local elections a few days ago.

Since the elections could be a litmus paper for the presidential election in December, political parties tried heart and soul to secure the public support.

But the voter turnout hit the record low with less than 50%, which made next to impossible for political parties to see what the public had in mind.

Even those who were elected could not guarantee their popularity in their constituency.

Significantly weakened is the democratic function of election that empowers those who are elected on the one hand and controls them and their parties on the other hand.

Paled significance of election weakens the foundation of democracy.

The power of the public brought democracy to the nation 15 years ago. The people who were at the center of the historic movement are now leading the society. Then why the public is turning a cold shoulder to elections?

Even local elections are of much importance since the public elects their own representatives through the local elections. But the public has shown little interest in elections. Why?

One of the main reasons behind the indifference of the public toward elections is an array of disappointing behaviors of politicians.

Distrust in and skepticism over the political circle have led the indifference of the public toward elections and politics. But this is nothing new.

Far deeper than today were distrust in and skepticism over politics and elections 15, 22, or 42 years ago, when the public stood up against authoritarian regimes.

But even then the voter turnouts were higher than that of today.

It means that the humiliating voter turnout is attributed to the World Cup frenzy gripping the nation.

There was no match of the Korean players on the election day, but a huge number of youngsters preoccupied with the World Cup put aside casting ballots and went to football stadiums or gathered in front of large TV screens or TV sets at home.

But putting the World Cup before casting ballots cannot be justified.

Festivals are indeed enjoyable. They also serve as a tonic in our every day life.

But if we are obsessed with a festival ignoring what we are supposed to do, the festival is already opium. We can enjoy the festival, but we should not let the festival rule our life.

Festivals mean refreshment. Only those who have been loyal to their life deserve to enjoy festivals. And after festivals are over, we should go back to normal.

We don`t have to look back at the local elections in shame. Now is time for us to be prepared for the post-World Cup gala.

It might not be easy to get back to normal. Some people might no want to come back seeking another festival. But our life and our future lie in our daily life not in festivals.

Only after we lead a decent life can we have more wonderful festivals.