[Editorial] Seniors Divided over the National Security Law

Some 70 progressive seniors have recently called for the abolition of the National Security Law, reshaping the controversy over the national security into that between conservatives and progressives. With a joint declaration, the 70 members criticized the conservative seniors’ declaration of supporting the National Security Law, and argued, “The law should be abolished, not revised or replaced.” In response, the conservative old guards are planning to hold opposing conventions in cities and provinces. This dispute has reached to the extent of dividing the nation into two.

The debate on the National Security Law is headed for trouble. As mentioned several times in previous editorials, the national consensus has already been reached concerning the law’s problems and countermeasures. That is, the people agree that the clauses in question that are likely to violate human rights must be eliminated or revised, but with the safety measures to prevent the potential security threat. Thus, we should put our heads together to come up with a consensus through rational discussion.

The pro-Roh Uri party has revealed an alternative legislation of “Ban on Destructive Activities,” and the main opposition party Grand National Party has unveiled a revised bill for the current National Security Law. These alternatives eliminate or reduce the penalties regarding the clauses on infiltration, escape, praise and incitement, thus ironing out much of the differences between the two parties. This is progress.

Nonetheless, the conservatives attack their opponents saying, “Pro-North Korea and anti-U.S. leftist forces have taken over the nation,” while the prime minister counter-attacks them saying, “The coup elements have no right to oppose the National Security Law.” We have lost the true focus of the debate. Moreover, if even the older generation in the society becomes divided over this issue, the resulting impact is beyond imagination. If this situation persists, the nature of the issue will be dismissed, leading to a self-destructive ideological dispute which will only reproduce mutual hostility and hate.

This ongoing vicious cycle should be broken. The debate over the National Security Law should be set free from the political play to be placed on the right track. Admittedly, the pro-Roh and opposition seniors must bring themselves together in the National Assembly. If necessary, the president of the National Assembly must take the initiative. He can no longer just sit back and watch.