Books to read if you're disappointed by election results

Following South Korea's June 3 local elections, a sense of disappointment and emptiness lingers for many citizens, despite a robust 61% provisional voter turnout. This high participation signals a strong public desire for improved politics, yet the election results have left many feeling disheartened.

The author expresses particular dismay over the election of Chu Kyo-ho, a former People Power Party floor leader currently on trial for obstructing the lifting of martial law during the '12.3 emergency martial law' period, as the mayor of Daegu. The victory of Lee Jin-sook, a former chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, in the Daegu Dalseong by-election, also contributes to this sense of unease. The Seoul mayoral election results similarly evoke concern about the future direction of the city and its residents' lives.

In times of emotional distress, turning to books offers solace and perspective. Several new titles published after the election aim to address these feelings. "Why Do Policies Fail?" (Hankyoreh Publishing) emphasizes the importance of policy, the conditions for policy-centered parties, and the need for citizens to become active "policy actors." "Youth Bankruptcy" (Medici Media) reveals the economic crisis facing the younger generation, while "Where Does the Far-Right Come From?" (Dongasia) analyzes the growth of far-right politics and culture, using U.S. examples to provide insights into domestic far-right movements.

As the saying goes, "Democratization is not a single match." If election results are unsatisfactory, it underscores the need for more conversations with neighbors who hold different views about "the tasks of the era" and "the vision for our society." Reading books and sharing thoughts is presented as an effective way to initiate such dialogues and navigate the complexities revealed by the election.