Progressives risk isolation by adopting hateful language

South Korean politics operates on a dynamic of "adversarial symbiosis," where the ruling and opposition parties, rather than engaging in genuine policy debate, seem to extend their lifespans by relying on each other's existence. This cycle is primarily driven by fear: the stronger one side's cohesion becomes, the greater the sense of crisis it instills in the opposing camp. This fear triggers defensive mechanisms, solidifying the opposition's unity. In this vicious cycle, politics endlessly repeats a "seesaw game of fear" instead of competing on rational alternatives.

The article draws a distinction between two potential ways out of this paradox: "annihilation" and "inclusion." The previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration pursued the former, attempting to erase the opposition from the political stage rather than acknowledging them as legitimate partners in governance. This strategy ultimately failed, as attempts to suppress the opposition galvanized the progressive camp with the powerful narrative of "a crisis of democracy," sparking widespread public vigilance and fostering a hardened unity.

However, the piece questions whether the Democratic Party and the broader progressive movement have embraced "inclusion" in response to the failure of "annihilation politics." It expresses deep concern over some progressive politicians and large YouTube channels adopting the exclusionary and hateful language previously used by the far-right. Phrases like "must be bulldozed" or "must take up clubs" have emerged, justified by some as "mirroring" the harsh attacks from the far-right. Yet, the article argues, mimicking the language of monsters, even as a mirror, leads to corruption and a loss of legitimacy.

This trend risks alienating moderate voters and isolating the reform movement. While it might offer a short-term boost by inflaming supporters for easy electoral victories, it pushes away the very voters who will shape the future. The article warns against the illusion that demographic shifts will automatically favor progressives, highlighting that the influx of young voters disillusioned with the current system will likely outnumber the natural decline of older conservative voters for at least a decade. True reform, it concludes, requires listening to and embracing the demands of young people, even if they are expressed crudely, and restoring the dignity of language and the health of common sense.