The Trap of Political and Psychological Inversion [Smart! Korean Society]

A cultural critic has observed a tendency among some individuals to engage in a form of "psychological inverse investment," where they derive satisfaction from negative outcomes, particularly in the political sphere. This phenomenon is characterized by a desire for the country to fail if it means proving one's own negative predictions correct.

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If you make an optimistic prediction and it turns out badly, it's more embarrassing than if you made a pessimistic prediction and it turns out well.

The critic notes that this behavior is especially evident among supporters of the People Power Party who hold strong negative views of the Democratic Party. These individuals often react with dismay to positive political or economic developments under the current administration, such as stock market gains or international recognition, seeking to discredit any good news. They may interpret a sparsely attended UN General Assembly speech by President Lee Jae-myung as a national disgrace, clinging to the narrative of "progressivism equals incompetence."

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They are desperately trying to find any adhesive to patch up the cracks that appear in their worldview that the country will inevitably collapse under the Democratic Party's rule.

This reluctance to admit being wrong is not limited to the general public. Political commentators and critics, who build their credibility on accurate predictions, face even greater pressure. While critics from opposing political camps may face little personal consequence for failed prophecies, those within the same political alignment face a more complex situation. The critic expresses concern that even well-intentioned advice, when delivered with strong conviction, can lead individuals to unconsciously hope for their predictions to come true, rather than wishing for the best for the country.

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It seems like a kind of psychological inverse investment. They get angry, depressed, and resentful in situations that would make most people happy, and they rejoice in situations where most people are sad and struggling.

The author uses the example of a prominent progressive commentator who predicted the current administration's "inevitable failure." While believing the commentary to be sincere advice, the critic worries that the commentator, like others, might fall into the trap of wanting to prove themselves right, potentially undermining their own initial good intentions. The piece concludes with a hope that this concern proves unfounded.

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Even if a critic from the 'opposite camp' predicts the government and ruling party will fail and is famously wrong, there is not much to lose.