Corrupt Elite Groups in Decline

The Symbolism of Lee Jin-sook’s Handcuffs

The image of Lee Jin-sook in handcuffs became a powerful symbol of the exposure of lawless public authority that operates under the influence of power. By publicly displaying her handcuffed appearance, she aimed to highlight her resistance against what she perceived as unjust public power. The Democratic Party’s immediate move to impeach and suspend her duties on the day of her inauguration as chairman of the Korea Communications Commission reflected the majority party’s reckless use of authority.

After being reinstated following the dismissal of her impeachment, Lee did not resign even after the formation of the Lee Jae Myung government. She quickly became a source of tension for the new administration. During a Cabinet meeting, when she attempted to speak, she was met with the president’s dismissive command, “Enough.” The president directly accused her of pursuing “personal politics” and excluded her from future Cabinet meetings. In response, Lee claimed she was not engaging in “self-serving politics.” The presidential office then openly demanded, “If you intend to run for Daegu mayor, leave.”

When the government reorganized the Korea Communications Commission into the Korea Media and Communications Commission and removed her from her position, she resisted by filing a constitutional appeal. However, before the ruling, she announced her candidacy for Daegu mayor last month. This move was not unexpected. By abandoning all her previous justifications and values against the president, the Democratic Party, and public authority, she effectively admitted to engaging in “self-serving politics” for her mayoral bid.

Moral Collapse Among South Korea’s Elite

Lee Jin-sook’s actions can be seen as an example of moral collapse among South Korea’s elite. Elites are not merely individuals with high status; they are expected to possess significant expertise and uphold strict professional ethics. When they use public office and professional achievements to pursue private interests or protect vested rights, societal trust inevitably erodes. Elites with expertise but no public ethics are essentially “competent predators.”

While it is unrealistic to completely separate public dedication from personal ambition, there are clear lines that must not be crossed. Professional groups and elite organizations have values and achievements built over generations through the sacrifices and struggles of righteous predecessors. Some individuals trample these sacrifices and dismantle these achievements by crossing ethical boundaries they should never have breached.

The Prosecution and Ethical Standards

The prosecution has faced criticism as “servants of power,” but it has never abandoned appeals in cases involving astronomical corruption. Even when bowing to power, it did not degenerate to the point of betraying its fundamental purpose. During the abandonment of appeals in the Daejang-dong case, there was at least debate over pressure from Cheong Wa Dae and the Ministry of Justice. However, in the Wirye New City, West Sea official, and former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil cases, there was no such debate. Senior officials proactively submitted and appeased. In organizations where the minimum standards of professional ethics collapse, those skilled in subservience inevitably occupy key positions.

Military Corruption and Degradation

The military should be the most politically independent institution. In the U.S., few retired generals engage in politics after promotion. Among 100 senators, none are former generals, and only two of 435 House members are from regular federal military backgrounds. In South Korea, retired generals line up to switch identities to politicians or lawmakers. Five are currently serving as lawmakers. What more can be said when a former defense minister becomes a senior advisor—effectively a lobbyist—for a defense contractor? The military’s dismal performance during martial law may have been foreshadowed by the long-accumulated corruption and degradation of its elites.

The Role of Elite Groups in Politics

Society often blames politics and politicians for chaos. However, if elite groups—who design and operate systems in various fields—do not abandon professional norms, they can act as a bulwark against runaway politics. The enabler of low-quality politics is the corruption and degradation of elite groups such as bureaucrats, courts, prosecutors, the military, and the media.