Park Jae-gyun's humanitarian politics

In 1592 when Korea was under attack from Japan, King Seonjo and his servants were fleeing to Uiju where they saw the Imjin River. Feeling frustrated, the king asked, "Where should we go now?" Lee Hang-bok answered, "A wise way would be staying in Uiju and then leaving for the Ming Dynasty if we lose all the eight provinces." Ryu Seong-ryong said, "That is absurd. If your highness leaves your country, Joseon is not our territory anymore." (from "Why Did Joseon Collapse?" by Song Bok)

While Ryu Seong-ryong's loyalty is noticeable in this passage, it is such foolish for politicians to argue on whether Japan would invade Joseon and then later on where the king should go. I do not like to think about such a shameful history, but the current situation regarding the THAAD deployment reminds me of that story. Since when did Korean politicians become so blind, conflicting with one another when the national security is at stake. China's media is criticizing the International Court of Justice for deciding in the Philippines' favor on the territorial dispute in the South China Sea. That is understandable because China is a socialist country. Even in the U.S. where press freedom is protected, no one says, "China has a point."

The anti-THAAD group's argument is that the defense system would not be effective. They argue that THAAD's defensive effectiveness is not confirmed yet and that one artillery unit of 48 missile launchers would not be enough to neutralize some 1,000 North Korean missiles. The opponents say, "When defense would be impossible anyway, why upsetting China that might lead to China's economic retaliation?"

That argument is partially correct. Korea's air defense is indeed not strong enough to neutralize North Korea's long-range artillery, scud missiles, and No-dong missiles. However, their assertion is as irresponsible as suggesting not to fight a neighborhood gang because fighting them might provoke their boss. A country must make strenuous efforts, be it a basis foundation or economic power to purchase new weapons. History teaches us that a country is bound to fall when it depends on other countries' good intentions. Korea should be equipped with a stronger air defense system, be it THAAD, PAC-3, or SM-3.

Some say that Korea's geographical position surrounded by strong countries has developed Korean people's tendency to split. When Switzerland first declared to be a permanently neutral nation, it was a tactic to secure its independence from Germany (north), France (west), Italy (south) and Austria (east). What made Switzerland a military power today that the surrounding powerful countries did not want to mess up with is its indomitable "soldier of fortune" spirit of and the realistic training system for civilians (20 days a year until 48).

People's Party Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, who seems to be preparing for the next presidential election, contended that the THAAD deployment should be decided by a referendum. When he was cornered in a debate, he drew an example of Switzerland's referendum. He even wandered away from the subject by saying, "Are you saying that Korean people's integrity is lower than that of Swiss people?" As the American proverb goes, "If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging." He should have stopped at the first mistake.

Those who opposed to the plan of building a navy base in Jeju Island's Gangjeong Village do not seem to even remember the case now. Such obstinacy has to stop. In 1595 when Korea was being attacked by Japan, Ryu Seong-ryong lamented by saying, "Whatever this country does never lasts long. There is no strong will and consistent plan. They would start working in the morning because A told them to, and undo the work in the evening because B told them to."