In this blog post, I will summarize the causes of deepening inequality in Korean politics as raised in ‘Gangnam Left 2,’ along with the author’s diagnosis and solutions, and briefly examine the book’s main arguments and implications.
Main Content and Issues Raised in the Book
‘Gangnam Leftists 2’ builds upon its predecessor, shedding light on the Gangnam Leftists and the polarized political landscape in light of current events, and offers a critical perspective on the ruling party rather than taking a neutral stance. The book specifically addresses the nature of the conflicts triggered by the Cho Kuk scandal and proposes solutions to overcome them, while offering an unfiltered perspective on the 386 generation (now the 586 generation), which has played a central role in our society.
The author points out that while the so-called 386 generation made significant contributions to South Korea’s democratization, they have now become a vested interest group, labeled “old fogies” by the younger generation and exhibiting hypocritical behavior. The core argument is that they have transformed into “Gangnam Leftists”—a contradiction where their political rhetoric is leftist, yet their lifestyle enjoys the sweet fruits of capitalism.
The Scope of Inequality and Interpretation of the Cho Kuk Scandal
In line with the book’s subtitle, “Why Does Politics Exacerbate Inequality?”, the author focuses on the wealth gap. The author argues that viewing wealth inequality solely as a battle between the “99%” and the “1%” is nonsense, and insists that we must expand the scope to include the top 20% to grasp the true nature of inequality and devise solutions. As seen in the Cho Kuk scandal, the “Gangnam Left” revealed a disconnect between the ideologies they once fought for and their current actions.
An example of this sentiment of anger is a mother in her 50s who said in an interview, “I can understand Na Kyung-won’s actions to some extent, but Cho Kuk’s actions make my blood boil.” Cho Kuk, who had always advocated for a just society, displayed an indifferent attitude toward family matters, and this classic case of “do as I say, not as I do” sparked public outrage. Figures from the “386 generation” who hold key positions in the current administration are also rife with contradictions no less than Cho Kuk.
The author interprets the Cho Kuk scandal as directly linked to the Moon Jae-in administration. Although President Moon Jae-in promised in his inaugural address that “opportunities would be equal, processes fair, and outcomes just,” the Cho Kuk scandal raises questions about whether that promise has been fulfilled. The movement to defend Cho Kuk, linked to the president’s perception of a crisis, led to rallies by his supporters.
Intergenerational Conflict and Policy Responsibility
Furthermore, the author diagnoses that people in their 20s are experiencing severe frustration. Many are so desperate—due to employment difficulties and an uncertain future—that they refer to the country as “Hell Joseon.” The author argues that the reason this generation cannot directly bring about political change is not a lack of capability, but rather that the barriers to entry are excessively high. The author contends that the 386 generation bears significant responsibility for exacerbating this structural problem.
The author questions whether the “top 1% reform” advocated by the privileged top 20% is truly feasible. He argues that Korean politics wastes unnecessary energy amid such contradictions, thereby exacerbating inequality. Therefore, he emphasizes that the key to improving the political situation lies in the younger generation forming a new political paradigm and fostering hope.
The Author’s Recommendations and the Demands of the Times
While the author states that the “Gangnam Left” should be respected, he also urges that not all politicians should become part of the “Gangnam Left.” He argues that the mission of progressivism is to resolve inequality, and that politics and policy must be directed toward that goal. Furthermore, regarding the government, which has reached the midpoint of its term, he advises it to fulfill the promises made in its inaugural address.
“Gangnam Leftists 2” offers a diagnosis and prescription for Korean politics and the deepening inequality. However, it remains uncertain whether policymakers will heed the author’s voice. We hope they will respond to the author’s heartfelt advice by demonstrating a complete transformation.
Especially during these difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of ordinary citizens are suffering from worries about their livelihoods. Politics that wisely overcome this crisis and give hope to the people, politics that gradually improve inequality, and politics that resolve problems through dialogue can alleviate the people’s burdens. The author appeals for efforts to help ordinary citizens through practical measures, such as the formulation of a supplementary budget.
