U＆W SPEECH Let us ensure that our voices, not blind loyalty, guide our future Yunhoo , Park

Let us ensure that our voices, not blind loyalty, guide our future
Korea International School Jeju G10
Yunhoo , Park
Recently, while I was at Gwanghwamun Plaza, a political organizer passionately declared, ‘President Yoon can bring everything back to normal!” Immediately, hundreds around me started chanting his name.
Then, I wondered: why do they readily trust the authority figures?
George Orwell’s 1984 illustrates a society where the worship of an all-powerful figure, Big Brother, dominates every aspect of life.
Shockingly, this dystopian society's elements correlate with the current dynamics.
The scene at Gwanghwamun Plaza might seem like just another political rally, but it highlights a growing concern about the idolization of politicians.
This matters because when leaders are placed on stage, people often stop questioning their decisions.
In a democracy like Korea’s, blind loyalty can lead to unchecked power and political division.
Today, I am here to argue that the modern idolization of political figures and influencers in Korean society mirrors the worship of Big Brother in 1984, and this trend poses a serious threat to democratic critical thinking.
One of the most troubling aspects of political idolization in modern Korean Society is how it allows supporters to encourage serious wrongdoings.
For instance, when Lee Jae Myeong, the leader of the Democratic Party had defined the president as a criminal after martial law, his supporters joined the protest in front of the National Assembly, according to TV Chosun.
Similarly, First Lady, Kim Kun-hee’s fan community protects her from political criticism, treating her like a sacred figure.
This is dangerous in a democracy like Korea, where all power originates from the people. Idolizing leaders undermines accountability and makes it harder for citizens to critically assess their actions.
Another troubling consequence of political idolization in South Korea is how it weakens citizens’ ability to make informed decisions.
Instead of evaluating candidates based on their policies or character, many voters prioritize loyalty to a party.
For example, during the controversial discussions surrounding the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan, critics raised concerns about the financial burden in the decision-making process, according to multiple Korean media sources including YTN.
Despite this, strong supporters of President Yoon and the ruling party defended the move unconditionally, dismissing valid criticisms without proper evaluation.
This harmful pattern intensifies societal and political division, reducing politics to a clash of loyalty rather than meaningful debate, mirroring 1984.
Some argue that political idolization fosters inclusion and trust, helping politicians gain strong support to implement policies.
However, Idolization creates blind loyalty. True democracy relies on accountability, not unquestioning support. Critical evaluation keeps power with the people.
In conclusion, the idolization of political figures in modern Korean society mirrors the dangerous worship of Big Brother in 1984.
It weakens critical thinking, accountability, and the very foundations of our democracy.
By blindly supporting politicians, we risk turning politics into a one-sided relationship of control.
Please critically evaluate the policies and actions of those in power, and demand transparency and accountability in our political system.
Let us ensure that our voices, not blind loyalty, guide our future.