Blaming the Elderly When Young, and Blaming the Youth When Old: The Controversy Surrounding Yoo Si-min.

Lately, Korean society has been marred by continuous conflicts and discontent between the elderly and the younger generation. One manifestation of this conflict is the recent controversy ignited by Yoo Si-min, the former head of the National Labor Welfare Foundation, who criticized the support for the 2030 generation and sparked controversy. This even led to dissenting opinions within the ruling Democratic Party.

 

The conflicts in Korean society are not just simple intergenerational disputes; they are the complex result of the political atmosphere and societal changes.

 

Ha Heon-gi, a former youth spokesperson for the Democratic Party, expressed strong opposition to Yoo Si-min's remarks. He took to Facebook, stating, "When a reckless regime commits abuses, it's the duty of the number one party to protect the people. However, they are continually asking the people to protect the giant party in return." He criticized Yoo Si-min, asserting that "Author Yoo Si-min blamed the 2030 men who voted incorrectly for the current situation. If that's the case, 64.8% of people from Yoo Si-min's generation also voted for Yoon Seok-yeol."

 

Former spokesperson Ha Heon-gi criticized the older generation for not introspecting and only blaming others, saying, "Nevertheless, if someone who can be considered an adult in this society says it's only the fault of voters, that is too simplistic."

 

The current social conflict is not merely a simple intergenerational dispute; it is a complex result of the political atmosphere and societal changes. Yoo Si-min's statement holding the 2030 generation responsible can be seen as a manifestation of political conflicts between the elderly and the youth.

 

Furthermore, questions have arisen about the role of the societal elite. The societal elite should play a role in clarifying confusion and organizing situations, but in the current political climate, hate and anger are fanning the flames, exacerbating political confrontations.

 

Resolving conflict in our society requires effort from all parties involved. The elderly, the youth, and the middle-aged generation should strive to understand each other and cooperate. To resolve conflicts, it's crucial to respect one's own perspective while also listening to the opinions of others.

 

Additionally, in the current political climate, instead of inciting hostile emotions, we should encourage rational debates and cooperation. To progress as a society, all generations, including the elderly and the youth, must work together.

 

The conflicts in Korean society are not just simple intergenerational disputes; they are the complex result of the political atmosphere and societal changes. To resolve these conflicts, a cooperative and understanding attitude from all generations is necessary. We can move towards a better future when the elderly, the youth, and the middle-aged generation work together.