In this blog post, I will examine the nature of power and how those in power undermine democracy, based on Kang Jun-man’s book ‘Power Changes the Human Brain’.
Overview and Key Points of the Book
Power is finite, but responsibility is infinite. Since the dawn of history, humans have lived their lives in a well-organized manner within groups, guided by those in power. At times, power has been misused or abused by those in authority, causing suffering or even death to countless members of the group. However, when used wisely, power can also help the entire population lead happy lives. This book is a collection of aphorisms in which the author cites definitions of power offered by politicians, administrators, and scholars from across time and culture, while specifically elucidating the validity and practical effectiveness of those statements.
It is fascinating that the nature of power has remained unchanged from ancient times to the present day, even as democracy has become highly developed. In particular, the book vividly depicts various cases that occurred in the United States, which can be considered the most democratic nation. Through a wealth of examples—such as President Nixon, who was forced to resign in disgrace due to the misuse of power, and President Reagan, who restored America’s tarnished pride—the book explores the history of the United States and discusses various powerful figures around the world.
The Reality of Korean Politics and Power
Having emerged from the feudal era, the Republic of Korea’s current state of democracy reveals a truly disheartening lack of restraint regarding the exercise of power. Throughout history and across cultures, those in power constantly claim to exercise it for the sake of all citizens under the guise of a noble cause; yet even today, all over the world, they ruthlessly wield power for their own personal gain and advancement. Despite the simple truth that absolute power, unchecked by any constraints, inevitably leads to corruption, the greed for power knows no bounds. Today, South Korea is caught up in an extreme ideological dichotomy, with people following the leaders they favor. When individuals, groups, or ideologies differ from their own, or when opinions diverge, they treat opponents as mortal enemies, launching relentless personal attacks and doxxing them online, while showing absolutely no tolerance for opposing views. In particular, the culture of fanaticism toward politicians has reached world-class levels, leading to behavior that erodes national strength.
It is common to see people seeking power in pursuit of the fourth level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: the need for esteem (honor). Since the Joseon Dynasty, how desperately have people struggled to secure government posts to elevate their family’s honor, wield the power that comes with their position to their heart’s content, and reap the sweet rewards? With no regard for the common people suffering and dying, they abused their power to advance their own careers and secure personal glory and family honor—a course of action that led to the nation’s collapse and forced the people to endure the humiliation of living as colonial subjects. Even today, this behavior has not changed in the slightest. When grassroots local governments were established in 1989, these positions began as unpaid honorary posts; however, since then, officials have colluded among themselves to receive monthly salaries higher than the average wage of the general public. Can they honestly claim that these positions are meant to serve the residents of their districts? Since these positions are only attainable with the approval of the National Assembly member representing the district, they have no choice but to kowtow to those in power (the National Assembly members). Since National Assembly members must flatter and cater to those higher up in order to secure the next party nomination, they ultimately end up looking only to the president at the very top. Particularly in an imperial presidential system like that of South Korea, the president’s power is so overwhelming that it has caused various conflicts in the past and remains a valid issue today. Power is like a terrifying weapon that can become poison if misused, but if used correctly, it is like a double-edged sword that can bring happiness to all.
In particular, the final chapter, titled “Why Do the Final Years of South Korean Presidents’ Terms End in Tragedy?,” points out that since the founding of the Republic of Korea in 1948, no president has been able to escape the disaster of imperial power. Most presidents throughout history have started with high approval ratings early in their terms, only to see those ratings plummet toward the end, resulting in the “lame duck” phenomenon. Although they presented their own visions and policies and started out with enthusiasm, they repeatedly fell into a cycle where, intoxicated by autocracy, stubbornness, and a lust for power, they ignored public opinion and responded with complacency—leading to the collapse of state affairs and the public turning their backs on them. Consequently, calls to reduce presidential powers and establish parliamentary democracy have been made time and again, but these efforts have fizzled out more than once. Since the president is not omnipotent, we continue to repeat this foolish pattern.
