President Lee Jae-myung's Cautious Use of Power

Mysterious Wind, Imagination in Classics

In the Chinese classic novel "Journey to the West," there is a mountain of fire, known as the Flame Mountain. This mountain is covered in raging flames, described as a treacherous terrain that no one can cross carelessly. The only way to quell these flames is by using a mystical fan called the "Bajiao Fan." When waved once, it summons thunder and lightning when waved twice, it brings forth a typhoon and when waved three times, even the flames subside. This fan is not just a tool for creating wind, but a symbol of the power that can influence the order of nature. The owner of this fan is a character known as Princess Iron Fan or Natsal. Sun Wukong and his companions attempt three times to obtain the Bajiao Fan to cross Flame Mountain. The first attempt ends in rejection and anger, the second one involves being deceived by a fake fan, and only in the third and final attempt, after a strenuous battle, do they acquire the real Bajiao Fan. As Sun Wukong waves the fan three times, the mountain quiets down, and the group continues their journey safely. This scene carries symbolic implications that go beyond mere fantasy. The Bajiao Fan is a metaphor for power that humans can grasp, yet it should never be wielded lightly. It represents an authority capable of shaking the world, and its use requires careful consideration.

Cautious use of power

The Ruyi Jingu Bang is not just a powerful tool. It is a warning that 'with a small gesture, the world can change.' Like the warning given to Sun Wukong by the Iron Fan Princess, this fan is so potent that it can shake the heavens and the earth. In this way, 'Journey to the West' aims to speak about the essence of power and the responsibilities that come with it. Power cannot simply be exercised as soon as it is received it must be accompanied by verification and restraint. Sun Wukong's repeated failures to obtain the Ruyi Jingu Bang are not merely a narrative repetition but a process of questioning the qualifications of power. The wisdom of the classics is encapsulated in the notion that true power is only granted to those who have passed through trials and self-reflection. This symbolism applies directly to today's politics and administration. In an era where a single policy or approval can have a significant impact on people's lives, the Ruyi Jingu Bang can be reinterpreted as a device symbolizing the responsibility of public officials. It is a story about how power is handled, not about its magnitude.

President Lee Jae-myung's Metaphor - Political Reflection Through Classics

On June 24, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung brought up the metaphor that "power is like a thunderbolt" during a Cabinet meeting. His statement that "once it strikes, it brings thunder and lightning twice, it brings a storm three times, the world can be turned upside down" is not merely a rhetorical flourish. He emphasized that those who hold that power must be aware of the heavy responsibilities they bear. In his subsequent remarks, he stressed that "a small signature or a brief statement from you can determine someone's life or death." This awareness pertains to "things that may seem small but are never truly insignificant," serving as a warning that the actions of each public official can change the direction of the nation. President Lee Jae-myung's statement moved beyond simply calling for vigilance it was a political reflection on how the essence of power should be understood and handled.

The Quintessence of Real Politics – The Virtue of Temperate Governance

In today's politics, a presidential veto is not simply a tool. It can be a line in a bill, a single word from the president, or the signature of a high-ranking official. While its form has changed, its power can still shake the world. The question is when, how, and how much that power will be used. Politics often demands speed and decisiveness. However, the true depth of governance lies in the 'art of restraint' rather than the 'virtue of speed.' A veto is a tool that should not be wielded carelessly or by just anyone. Only those who can bear its weight are qualified to create a stir. President Lee Jae-myung’s remarks pierce directly to this point. Power should shine in restraint rather than in action, and all public officials must not forget that the power they hold can potentially disrupt the world.

Conclusion - The Responsibilities of Those Holding the Pacho Line

In "Journey to the West," Sun Wukong fails multiple times to obtain the Fluttering Feather and ultimately acquires it through battles and transformations. This is not just a simple fantasy it conveys the message that power is granted only after rigorous testing and should not be wielded carelessly. President Lee Jae-myung raises significant questions about today's politics through the classical image of the Fluttering Feather. What is power? It is not a privilege but a responsibility, a force that prioritizes contemplation over action. If public officials deeply internalize the essence of this metaphor, unnecessary winds will diminish, and a breeze that unfolds quietly only at necessary moments will emerge, representing the true political breeze. Ultimately, politics can only mature through those who never forget the weight of the Fluttering Feather in their hands.