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(Park Gu-yong, Kim Eo-jun's Gyeonggong) Professor Park Gu-yong explores contemporary democracy through 20th century French structuralist philosophy.

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Introduction - The Philosophical Wounds Left by War In the early 20th century, humanity experienced profound loss and turmoil through two world wars. This was not just a political and economic shock but a philosophical shock that shook belief in human existence itself. After this period, Western philosophy moved away from the tradition of placing humans at the center of the world and instead turned towards thinking that deconstructs and reconstructs humanity. This essay outlines the philosophical transitions from the era of ancient metaphysics through the age of the subject to the age of structure, exploring the significance that the institution of democracy can hold within this flow of thought today. The Era of Pursuing Essence - Metaphysics and God The origin of Western philosophy began with the exploration of essence. Plato argued that there exists a world of ideal essence beyond the sensory world through the concept of Ideas. This notion grew into a system during medieva...

Meeting with cultural and artistic figures attended by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung and President Lee Jae-myung

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President Lee Jae-myung's meeting with cultural and artistic figures attended by Kim Hye-kyung On June 30, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung held a meeting at the presidential office with representatives of the cultural and artistic community. This was an opportunity to directly examine and seek practical directions for issues such as basic income for artists, improving the creation environment, and expanding global cultural policies, which were among the pledges made during the presidential election. The meeting was not just a simple policy announcement but a symbolic moment where the presidential couple listened to the realities of cultural and artistic figures while engaging in policy discussions and emotional resonance simultaneously. President Lee emphasized the philosophical starting point of cultural policy by stating, "Culture is an investment." This reflects the understanding that culture extends beyond mere emotional value and encomp...

Trump's Criticism of Powell and Controversy Over the Fed's Successor: A Political Test of Central Bank Independence

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Introduction - Trump's Direct Criticism of Powell and Its Aftermath In June 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, causing a stir in financial markets and political circles. Trump described Powell as "terrible" and "stupid," holding him accountable for the failure to shift interest rate policies, and stated that he is already considering 3 to 4 potential successors. This statement was interpreted as suggesting an unusual early nomination possibility, given that Powell still has about 1 year and 11 months left in his term. Trump has a history of overt dissatisfaction with the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies dating back to his presidency, and this recent remark is seen as a continuation of that attitude. The criticism is particularly rooted in the policy gap between his advocated stimulus measures and the maintenance of high interest rates. Such statements bring the debate ove...

Beyond Intermittent Fasting: The Science and Possibilities of Alternate-Day Fasting

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Introduction: The Emergence of a New Fasting As the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle increases in modern society, various dietary practices are gaining attention. Among them, intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a relatively easy method for weight loss and improving metabolic health. However, recent studies have sparked interest in Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF), which may induce stronger weight loss effects and improvements in health indicators compared to intermittent fasting. ADF involves fasting almost or completely on one day and eating normally the next day, and it has been shown to be effective not only for weight management but also in improving various bodily indicators such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity. This essay aims to analyze the practical utility and limitations of this dietary approach, focusing on the principles and scientific background of ADF, key research findings, advantages and disadvantages, and its applicability in everyday lif...

The Return of Starbucks' Plastic Straws - A Regression or Evolution of Environmentalism?

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Starbucks' return of plastic straws In June 2025, Starbucks began to reintroduce plastic straws in its stores. This decision, which reverses its iconic move in 2018 to lead the charge against plastic by fully adopting paper straws, raises questions for many. Is this ultimately a retreat of environmentalism kneeling before convenience? Or is it a process of evolution, seeking more realistic and sustainable solutions beyond the uncomfortable and inefficient methods of the past? The key point of this decision is that it is not a 'simple regression.' The straws introduced this time are made from plant-based materials derived from sugarcane rather than petroleum. Starbucks' choice signifies an important moment for our society to start a deeper reflection on the fundamental question of "what does being environmentally friendly mean?" Limitations of paper straws To understand why Starbucks is turning back to plastic, we must first reflect on why paper stra...

Lee Jae-myung's First Press Conference as President and the Philosophy of Political Communication

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Introduction: The New Grammar of Communication Opened by the '30 Days of Presidency' President Lee Jae-myung is set to hold his first press conference just 30 days after taking office, drawing attention from the political arena, the media, and citizens regarding his communication style and message. Traditionally, a president's first official press conference is held around the 100-day mark after taking office. However, President Lee has boldly broken this norm and chosen to address the nation just one month into his term. The format, too, is reported to be a 'town hall meeting' rather than the conventional Q&A format, generating significant interest. This change is not merely a shift in style but can be seen as a consistent practice of his governance philosophy, aiming for a deeper connection with the public. These actions align with his promise to 'question and answer together with the people.' Beyond ceremonies, oaths, and inaugural speeches, ther...

Unreflective attitude change raises questions about Shin-pyeong's sincerity

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Political Statements and Reactions of Attorney Shin-pyeong Recently, lawyer Shin-pyeong's remarks have caused a significant reaction in the political arena. He positively evaluated President Lee Jae-myung's statements through social media. The issue is that this praise does not simply stop at a favorable assessment of specific policies. Lawyer Shin has been a strong supporter of former President Yoon Seok-yeol in the past, and his recent change in position is difficult to view as just a shift in thought it can be perceived as opportunistic behavior. While changes in political stance are possible, alterations lacking sincerity and accountability may be regarded by the public as betrayal. Therefore, lawyer Shin's recent attitude is causing dissatisfaction and rejection among many. The significant role of Yoon Suk-yeol as a 'mentor' in the past Shin, the lawyer, was one of the key figures who led former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol into the political ar...