Organizers of the “National Candlelight March,” held on December 7 in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, reported an estimated 1 million attendees. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study published in the Korean Journal of Communication Studies sheds light on the strategic use of offensive rhetoric by politicians in South Korea and its unintended consequences, including public ridicule and cynicism.
The research examines how inflammatory remarks are employed as tools for political gain, particularly during heightened political unrest, such as the recent controversies surrounding martial law and impeachment debates.
The study, conducted by scholars from Sookmyung Women’s University, Sogang University, and Ewha Womans University, analyzed political discourse from October 2022 to October 2023, encompassing interviews with aides, news reports, social media activity, and YouTube comments.
Key findings reveal that political figures, especially first- and second-term lawmakers, frequently engage in offensive rhetoric to consolidate their support base. Nearly 68% of the remarks analyzed were characterized as personal attacks, with first-term lawmakers accounting for half of the incidents.
In contrast, more seasoned politicians tended to focus their remarks on policy critiques or group-based attacks rather than personal insults.
The proliferation of these remarks has been amplified by digital media. Alternative and personal media channels hosted the majority of inflammatory content, with traditional media outlets accounting for only 28% of related YouTube videos.
Despite their visibility, these remarks were overwhelmingly met with public disapproval. Among nearly 7,000 YouTube comments analyzed, 97.9% expressed negative sentiments, often mocking or dismissing the rhetoric.
The study concludes that while inflammatory remarks may momentarily energize political supporters, they contribute to eroding trust in politicians and framing politics as an exclusive arena disconnected from the public.
The researchers caution that the normalization of such rhetoric risks deepening cynicism and alienation among citizens.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
