[기자의눈]Korea and Myanmar in the 80s

Of the 257 present, 256 in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention. At a plenary session of the National Assembly on the 26th of last month, a resolution urged to condemn the military coup and restore democracy and release detainees was almost unanimously passed. Despite the ruling and opposition parties setting up a corner over the Gadeokdo New Airport Special Act and the Doctor’s License Cancellation Act, they held hands on the last day of the extraordinary National Assembly in February and quickly dealt with a resolution condemning Myanmar.

In order for the legislature’s decision not to cease to be an empty declaration, the administration needs to actively take the lead in providing medical supplies and necessities necessary for the civil resistance movement through embassies or local civic groups. Korea is a country with a history of resistance to colonial rule and military dictatorship, unlike powerful countries such as the United States and the European Union (EU). It is also the most elected democracy among Korea, China and Japan, with the cause of leading Asian democracy. So our silence can be more brutal than any other country’s silence.

Myanmar’s tragedy resembled Korea in the 1980s. Since February 1, when the military commander Amado conducted a coup, the clock there has been reversed. On March 3, 52 young men were killed by police officers with guns. Nevertheless, the young Myanmar go out to the streets with blood types and phone numbers on their arms. Students who have learned Korean stand in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea holding a sign that says, ‘Go away from the military dictatorship.’ The citizens of Myanmar came to the streets for freedom in 1971, 1988 and 2007, resisting British colonization, Japanese invasion and military dictatorship. Isn’t it a familiar landscape that makes us goose bumps, even the sadness of the weak country, who was confronted with the bare body, and the incisions of the citizens who became stronger as a result.

Even when it comes to national interests alone, there is a justification to support the civil resistance movement in Myanmar. Myanmar, which is called the second Vietnam, currently has more than 200 Korean companies operating there. Furthermore, Myanmar boasts a domestic market size of 60 million people as a strategic hub linking Southeast Asia and Southwest Asia. The Federal Parliament (CRPH), led by 298 lawmakers who were elected in the general elections in November last year, will make Myanmar a more predictable market than the military dictatorship.

/ Reporter Kim Hye-rin [email protected]

< 저작권자 ⓒ 서울경제, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지 >