Flipping through an article published in a newspaper over a decade ago. Back then, I ran to the Bell Temple countless times to write this piece. 😂 At that time, Anda accompanied me to take photos in front of ancient bells, chatting about history, a time that can never return.

Re-reading the old text, I suddenly remember those arguments that attribute the origins of all things to the "Yongle Encyclopedia" and regard outstanding culture as works that mourn the Ming dynasty, which, while absurd, is also thought-provoking.

Twenty years ago, South Korea was in a phase of increasing social stratification and falling into a low fertility trap. Odd statements such as "Goguryeo conquered the Tang Dynasty," "injured Li Shimin's eye," and "Confucius was Korean" kept emerging in public discourse. From claiming that Chinese characters are Korean "Yin characters," to asserting that the Terracotta Army is a Goryeo relic, then to absurdly declaring that the universe originated in Korea, and that kimchi can save global famine, even forcibly claiming the rights to chopsticks, Hanfu, and the invention of movable type printing, absurd statements abound.

The lower strata of society have lost their upward mobility, see no future or hope, and find no spiritual solace, so they resort to these absurd claims to establish a sense of existence, seek self-satisfaction, and indulge in transient thrills; this is the backdrop of the situation.

It is estimated that in about half a century, South Korea will need to bring in a large number of external populations, and the local Korean ethnicity will gradually decline. It reminds me of the strong stature of Black people and the vigorous presence of Indians, how will the large influx of those who start to soften endure with their fully prosthetic bodies?

What about Dongdaemun?

The emergence of certain ideologies has never been accidental; humans, as evolved monkeys, have ultimately built a civilization stage that is still just a makeshift platform.