단상斷想

In the modern political history of Korea, attempts at public opinion manipulation have continuously evolved. In 2012, it was revealed that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) under the Lee Myung-bak administration operated a large-scale civilian comment unit, and the NIS Legacy Task Force confirmed that the NIS operated 30 public opinion manipulation teams composed of approximately 3,500 civilians during the Lee Myung-bak administration in 2012. This was confirmed as an incident in which the Lee Myung-bak administration proactively and systematically manipulated public opinion using the National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of National Defense for the purpose of winning the presidential election. This pattern of public opinion manipulation has recently become more systematic and subtle, as seen in the 'Libax School' incident. Libax School, short for 'Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee School', is a far-right historical education group, and it has been revealed through investigative reports that they are creating a team called 'Jasonsangun (Free Finger Army Saving the Country with Comments)' to conduct comment operations. Of particular concern is the suspicion that 'Libax School', a far-right education group, has trained and deployed instructors in the 'Neulbom School' policy initiated by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, going beyond simple online public opinion manipulation.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the Libax School case is the injection of ideology through history education. They claim that the 5.18 Democratization Movement was a communist riot, and emphasize that Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee were heroes who saved the country by preventing communization. This is closer to brainwashing education that forces a specific political viewpoint, rather than objective history education. What is important in history education is not to unilaterally inject only a specific viewpoint, but to present various historical materials and perspectives so that students can develop critical thinking skills. However, tailoring history to justify certain ideologies or political positions is a betrayal of the fundamental purpose of education.

The most serious problem in the Libax School incident is the systematic infiltration of the public education system. According to the Ministry of Education, 'Libax School' is supplying classes to 10 schools in Seoul, and it has been confirmed that it has投入 programs into Neulbom School, an after-school program for elementary schools. This is interpreted as a systematic attempt to inject ideology into future generations, going beyond simple public opinion manipulation. Of particular concern is the method of 투입 댓글 brigades by using Neulbom teacher certification as bait. This is a new form of political maneuvering that connects education and public opinion manipulation, and it is an extremely unethical act that uses children's pure curiosity and desire to learn for political purposes. Childhood is an important period of cognitive and emotional development, and the impact of education received during this period can last a lifetime. Children are not yet sufficiently developed to critically analyze complex political issues, and unilaterally injecting a particular political perspective is closer to brainwashing than education.

The fact that 'Digital Platform Research Institute', the developer of the website of the far-right educational group 'Libax School', developed various far-right sites such as Hwang Kyo-ahn and Yoon Seok-yeol supporters and the Negative Election Prevention Team (Bubangda), has been revealed, and their organized network is being confirmed. There are also allegations that far-right groups and figures, including Libax School, have tried to influence not only elementary school care but also middle and high school entrance exams. Furthermore, suspicions are being raised that they operated an organized comment army for the purpose of manipulating public opinion, a multi-level corporate brainwashing expansion business method, and sucked up public funds, which are taxpayers' money, by using government policy projects. This is developing into a problem of privatization of public resources beyond a simple education problem.

The organized manipulation of public opinion, which began with the National Intelligence Service's comment unit under the Lee Myung-bak administration, evolved into a more subtle and systematic form as it continued with the 'grandchild troops' of the Libax School. In modern society, the influence of media is absolute, and in particular, the distribution of information in online spaces is fast and widespread, but at the same time, there is a high risk of spreading unverified or biased information. In particular, organized manipulation of public opinion, such as 'comment units,' hinders genuine democratic debate and obscures the sound judgment of citizens. This is an act of distorting the free and fair exchange of opinions, which is the basic premise of democracy.

The Lee Bakschool case is an example of how dangerous it can be when education is combined with commercial and political purposes. When education is combined with commercial purposes, the essence of education can be damaged. In particular, when a highly political education program is operated commercially and public opinion is manipulated at the same time, it becomes impossible to secure objectivity and neutrality in education. Education should aim to develop knowledge and thinking skills, and should not be used as a means to advocate or oppose a particular political position. The commercialization of education blurs these principles and carries the risk of reducing education to a commodity. Of particular concern is the long-term impact of this biased education on younger generations. Children exposed to specific political views from an early age are more likely to maintain such biased thinking even as adults, which can deepen political conflict throughout society. In a democratic society, various opinions and perspectives must coexist, but if a generation is forced to accept only one perspective from childhood, it may become difficult for them to accept the opinions of others or have healthy discussions when they become adults.

The systematic manipulation of public opinion, which began with the National Intelligence Service's online comment unit under the Lee Myung-bak administration, and has developed into the 'grandchild army' of Libax School and brainwashing education targeting children, is a serious problem facing our society. This is an act that shakes the foundations of democracy, going beyond simple political conflict, and in particular, the systematic attempt to instill ideology in future generations threatens the future of society as a whole. Education is a process of preparing for the future, and the ultimate goal of education is to help the next generation grow into healthy democratic citizens. To this end, it is necessary to ensure the political neutrality of education and to enable students to develop the ability to think from various perspectives.

Instrumentalizing education and manipulating public opinion for specific political purposes not only undermines the essence of education but also hinders the healthy development of democracy. We must recognize these problems and strive to realize the true value of education. In particular, thorough investigation and institutional improvement should be made regarding the combination of education and public opinion manipulation revealed through the LeeBaxchool case, and the attempt to privatize public resources.