“When it comes to medals, it’s more important who you receive them from.”

 

[GLOBAL ECONOMIC TIMES]  The refusal of Professor Kim Cheol-hong of Incheon National University, who is scheduled to retire at the end of this year, to receive a medal is not simply a personal choice; it is a meaningful question for us living in the present era. Why did he refuse a medal that would recognize his contributions as an educator who has devoted himself to the profession for 33 years? The reason is clear. This is because it raised questions about the qualifications of the person who awards the medal, that is, the president.

Professor Kim poured out sharp criticism toward the current government. They say that they failed to properly celebrate the Nobel Prize in Literature winners, promoted ideology and regionalism, and created a republic of prosecutors. He declared that these medals awarded by the government have no value or meaning.

Medals are not just symbols. It is a formal procedure through which the state recognizes individual contributions and gives them social value. In other words, receiving a medal goes beyond the sense that an individual's effort and dedication has been socially recognized; it is an important experience that makes one feel proud as a member of the national community.

However, as in the case of Professor Kim, it is unfortunate that the meaning of the medal is fading. When awarding medals is decided based on political stance or ideology, and fairness and transparency are damaged in the process, medals are no longer a personal honor but are reduced to a political tool.

Professor Kim Cheol-hong's medal rejection incident is like a mirror that reveals the problems our society faces. We should use this as an opportunity to reflect once again on the meaning of the medal and begin efforts to create a better society.