France has long reigned as the world's premier tourism superpower. Yet, recent demonstrations have seen protestors commit acts of arson on historic architecture and even target the Louvre Museum. While one can understand the frustration driving people to protest for their demands, there is a line that must not be crossed. Neither education nor France's myriad social issues can be resolved through such destructive demonstrations.

The Louvre is located in France, but it does not belong solely to the French people. It is a cultural heritage of all humanity. For French citizens to attack the Louvre is an act of self-sabotage. It immediately strips their movement of any persuasive power. Why can't they realize that such self-defeating missteps will ultimately backfire and harm themselves?

World-renowned masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Coronation of Napoleon are housed within the Louvre. The museum boasts a history spanning over 800 years, and it has been open to the public as a museum for more than 250 years. In the case of the United Arab Emirates, securing the Louvre Abu Dhabi branch proved to be a massive success. One might wonder why South Korea hasn’t pursued bringing a "Louvre Korea" to its shores; much like Louvre Abu Dhabi, it could potentially recoup its investment costs in a single year.

I once stood before The Coronation of Napoleon at the Louvre, completely spellbound. Of all the countless works of art I have encountered in my life, it was the greatest masterpiece. I felt frozen in place. On the other hand, the Mona Lisa was smaller than expected and left little impression on me. Honestly, I still don't quite understand why it is so overwhelmingly famous.

France is not the only nation suffering from the turmoil of violent protests. Tear gas and water cannons are deployed globally. South Korea, too, went through an era plagued by tear gas in the past. Today, one of the things that surprises foreign tourists visiting South Korea is the peaceful nature of its street marches. Overseas travelers instinctively flee the moment they spot a protest out of fear that stray bullets could fly at any moment.

I often tell foreigners, "In South Korea, police cannot suddenly aim guns at protesters." Even so, having lived through experiences where their own countries' military or police opened fire during domestic unrest, they carry deep trauma. Because they are accustomed to indiscriminate violence, the mere sight of a crowd fills them with dread. Whenever they see a large gathering of people while traveling in Korea, they are startled and immediately urge each other to clear the area. Their fear of protests runs that deep.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]