“After much time has passed, when we think of democracy, perhaps we will think of Seoul.”
On the 18th, President Lee Jae-myung met with Michael Sandel, a Harvard University professor famous for his book “What is Justice?”, at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. [Yonhap]
[Herald Economy = Seo Young-sang Reporter] President Lee Jae-myung met with Harvard University professor and author of “What is Justice?” Michael Sandel on the 18th, and said, “It would be great if a peace regime in Korea could be established so that all citizens can receive a ‘peace dividend.'”
On this day, President Lee invited Professor Sandel to the presidential office in Yongsan and expressed deep sympathy for Michael Sandel’s concept of a peace dividend. The peace dividend refers to economic benefits derived from reducing defense spending by eliminating war or military tensions, and investing those resources into welfare or growth.
Before his time as a 20th presidential candidate, President Lee conducted a virtual talk on December 21, 2021, titled “In the Age of Great Transition, How Will Korea Soar on the Wings of Justice?” which connected him with Professor Sandel.
President Lee said, “Even four years ago during our virtual conversation, I learned a lot, and the recently mentioned concept of ‘peace dividend’ also deeply resonates with the people.”
He continued, saying, “You have long been the most beloved scholar among the Korean people,” emphasizing Professor Sandel’s influence, especially through his work “What is Justice?”
Furthermore, President Lee said, “It is important to show that justice and peace are not abstract values but realistic benefits,” adding, “We take pride in Korea being a model of democracy and a community of solidarity.”
In response, Professor Sandel said, “You mentioned the peace dividend, and it can be expanded to an economic and democratic dividend,” adding, “If peace is established on the Korean Peninsula, it could help solve polarization not only in Korea but in neighboring countries, and have a positive impact on democracy.”
President Lee concluded by saying, “There’s great significance in influential figures emphasizing that peace and justice are realistic benefits,” and added with hope, “We associate democracy with Athens in textbooks, but perhaps after much time has passed, people will think of Seoul, Korea.”