Sometimes an article in the general news section epitomizes the direction in which this society is heading. The latest case in point is a publicity stunt-turned-suicide involving the leader of an antifeminist group.
When Sung Jae-gi, 46, jumped into the Han River last Friday as part of a performance to raise 100 million won ($90,000) to help repay debts owed by his organization, he appeared confident of swimming to safety, according to memos he left behind and testimonies of people around him.
After a four-day search, however, the police found him dead saying he must have underestimated the flux and velocity of the turgid waters.
Most strikingly, there were at least four spectators ― two other members of “Man of Korea” and two KBS crew ― when Sung jumped off the Mapo Bridge, filming the scene and barely trying to stop him. This leaves one to wonder: Is 100 million won enough money to risk such a deadly escapade? What kind of people are those who looked on?
The organization’s members say they tried to stop him but in vain, and the state broadcaster stresses that it reported the attempt to the police not once but twice. These are lame excuses to avoid responsibility and ease guilt for failing to stop the cash-starved man by all means and until the last moment. In particular, KBS must ask itself whether it abandoned all ethics of journalism in order to capture a reality show-style scoop.
Police should investigate all those involved in this virtual aiding and abetting of suicide and punish them appropriately. But the police cannot be free from the blame for failing to have a life-saving squad ready under the bridge. Reports also say that a majority of “netizens” provoked Sung into the misadventure instead of trying to stop him or consoling him over his situation. Some wrote, “You are a fool if you can’t keep your words.” “I will gladly send some condolence money before your altar.”
Money worship, indifference to life, media sensationalism, poor disaster relief system and a lack of moral sense among individuals have combined to produce this tragedy.
Sung ― who has attempted to rectify reverse discrimination against men by, for instance, campaigning for the abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family tasked with expanding women’s rights ― must have realized the stupidity of this act, stating in his last Twitter post, “Sorry for this folly. I will be regretting it for the rest of my life.”
Now he can’t repent, even if he wants to, leaving that job to others in this society ― whether or not they agree with his cause.