Pulsating Heartbeat of the Korean People

In the aftermath of the kidnapping of then opposition figure Kim Dae Jung in the 1970s, a surprising editorial written by Sunwoo Hui appeared in Chosun Ilbo.

Surprising because it was reportedly written past midnight after the government censors had gone home, and that Hui's perogative as editor allowed him to change the editorial at the last minute.

Urging the authorities to proper explain the government's role in the kidnapping of Kim, the editorial ended with this passionate, yet lyrical call:

"At this crucial juncture, our deepest desire is for a high-minded and resolute decision from the highest levels of our nation's statesmen and officials. Today the mountains and rivers bequeathed to us by our ancestors are shaded by rich, green growth; staple grains ripen in the fields; a bird's song rises in the sky; a calf's bleat drifts leisurely over the meadows. Wagons wind across the hills and dales, and the villages are bursting with human activity. Soon the people will make cakes from the new rice to offer to their ancestors' spirits. These people - whence comes the chilling fear that dampens their spirits? These innocent and law-abiding people - why must their hearts be troubled? O God! Send down thy forgiveness and blessing upon us!"

But clearly, Hui's guerilla-like tactic could only be used once, and the government censors, not to mention the Korean CIA (KCIA) would ensure that such surprises do not occur again.