In this article, Pak Noja analyzes the historical context of corruption in South Korea, highlighting past scandals that have shaped the country's political landscape. He notes that while many scandals, such as the saccharine smuggling incident of 1966, have faded from public memory, they often reflect deeper issues of corruption that continue to influence South Korean society today. Noja draws connections between these events and the current revelations from the Epstein files, suggesting they reveal similar patterns of elite collusion and disregard for justice.

The author argues that the Epstein files serve as a moment of truth for South Korea, illustrating how the nexus of state power and corporate interests continues to undermine public trust. He warns that the systemic issues illustrated by both historical and contemporary scandals reveal a concerning trend of erasure in public consciousness, thus preventing necessary accountability and change. The intertwining of state institutions with corporate power, as highlighted in both past and present cases, raises alarm over the lasting impacts on democracy and governance in South Korea.

Ultimately, Noja calls for a critical examination of these dynamics to foster a society that recognizes and addresses the implications of such collusion. He encourages South Koreans to remember their past scandals, not just as isolated incidents but as reminders of the ongoing struggle against corruption and the need for transparency to ensure a fair and just society. By reflecting on the lessons from the Epstein files, he advocates for renewed vigilance and action to confront these age-old problems that still resonate today.