Kim Ki-chang, a professor at Korea University School of Law, discusses the significance of understanding the Analects of Confucius, particularly the phrase 'the wise flee from a chaotic world,' in the context of civic resistance during unjust circumstances. He challenges the conventional interpretation that considers only the wise as those who avoid chaos, suggesting that citizens rushing to the National Assembly immediately after the declaration of martial law should not be seen as lacking wisdom. With Yoon Suk-yeol's impending court ruling for charges related to rebellion, Kim emphasizes that the essence of the Analects lies in its call for dynamic ethical engagement rather than passive acceptance of authority.

Kim recently published a book titled 'The Return of the Forbidden Book, Analects,' where he argues for a reinterpretation of the text from a legal perspective, focusing on resistance rather than compliance to authoritarian regimes. He highlights his background in teaching Eastern legal and philosophical traditions for nearly 30 years while also being actively involved in societal and political issues, framing this work as part of a broader discourse on ethics within law. He insists that understanding the Analects not merely as a collection of formal rules but as a guide to living an ethical life opens new dimensions to legal theory and practice.

Further, Kim critiques the common misinterpretation of 'rites' in the Analects, suggesting it has often been reduced to mere social formality. By reframing rites as essential components of an ethical life rather than mere formalities, he urges readers and legal scholars alike to appreciate the deeper moral conversations the Analects promotes, particularly in challenging times. Kim’s presence in the discourse surrounding Yoon’s trial serves to connect historical ethical teachings to contemporary legal challenges, emphasizing that a law devoid of ethics is merely a weapon, as he stated, providing a timely call for moral engagement in legal practice.