📰 [Reading the Political Frame]Rep. Lee Jun-seok, Is He Democracy Itself?Is the Politics of "That's Just a Conspiracy Theory" Truly Safe?
📍 Mention Election Fraud, and You're a Conspiracy Theorist?
Lee Jun-seok, lawmaker of the Reform Party and former chairman of the People Power Party, recently denounced “election fraud” claims as
“a malignant tumor eating away at the conservative bloc.”
He publicly challenged Hwang Kyo-ahn and history lecturer Jeon Han-gil—figures who have promoted fraud theories—to an unlimited public debate.
His position is clear:
“Baseless allegations are conspiracy theories.
The moment conservatism is overtaken by conspiracies, politics will collapse.”
⚠️ But Wait—Is “Conspiracy Theory” a Free Pass?
This is where the real issue begins.
The phrase “conspiracy theory” may help filter out unproven claims,
but it can also function as a tool to silence uncomfortable questions before they’re even examined.
This is known as the “conspiracy frame” strategy.
When someone raises a concern,
they are immediately met with:
“That’s just a conspiracy theory.”
And without any investigation, the very act of questioning is discredited.
This may be the fastest way to avoid criticism, but it also undermines the entire framework of democratic accountability.
🧠 The Psychology of Avoiding Investigation: What Are They Afraid Of?
From a social-psychological perspective, framing something as a conspiracy is a classic defense mechanism.
Why do some people dismiss even legitimate suspicions as irrational?
Here are the likely underlying fears:
- Fear: Investigation might reveal inconvenient truths
- Power protection: They fear losing influence or benefits
- Avoiding responsibility: Investigations could result in consequences
- Controlling public opinion: By labeling it as a conspiracy, people stop asking
In truth, saying “That’s a conspiracy theory” may simply be
a polite way of saying, “I don’t want to be investigated.”
🧩 When Politics Chooses Arguments Over Answers
Today’s politics increasingly relies on “argument as escape” instead of fact-finding.
We often hear:
- “That’s nonsense.”
- “Just let it go.”
- “Stop stirring up controversy.”
These are not solutions. They are stalling tactics—a political theater that buries real problems under layers of noise.
The result?
Public exhaustion, and a widespread sentiment that
“Politics is just performance.”
✅ Summary Table
| Raising a concern | “There’s something suspicious.” |
| Response | “That’s a conspiracy theory.” |
| Hidden motive | Avoid scrutiny, kill doubt, protect power |
| Psychological drive | Fear, denial, opinion control |
🧭 Final Thought:
It’s not about whether it’s a conspiracy or not—
It’s about whether you’re willing to investigate.
Lee Jun-seok is right to criticize baseless rumors.
But on the flip side, using “conspiracy theory” as a shield to avoid inquiry is just as dangerous.
The real question we, as citizens, should ask is:
“You said the claim is wrong—
but do you actually want it to be investigated?”
📌 Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available statements and news reports.
It does not intend to defame or distort any individual.