Choe Jae-chun, a renowned professor of behavioral ecology at Ewha Womans University's College of Natural Sciences, has chosen “conscience” as his top keyword for 2025.
The 71-year-old, who earned a doctorate in evolutionary biology from Harvard University and is now also a YouTuber, said that justice in human society ultimately stems from conscience, emphasizing the importance of humanity’s moral sense.
“It would be great if we could create a social atmosphere where we talk about conscience. And I wanted to at least prevent the word from disappearing,” said Choe during a recent press conference for his latest book, “Conscience.”
"When I was younger, people frequently talked about conscience in everyday conversations,” Choe continued. "It seems that living unscrupulously is not strongly condemned in our society, and those who live unscrupulously seem to live better lives. I found that very uncomfortable to see."
Commenting on the recent political turmoil brought on by President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that lasted a few hours, he said, "I hope politicians will take the time to reflect after reading this book."
"I didn’t publish 'Conscience' because I foresaw this situation -- it just happened to align with the times," said Choe, adding that he has been reflecting on this topic since delivering the commencement speech at his alma mater, Seoul National University, in 2023.
"Lately, I’ve noticed the word 'conscience' being thrown around a lot by politicians, which I found interesting. Some have used it in a way that aligns with the standard of conscience I had in mind, while others -- who have no right to invoke the word -- have also used it."
He went on to say, "Conscience is a difficult thing. It operates on a deeply personal level-- only the individual can govern it. And even if one betrays one's own conscience, the person can still go on living."
“Conscience” is Choi's first book created in collaboration with Team Choe Amazon, which produces his YouTube channel, “Choe Jae-chun's Amazon.”
Since launching his YouTube channel in 2020, as well as through frequent interviews and conferences, Choe has been an outspoken critic of societal issues, including gender conflicts and the declining birth rate.
Among the 300 episodes, this essay collection brings together seven stories focused on ethical dilemmas -- an unfiltered, extended version of discussions that could not be fully explored on air.
Topics include the abolition of the hoju system -- a family registry system formerly used in Korea, which was abolished in 2008 -- along with the meaning and limitations of cloning animals and pets, the process of releasing the illegally captured dolphin Jedol into the sea, and the undervaluing of science and technology, as seen in latest budget cuts to research and development.
The book illustrates that conscience is not simply a moral standard, but a matter of survival, coexistence and justice.
In the book, Choe draws a line between justice and fairness. He explains that justice cannot be measured by the standards of the privileged. Those with wealth, power and charm should not talk about the term so easily.
Choe, who believes that justice can only be approached when conscience and fairness are combined, pointed out the situation in Korea where only fairness is emphasized.
In Choe's metaphor of chairs, perhaps in a concert hall, the rich give chairs of the same height to people who are tall and short without much thought and say it's “fair.” But Choe says that might be fair but not is not justice.
"If you look closely, it is fair at best," he said. "We should give out higher chairs to children who are shorter. And conscience elevates fairness to justice."
"You cannot give to some and not give equally to others, so it is not enough to say that you have done your part. Those who have received a lot need to make active concessions so that those who have not received (as much) can also enjoy it."
He adapted a passage from Han Kang's novel “Human Acts” and likened conscience to a small candle.
“If there is something pure inside me, that is a lit candle. The small light burning in one’s heart that does not go out no matter how much one blows on it -- that is conscience."
hwangdh@heraldcorp.com
