The mishandling of the highly-anticipated 25th World Scout Jamboree has not only dampened South Korea’s otherwise sterling reputation for hosting large-scale international events but has also brought to the fore deeper issues plaguing South Korean society. The fiasco points to a worrying blend of irresponsibility, corruption, risk aversion, and a startling lack of common sense.

Was this event an isolated incident or a symptom of systemic challenges? As South Korea navigates both internal and external security concerns, it is imperative to reflect on the lessons from this event and ensure that such blunders do not recur.