1. The Dilemma of the “Chicken Ribs”
In the classic Asian epic The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the warlord Cao Cao uses the term “Chicken Ribs” (鷄肋, Gye-reuk) to describe a strategic deadlock. Chicken ribs are too bony to provide a satisfying meal, yet too flavorful to simply throw away. This perfectly reflects the dilemma the West currently faces regarding Ukraine.
Europe, burdened by its own defense needs and the pressure of a potential U.S. military withdrawal, lacks the resources and political capacity to fully support Ukraine indefinitely. Yet cutting off aid is equally frightening, as it could bring the Russian threat directly to Europe’s borders. For the West, Ukraine has become a modern-day “Chicken Ribs” — too costly to sustain, yet too important to abandon.
2. The Lesson of a Forgotten Truth
In history, Cao Cao eventually executed his advisor, Yang Xiu, for correctly intuiting his “Chicken Ribs” dilemma and preparing a retreat. Ironically, Cao Cao eventually retreated because it was the only rational choice. Today, many in the international community recognize that an “exit strategy” is the most pragmatic course of action, yet few dare to speak this truth due to political pride and the burden of prestige. Apart from the responsibility for the invasion itself, we must still consider realistic choices from the perspective of national survival.
3. Leadership: People’s Lives Above All Else
I ask the leadership in Ukraine: What is the true path for the people? In Korean history, King Sejong the Great created Hangeul (the Korean alphabet) despite fierce opposition from his ministers. He chose to empower the common people over the pride of the ruling elite.
Watching from afar in South Korea, it is painful to witness the loss of innocent lives in the crossfire of this war. True leadership must prioritize the lives of the citizens over political ideology or personal ego.
Ancient wisdom meets modern tragedy. I pray for the day Ukraine rises once again.
4. A Time for Strategic Patience: The Path to a Great Comeback
A temporary halt in fighting is not a defeat; it must be a time for “Washinsangdam” (臥薪嘗膽)—a period of enduring current hardships while quietly building strength for the future. A strategic pause can itself become a meaningful choice for preserving a nation’s future. Just as the ancient King Goujian of Yue endured years of humiliation to eventually emerge as the ultimate victor, Ukraine must preserve its national strength and bide its time.
As the history of South Korea—rising from the ashes of war to global prosperity—proves, new opportunities always follow great suffering. I sincerely pray that the senseless sacrifice of lives will stop, and that peace and a “Gwon-to-jung-rae” (a grand comeback) will soon grace the soil of Ukraine. A nation cannot survive on emotion alone; only by enduring can it one day rise again.