The Cruel History of Falling from the Horse

An expression referring both to accidents of falling from a horse and, in politics, to the phenomenon in which a leading contender drops out of a race due to an unexpected variable.

The Cruel History of Falling from the Horse

Overview

Nakma Janhoksa (낙마 잔혹사; 落馬殘酷史) literally means the history of tragic events caused by accidents of falling from a horse (nakma), but in contemporary Korean society it is mainly used as a neologism referring to a series of cases in politics and elections in which a leading contender withdraws from or collapses in the competitive landscape due to an unexpected variable. As figures who appeared likely to determine the outcome were repeatedly pushed outside the rankings, 'as if falling from a horse,' due to unforeseen scandals, health problems, judicial risks, and the like, this pattern came to be grouped together and called a 'cruel history.'

Main Content

Etymology and Meaning

'Nakma (落馬)' is originally a Sino-Korean word denoting the accident of falling while riding a horse. Originating in horse racing and equestrianism, the expression expanded into a metaphor for a situation in which a contender who had been ahead in a contest or competition is eliminated midway. When combined with 'janhoksa (殘酷史; cruel history),' it acquired a nuance emphasizing not mere elimination but a narrative of repeated and harsh downfall. In other words, nakma janhoksa is a term that critically illuminates a structurally repeated pattern of political withdrawal rather than an individual's misfortune.

Falling from the Horse in Politics

There have been multiple cases in elections and nomination processes in which a leading candidate collapsed due to a sudden negative development. A representative pattern is that during candidate vetting, suspicions about past remarks, assets, military service, or education surfaced, or a close associate's acceptance of money or illegal acts was revealed, causing support to plummet and ultimately leading to resignation or surrender of the candidacy. In addition, ahead of major elections such as presidential and general elections, health problems or impromptu remarks became controversies, and the expression 'nakma' has repeatedly appeared in the media and online communities. As this phenomenon accumulated, a learned wariness took hold among voters: 'Once someone rises, verification is certain to come.'

Actual Falling-from-Horse Accidents in History and Culture

Because horses were long a core means of transportation and warfare, falling from a horse could reverse the outcome of a battle or determine the life or death of a leader. In the military operations of horse-riding peoples, royal hunts, and aristocratic equestrian culture, injuries or deaths from falling from a horse were serious matters that could create a power vacuum. Even in modern and contemporary times, accidents during equestrian, horse racing, and mounted competitions remain a fatal risk to athletes and related personnel, and the wearing of safety equipment and strengthening of regulations have been consistently demanded.

Why Is It Called a 'Cruel History'?

Behind the spread of the expression nakma janhoksa lies the trend toward personalization in politics. In a structure where a person's image and approval ratings determine elections more than parties and policies, a single remark by one person can create a huge ripple and easily lead to a rapid fall. The criticism targets the fact that both extremes appear: the 'nakma' frame circulates before the truth is sufficiently verified, or, conversely, clear problems are downplayed and concealed.

Recent Trends

In 2024–2025, the keyword nakma janhoksa has been repeatedly invoked mainly in major election phases, nomination conflicts, and reports on the judicial risks of prominent politicians. As social media and online communities became the main arena for opinion formation, candidate vetting increasingly proceeded like a 'real-time nakma race.' At the same time, discussions on fact-checking journalism and regulation of disinformation have expanded, and warnings are growing that unfounded nakma frames may instead distort voters' judgment. In sports and equestrian fields, there is a continuing trend of discussing stronger helmet and protective gear regulations and improvements to insurance systems for athlete safety and accident prevention.