Criticism on Violent Protesters

Kim Byeong-ju (picture), a professor emeritus of Sogang University, stressed Tuesday, “Amid a series of difficulties, the government should understand that the protesters do not represent the opinion of all Koreans and make an all-out effort to revive the economy.”

Kim made the remark at an economic discussion session entitled “Where Should the Government’s Economic Policy Go,” hosted by the Sogang Research Institute for Market Economy and the Opinion Leaders’ Club at the Korea Press Center.

“It is unclear whether the government’s pragmatism is opportunism, a principle that does not have any principle, or a new sort of populism. Most Koreans are watching the next move of the government while trying to calm down themselves. They want to know how the government will win public support and restore the economy.”

Regarding some leftists spearheading violent protests, Kim said, “The way leading to mutual prosperity will only appear when protesters understand that the ‘quiet majority,’ who have yet to express their opinion aggressively, might not tolerate the situation any longer if recent disputes continue.”

In his paper distributed at the discussion session, he wrote, “If the Six Law Codes are destroyed, all the people will lose.” But, he did not mention the sentence during his speech.

Kim added, “In order to revive economic activities, the government should establish law and order, give confidence to the people and firms, and generate a positive economic forecast.”

At the forum chaired by Jin Nyeom, former finance minister, the Grand National Party’s chief policy-maker Lim Tae-hee said, “A system should be put in place in which leaders of demonstrations should be responsible for the grave damage done to nearby stores. We’re considering introducing ‘the system of citizens’ class action in which citizens can file a lawsuit if illegal or unfair damage is done due to group behavior.”

Lim added, “In Korea, groups are given infinite freedom. However, most illegal group activities have not been called to account. Lawmakers have discussed whether to introduce such a bill or not. But, some people are for the bill while others are against it.”

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