Many Nobel laureates also had failures

Of the various Nobel Peace Prize laureates who were leaders of their countries, a majority have been considered by later analysis to have failed in their terms of office.

According to the ruling Millennium Democratic Party Rep. Jang Sung-Min, while the former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa succeeded in being elected president through his fight for human rights, during his term in office, he avoided the inter-black conflicts and failed overall during his administration. In the case of former President of Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, although he did succeed in his effort for the end to the Cold War, he lacked public leadership and support, which caused his downfall.

"As much as the president had succeeded personally, if he would gain greater support of the people for his administrative policies, he would be able to succeed in both fronts," Rep. Jang said.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com