[Focus] Korea Red Cross chairman Jang resigns

The Korea Red Cross incident has been bandaged up with the resignation of chairman Jang Choong-Shik on Saturday, but the after-effects will not easily subside.

Because this incident is the first time a high-level South Korean official was removed from office through the request of North Korea, many issues remain unresolved such as the government¡¯s handling of the incident, role of the Korea Red Cross and the healing of the internal discord.

Above all, the request by North Korea for the dismissal of former chairman Jang infringes on the principle of non-intervention on internal affairs agreed upon by both Koreas. Hence, this incident is viewed upon as North Korea meddling into South Korean official appointments.

On Nov. 3, the North Korea Red Cross threatened through a statement that the reunions of separated families would be reconsidered as long as chairman Jang remains in office. The North Korean Red Cross Central Committee head Jang Jae-Eon made a venomous remark: ¡°Chairman Jang should die for his crimes and be born again righteously.¡±

Nonetheless, the government had made a folly in handling the matter inappropriately and magnifying the problem. The government attempted to resolve the matter through back-door transaction by sending a letter under the name of chairman Jang to the North explaining his regret.

In the end, the government, which had been apathetic since Nov. 3, lodged a protest to North Korea at the fourth ministerial level meeting held in mid-December only after the internal discord within the Korea Red Cross deteriorated and public sentiments worsened.

In the process, chairman Jang dismissed administrative chief Park Ki Ryoon, who had recommended the visit to Japan, and debate on this matter is being pushed forth, making the internal situation at Korea Red Cross dire.

There are voices saying that this opportunity should be taken in reestablishing the exact role of the Korea Red Cross and to learn lessons.

Korea Red Cross, which is in the business of humanitarian activities, has been participating in North Korea related projects on the request by the government. If the parachute-like appointments of officials close to the present administration for the Red Cross chairman position continues to be made, there is no guarantee that similar incidents will transpire.

In order for the Korea Red Cross to be effective, it should remove itself from North Korea-related activities being pushed forth by the National Information Service and the Ministry of Unification and recover its independent identity. The government should also assist in allowing the Korea Red Cross to be more faithful toward its humanitarian activities.