Wrong for Y.S. to Pressure Party to Nominate His Son

There have been reports that former President Kim Young-sam has pressured the Grand National Party to nominate his son Hyun-Chul for the August 8 by-election in the district of Masan-Happo. Kim has reportedly discussed about nomination with Grand National Party Chairman Suh Chung-won and said, “You should take responsibility.”

We have been pointing out, in every occasion possible, that former President Kim’s attempt at influencing the current political arena does not go over well with the people. Former President should be more concerned about the future of the country and transcend the political bickering. It is a horrible sight to see former President Kim pressuring the Grand National Party to be responsible for the nomination of his son for the by-election.

It is also not advisable for the progress of party politics for former President to exercise influence on a party for nomination of his son as a candidate. There have recently been movements for bottom-up nomination to do away with the ills of closed room top-down nomination. It is now time to abandon backroom dealings or collusion to select candidates for election.

Kim Hyun-chul, in particular, has been arrested 5 years ago for his wrong doings when he was a son of then-President. Although his right to political participation has been restored, so that it is his free choice to run for a public office and there is no legal restrictions against it. But for his sake, it would be better for him to remain prudent, considering that sons of the current Presidents have been in the spotlight for their alleged involvement in corruption. If he runs for a public office to be judged by the people, it would do serious damage to the reputation of the party that nominates him, but it would also leave a bitter taste in the voters’ mouth.

It appears that the Grand National Party has reached a conclusion that it would not be possible to nominate Kim Hyun-chul for the by-election. If the party is shaken by former President Kim’s pressure despite the decision, it would only damage the reputation of the Grand National Party as the majority party in the National Assembly. The Grand National Party must remain dauntless in the situation.