Kwon’s Departure from MDP

It was reported that Kwon Noh-kap, a former senior member of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to break his tie with the MDP. He is now behind bars for his involvement in the Jin Seung-Hyun scandal.

One of his aides who visited Kwon at the detention center on July 16, 2002 said, “Kwon no longer feels the need to remain in the MDP once President Kim has left. As soon as the legal matters are resolved, he will take steps to leave the MDP.”

Kwon is waiting for sentencing on July 25th. If he should get released on bond or acquitted, he will probably announce his departure and retirement.”

Representative Lee Hoon-pyong also confirmed, “Mr. Kwon originally intended to leave the party following President Kim’s suit. But due to the lockup, he lost the opportunity. Kwon has long thought that he should retire with President Kim with Chairman Han continuing his career in the party.”

Kwon has been two pillars sustaining the Donggyodong fraction in the party. If Kwon leaves, it is highly possible that the fraction, which has already ceased operating, will politically fall into the abyss.

Some politicians and political analysts consider Kwon’s leaving a signal foretelling the fraction’s collective action that is intended to hinder any efforts for re-grouping of politicians. Old members of the fraction dismissed the possibility.

They also said, “Kwon could depart from the party and, at the same time, retire. But the rest of the fraction will continue their political life and keep DJ’s political legacy.”

On the other hand, Roh’s camp expects Kwon’s departure to ease the burden on Roh in distancing himself from DJ. Rep. Chun Jong-bae, political aide to Roh, expressed, “We just have to accept Kwon’s loyalty to President Kim. He just wants to be with Kim. No political meaning in it.”

Yong-Gwan Jung yongari@donga.com