Chang Ineligible for Prime Minister

More than 70% of the “100 civilian jury” opined Acting Prime Minister Chang Dae-hwan is not eligible for the job. The jury consisting of experts and ordinary citizens was set up under the sponsorship of Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) to evaluate the performance ability of Chang.

The CCEJ disclosed on August 27, 2002, “The jurors have monitored the congressional approval hearing through TV and papers. On August 27, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., they have submitted their opinions via telephone, e-mail and fax. Total of 83 people expressed their evaluations. 60 of them (72.3%) said that they thought Chang is not eligible as prime minister.”

The jury gave low marks to Chang’s morality. Further, they doubted of his ability to perform the duty of a prime minister.

Regarding his ethics matter, 70 jurors (84.3%) said “Chang is not moral,” while only 5 of them gave positive marks. With regard to his performance ability, negative responses also commanded the majority (37 people), 9 votes more than the 24 positive respondents who said he is capable of duties of the premier. And 9 people did not verify their positions on this issue.

Based on these results, the CCEJ officially announced their opposition to the approval of Chang in the Congress.

In addition, many civil rights organizations such as Korean Women’s Accociations’ Union (KWAU) and Democratic Labor Party also issued statements and opposed Congress’ approval of Chang.

These organizations pointed out that Chang is not free from numerous wrongful practices and bribery suspicions. They also cited Chang’s violation of the law.

buddy@donga.com