[Editorial]Government`s Wise Solution to Hanchongnyoen Issue

It is an irresponsible and easy-going attitude for the government to mention issues including the legalization of Hanchongnyoen, the removal of its members from the prosecution`s wanted list, and the organization`s self-reform as a solution to the illegal demonstration by the outlawed student activists` group. The government should immediately come up with measures preventing a similar incident from reoccurring in the future. The student group has only proven through their latest actions that the government`s attempt to induce positive change in the organization by showing it leniency has ended in failure.

Although the group claimed that the demonstration was a nonviolent rally aimed at opposing military exercises in South Korea by a U.S. rapid mobile combat-ready unit, the incident demonstrates that its violent behavior hasn`t changed. In the wake of its recent violent demonstrations, including a rally blocking the president from participating in the May 18 Memorial Ceremony, a majority of Koreans are raising concerns over the government`s move to legalize the outlawed students organization. It is premature for the government to mention its legalization at a time when the organization hasn`t shown any sincere efforts to change its attitude.

Yesterday, Moon Jae-in, presidential secretary for civil affairs, said, “Legalization of Hanchongnyoen is urgently needed and the government will push ahead with its plan to remove members of the group from the wanted list on the premise of its self-reform.” His remarks give the impression that the government is being too generous towards the enemy-benefiting organization. The government`s leniency is not a reasonable solution and runs counter to public expectation that the government should come up with a fundamental solution to the Hanchongnyoen issue at a time when even the ruling party is demanding the government reconsider the organization`s legalization.

The viable solution to the issue lies in laws and principles. We cannot wait forever until the student activist group voluntarily changes its course. As long as Hanchongnyoen will not give up its official hard line, there is no guarantee that a similar incident will not occur again.

It is difficult to understand why the government continually shows a generous attitude towards the organization. Even reform-minded 386-generation lawmakers pointed out that the way in which Hanchongnyoen staged its rally at a U.S. firing range was wrong. It is even questionable whether the outlawed student organization is popular among Korean university students. It is time for the government to apply laws and principles equally when it comes to the Hanchongnyoen issue.