[Opinion] The “Two Kaps”

The two united their power. The only goal was the success of the “revered teacher.” The older of the two brothers pulled as the other pushed. They never let go of the rope of hope despite all the sufferings which paid off. The consistent struggle finally bore fruit on their fourth try. The “revered teacher” was elected president, and they poured out their long held tears. They came to power. People and money came rolling in. All sorts of temptation whirled around them. A disparity formed between the two who were one. So there really are no family ties that can withstand the “power”?

Former advisor of New Millennium Democratic Party Kwon Rho-kap and Congressman Han Hwa-kap. They were the core aides of former President Kim; people called them “two Kaps.” The former advisor always told people around him to engrave his name on his tombstone as the “Chief Secretary of the Revered Kim Dae-jung.” Congressman Han was dubbed the “Little DJ” as his political practices resembled that of the former president, and with such support, he became the star player in the Honam District. However, as the pendulum of power fell, their authority sloped down hill as well.

By some ill coincidence, agony reappeared in both of their lives on the same day, the fateful day of January 29. Former advisor Kwon was sentenced to five years in prison and an additional fine of 20 billion won, the maximum penalty allowed, at the first public hearing for the charges of receiving 20 billion from Hyundai Group. A request for an arrest warrant was filed against Congressman Han for receiving an amount of a billion won at the time of the preliminary election for presidential candidacy and the representative of the Millennium Democratic Party. Kwon expressed his anger saying, “This cannot be. The heavens will know.” Han reportedly said that he is “sorry for having to end his career and his way of life in such a manner.”

They seem to have a lot more to say. Congressman Han’s complaint on how the investigation was focused on those who lost the election should not go unnoticed either. However, the situation would not have ended up like so only if they adhered to their original intention they set back at Donggyo Dong – “fulfilling their duties by having DJ elected.” Would they have ever guessed of ending up on the street when they had the power to make even the heavens tremble? People with power seem to believe that their wealth and prosperity will last for their lifetime. However, it is the universal truth and the lessons of history that it is not so. There is even a saying that happiness is fleeting. Suffering always outlasts good fortunes. The “two Kaps” had to learn about the vanity of power the hard way.

Editorial Writer Song Young-uhn youngeon@donga.com