Former PM Considering Presidential Run?

Former Prime Minister Goh Kun said on December 18, "I have a strong passion for the nation and am pondering what would be my role in the future," implying he was considering whether to run for the next presidency.

In an interview with Dong-A Ilbo at his office that day, Goh asserted, "We now need a creative leadership, as it is impossible to resolve the current challenges that Korea faces with a leadership deluded by ideology."

It was the first time that Goh had ever had an official interview with the press since he resigned as prime minister in May of last year.

"It is a waste of national strength to hold elections every year just because lawmakers and the president have different terms. The terms of both the president and assemblymen end in 2008, so the terms should be adjusted then," said Goh, emphasizing that a Constitutional amendment needs to be made before the year 2008.

Nevertheless, he added, "Changing the Constitutional clause related to territory might divide the public opinion and aggravate the ideological confrontation."

Goh indirectly criticized the government policy toward North Korea`s human rights issues when he said, "The government should pay attention to the human rights conditions in the North and say what it has to say regarding the issues." With regard to his political activities, he announced, "So far, no political parties have ever directly asked me to join them."

Yong-Gwan Jung yongari@donga.com