Roh Remarks Polarize Korean Politics

As President Roh frequently expresses his opinions on issues regarding foreign and security affairs using provocative languages, some question whether he has ulterior motives for political purposes.

On July 25 when he had a cabinet meeting, he told the cabinet appropriate answer samples they can use when they are pressed on foreign affairs and security issues by lawmakers at the National Assembly. These are sentences President Roh suggested: Are you suggesting we strangle North Korea? Do you think U.S. has done nothing wrong?

When he was pressed on the issue of wartime military control of its forces at the news conference with Yonhap News agency on August 9, he said, “I don’t think the Korean public wants its president always say “Yes” to the U.S.” He added, “Some newspapers seem to live in the past when they counted on articles on security to boost circulation.”

Experts pointed out that a head of state should not publicly say something like, “Has your country done nothing wrong?” because you work with counterpart in diplomacy.

Conservatives think such a remark damages nation’s interests. Because of that, the president’s remarks sparked controversy.

However, everyone is not opposed to his opinion. President’s supporters and progressive groups echo his view saying, “His remarks meant we should keep our national pride. He is right.”

At least Uri party seems to share his view.

Uri party chairman Kim Geun-tae, who has been awkward with the government, never took issue with Roh’s recent comments. After the sweeping defeat of his party in the May 31 local elections and July 26 by-elections, Kim Geun-tae has pushed ahead with pro-business policies, which are in opposite direction to the government’s policies including real estate regulation.

At the meeting on August 10, moderate Uri party members also defended Roh’s comments and severely criticized the press saying, “Recent media and press reports reminded us of the past reports regarding Geumgang Dam.” Gone are the days when they criticized Roh and even went on to say, “If President tries to quit the party, we will not stop him.”

Analysts say that the Uri Party and supporters of President Roh cannot but agree with Roh because issues regarding North Korea and security are the ones about which they can differentiate themselves from the Grand National party, a major political opponent.

In this regard, experts said he might try to take advantage of security issues to rally the progressive and anti-GNP fronts in his latter half of presidency.

That can lead to an analysis that he himself counts on foreign affairs and security issues as the past authoritarian governments did to muster supports from the conservatives. Some even call it as neo-political tactics in the guise of security.

Chung-Ang University Graduate School of International Studies professor Kim Tae-hyun said, “Turning difficulties into opportunities through foreign affairs and security issues is a known political thesis be it an authoritarian regime or a democratic government.” In this regard, some experts believe that the issue of handover of wartime military control of forces is not a policy issue but a political issue.

A conservative military expert said, “Transfer of wartime operational command sends a strong anti-American message. That more or less triggered another campaign against the United States.”

In contrast, a progressive professor said, “The problem is that some people frantically find fault with President’s remarks. The negotiations of transfer of wartime military command are already underway. We need to focus on how we can bring about favorable terms in the process of negotiations. Roh is not plotting anything. Even if he is, it will not really work in the run up to the presidential election next year.”

yongari@donga.com tesomiom@donga.com