Former Seoul Mayor Chooses Slogan for 2007

"When the corrupt world goes on and people’s misery escalates, heaven gives rain to the earth after watching people’s willingness."

This is the meaning of ‘Han Cheon Jak U,’ the idiom phrase of 2007 former Seoul City major Lee Myung-bak had chosen.

The former mayor Lee opened up an informal gathering for press in his personal office located in Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul on Christmas Day and introduced this idiom phrase, saying, “I wish there would be hope in the next year.”

‘Han Cheon Jak U,’ which appears in ‘Yang Hye Wang Jang Gu Sang,’ the book of Mencius, means that, “If drought is too severe and therefore leaves become dry, heaven naturally makes clouds and gives rain to the earth. By this, the leaves can grow forcefully, and nobody can suppress this.” The former mayor Lee also added that this phrase has another meaning that heaven punishes tyranny of rulers hard.

Lee also said that ‘Mil Un Bul U (meaning that there are thick layers of clouds but never rain),’ chosen as this year’s idiom phrase by professors, expresses the current situation well. He added, “I would like to give a message that there will be hope next year.”

In regard to this, there is analysis he has revealed his willingness to achieve the victory of the presidential election of 2007, ending the confusion of the Roh Moo-hyun government.

For the issue of shortening the period of service time in the army, he said, “In the midst of escalated tension because of North Korea’s nuclear weapons, the nation must be concerned of the political nature of this issue.” He added, “Prudent and careful review should be made according to the feasibility of this issue.”

mhpark@donga.com