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[Opinion] Ex-Presidents

Posted March. 02, 2007 07:02,   

Former President Kim Dae-jung, who lost his third presidential race in 1992, was caught in a dilemma. Would he bench-mark the graceful exit of Charles De Gaulle, or follow in the footsteps of Jimmy Carter? After the war, de Gaulle was elected president of the French provisional government. However, he stepped down in 1946, only to return to power in 1958 after a 12-year hiatus. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Carter dedicated himself to international peace after he left office. Kim Dae-jung decided to pursue two hares by studying in Britain and establishing the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region in 1994.

When Kim left the presidential office in 2003, he stated that he would not be involved in politics, but rather, would focus on international peace missions. However, he stood in the vanguard of campaigning the “sunshine policy,” after North Korea conducted a nuclear test last year. Moreover, he is now stretching his influence on the integration of the ruling camp. Former President Kim told the lawmakers who walked out on the Uri Party on Wednesday, that they should form a united party or at least forge an alliance to support a single presidential candidate. There are even speculations that Kim will integrate politicians from the Honam region with progressive leftists.

Kim Hong-eop, Kim Dae-jung’s second old son, is also likely to run for the April 25 by-election in Muan-Shinan, South Jeolla Province. There is also rising criticism against his running in his father’s hometown. Capitalizing on his father`s stature, Kim Dae-jung seems to be willing to take his campaign all the way. In the past, Kim Hong-eop has been convicted on charges of influence-peddling. Former President Kim seems to believe that the disbandment of the ruling Uri Party will herald his glorious return to the political scene.

If we look back through our constitutional history, we can learn that the failures of former presidents were often caused by their obsession with their plans upon retirement. For instance, former Presidents Jeon Du-hwan and Roh Tae-woo created enormous slush funds either to regain power or to make political groundwork for their children. However, President Roh Moo-hyun has begun to show interest in his political involvement after retirement and the former President Kim, who retired four year ago, seems to be extending his influence over political affairs. Why is it so difficult to witness the peaceful retirement of former presidents?

Lee Dong-kwan, Editorial Writer, dklee@donga.com