Will a Professor Armed with Theories Become Korea’s “Economic” Presidential Candidate?

Former Seoul National University President Chung Un-chan is at the center of political attention after receiving calls from the ruling camp to become its presidential candidate.

At the prospect of a scholar-turned president, Chung said on Thursday, “People often say professors are detached from reality. I think it’s the opposite. Professors ‘armed’ with theories can see the world in a broader perspective.”

Regarding Korea’s economic troubles, he added that he would rather vote for a candidate from the ivory tower than from the business world.

Chung gave a special lecture at Seoul Women’s University on Thursday and said professors and scholars can contribute to solving problems in society as long as they have a strong grasp of theories and principles. His remark was a response to the audience’s concern about the alienation between what is taught at school and what really happens in the nation’s economy.

Whether Chung will run for the presidency is still unclear, but he did emphasize his academic potential as an “economic” president at the lecture.

hyejin@donga.com