[Editorial] Roh, Chung, Kim: An Ugly Trio of Politics

President Roh Moo-hyun once again made a provocative remark directed at presidential hopefuls. In response, Chung Dong-young and Kim Geun-tae stated that Roh must break away from politics, and Roh retorted that the two must leave the Uri Party. Although they might join hands yet again once the December presidential elections draws nearer, it seems quite certain at the moment that their partnership is tearing apart in an ugly way. It is hard to believe that they have been allies who pledged to accept responsibility for their past political mistakes and stick together against all odds.

“The public does not want us to defend the Uri Party to its death, but to integrate the pan-ruling camp,” Chung said on Thursday while announcing his decision to boycott the primary. Kim also said, “Since it has been decided to disband the party, it should be implemented according to the principles of democracy.” Although they point out the loopholes in Roh’s disagreement over a party split, they make such statements for the sake of their own immediate gains.

Chung and Kim, main figures in splitting the Democratic Party into two in November 2003 to create the Uri Party, enjoyed as much political power as possible in the incumbent administration; Chung has served as the party chairman twice, and Kim has served this position once; Chung served as the unification minister from July 2004 to December 2005, and Kim also served as the ministry of health and welfare. Whatever way you look at it, they are the “major shareholders” responsible for the incumbent administration. While trying to distance themselves from responsibility, they have been demanding the Uri Party break up after realizing that they can no longer achieve their political ambition under the title of the Uri Party. Although it is quite obvious that they are trying to run for the upcoming presidential elections by forming another party after breaking up the Uri Party, they claim that the disbandment of the party is necessary because it is what the public demands. This is an insult to the public.

President Roh also has problems. He argues that the Uri Party must run for the presidential elections under its own party name instead of a new one, based on the principles of party politics and accountability. Although his claim is not wrong, he must thoroughly reflect on himself before blaming Chung and Kim, saying, “They are the ones responsible for making the party what it is today, but they have been calculating their own interest while singing a song.” Roh must remember that what made the Uri Party “what it is today” is also largely his fault.

“They would not even be able to run a grocery store properly,” an official of Cheong Wa Dae said with regard to Chung and Kim. President Roh is cutting off his nose to spite his face since he has been the one closely working together with them as a team. They are biting each other to steer themselves away from political responsibility. It truly shows the backwardness of Korean political culture. Why else would it be hard to hear all the words that the trio has repeatedly said such as political reform and development?