[Editorial] Roh’s Disrespect for Law Emboldens His Lieutenants

Despite Roh’s repeated assurances, his inner circle, it transpires, has been involved in various corruption scandals. His former aides and the incumbent National Tax Service head now face formal charges. But the real problem lies with Roh. He has always tried to cover up for his lieutenants by attacking the press. He once, for example, criticized the press for exaggerating a scandal involving one of his loyal men who was found guilty of foul play and is now behind the bars. Naturally, his lieutenants do not feel ashamed, or take responsibility, when they have his support.

National Tax Service Commissioner Jeon Goon-pyo allegedly received a 60 million won bribe from one of his subordinates, and now faces criminal charges. He is also suspected of trying to manipulate the evidence by taking advantage of his personal connections.

A key member of Roh’s inner circle, Jeong Yun-jae, now awaits trial for the abusive use of power. Jeong received a bribe from Kim Sang-jin, a builder in Busan, and silenced a tax investigation of Kim’s company. Jeong, however, did not show any remorse, and counter sued a number of newspaper companies for their coverage of his bribery case.

Another powerful figure in the Roh administration, Byun Yang-gyun, spent tax money on his mistress. When newspapers began to investigate, he threatened to sue the papers.

Inheriting their boss’s belligerent and bullying tactics, Roh’s men have not hesitated to try and intimidate the press.

They have not always succeeded.

Byun vehemently denied the charges, but in the face of mounting evidence and facts, he no longer denies his guilt. The DA’s office is looking into yet another bribe case involving Byun, in which he allegedly took an astronomical bribe from Ssangyong Cement Chairman Kim.

The behavior of Roh’s men was not confined to higher levels of government. Lower level government workers are following Roh’s lead as well. 199 government workers with criminal histories ranging from DUI, to gambling, to rape, to fraud were awarded promotions or bonuses over the past three years, according to a report. Unfortunately, even when faced with this type of situation, no one in the Roh administration is taking responsibility.

Addressing a crowd at Gimhae City Hall, Roh said, “I don’t think I have caused any significant problems to the public or to my country.” The whole government is rotten with corruption and still Roh argues his innocence.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan always picked fights with representatives at congressional hearings during his tenure. He used to threaten to attack newspapers critical of Roh’s policies. Furthermore, another former presidential aide, Lee Jeong-wu, lashed out at the “critical newspapers” in 2004, and promised, “Let’s see what happens to you in a couple of years.”

Even military regimes in the past listened to the problems raised by the press. Only Roh has threatened the press and opposition leaders, and only Roh has egged on government workers in the wrong direction. He has always encouraged them to “fight” against the press. Korean people do not need another president who will undermine the public servant society. The presidential candidates should come up with reform measures for the public sector.