Korea to Regain “Prestige” Under New Gov`t: Shigemura

“Korea has returned to the path of world history and will be able to regain its prestige.”

Toshimitsu Shigemura, 62, an expert of the Korean Peninsula and a professor of international relations at Waseda University in Japan, used “prestige” as the key word in describing Korea with the inauguration of Lee Myung-bak in February. Shigemura said that President Lee Myung-bak has gained an upper hand in inter-Korean relations with his recent remark: “It is now the North’s turn to visit the South.” He also commented on the Lee administration’s promise to turn “Korea into a country that meets international standards,” saying that it was a declaration of Korea’s prestige. In an interview with the Dong-A Ilbo on Tuesday, Shigemura shared his book, which happened to be published that day. The book’s title is “Korea’s Prestige,” and it is about Korea’s future prospects under the new administration.

Q: What do you mean by saying that Korea has returned to the path of world history?

A: In world history, socialism ended as a failure in the 1990s. Korea was 10 to 15 years behind this trend because it had to endure military governments. However, Korea has offset its setback through the recent presidential election and joined the 21st century trend. I expect the new government to end its ‘fantasy about North Korea’ and participate in the international community with an open mind by freeing itself from mudslinging politics.”

Q: Why did you put “prestige” in the title of your book?

A: It is because I believe that Korea will now literally be able to regain its prestige with the help of a clear shift in its paradigm. Both the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations unconditionally provided support to North Korea. It would be no exaggeration that they were kissing up to the North. Their indifference towards North Korean human rights issues showed that they exploited inter-Korean relations for political gain. Thus, it would be difficult to say that they had prestige. It is common sense that the freedom of the press is what protects democracy in the 21st century. However, the two past governments oppressed the press and attempted to restrict the freedom of news reporting, lowering the nation’s prestige.

Q: How do you foresee Korea’s future as an expert on Korean issues?

A: Corruption was the biggest problem that the ruling parties faced during authoritarian regimes. Some old guard politicians may feel tempted to be involved in corruption again. They must be able to resist the temptation without hesitation. Another problem is that the ruling party lacks professional politicians due to 10 years of being in the minority. President Lee should quickly become a professional politician. However, he seems to dislike politics.

Q: What do you mean, he “dislikes” politics?

A: I was saying that President Lee pursues pragmatism, rather than a cause or a power struggle. Politics is important even for a president who is an expert in the economy. There is a big gap between economics and politics. If you work hard for the economy, your efforts will be paid off and you will be able to enjoy soaring public support. But, politics is different. There is no guarantee that your efforts will be rewarded and the public like your decision no matter how much effort you have made. I cannot help but doubt that Lee is not aware of this principle, if I look at the disputes over the appointments of his cabinet members and the selection of candidates to run in the latest general elections. If he gives priority to politics, he should appoint people on the condition that he can convince and receive approval from the public.

Q: President Lee will visit Japan on April 20. Do you believe bilateral relations between Korea and Japan will improve?

A: Bilateral relations will improve dramatically. Japanese politicians could not properly communicate with Korea’s past two administrations. It was because they dealt with only Japanese left-wing groups under the name of exchanges between Korea and Japan. But things have changed. For instance, President Lee has been mentioning South Korean nationals abducted by North Korea, which is a matter of grave concern among the Japanese people.

Q: Every new administration mentioned a future-oriented partnership with Japan. However, they would eventually go back to square one once disputes over the sovereignty of the Dokdo Islets, Japanese text books and distortions of history become an issue. What is your view on that?

A: No body believes that all these issues between Korea and Japan will disappear. But there has been a great change. Now the two countries will be able to have dialogue even if there are lingering issues. I suggest that the two neighboring countries teach each other’s modern history as part of school curriculum in order to improve bilateral ties in the long run. Japanese people did not even learn about Korean history post-1900s, such as Japanese colonial rule, in our schools. As far as I know, Koreans also learn almost nothing about Japanese history after 1945.

Q: Are there still many Japanese opposed to the unification of the two Koreas?

Japanese people should appreciate the fact that the Korean Peninsula protected Japan from China’s threats because of its geographical position throughout history. Korea has never invaded Japan. I have no doubt that Korea will be united, though I cannot predict the exact time. Korea’s unification will be the last and a great chance for Japan to strengthen bilateral ties with Korea. For example, Korea will experience financial difficulties in the first 10 years after unification. If Japan can be of assistance during that period, the bilateral cooperation between Japan and Korea will be worth recording in history.

sya@donga.com