Pres. Lee Hosts Luncheon for Religious Leaders

President Lee Myung-bak yesterday held a luncheon for religious leaders at the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, discussing pro-Japanese traitors, inter-Korean relations, high oil prices and reform of state-run companies.

Attending were Jigwan (Jogye Buddhist Order); Eom Shin-hyeong (Protestantism); Archbishop Kim Hee-jung (Catholicism); Choi Geun-deok (Confucianism); Lee Seong-taek (Won Buddhism), Kim Dong-hwan (Chondogyo); and Han Yang-won (The Council of National Religions).

▽ Pro-Japanese Collaboration

President Lee said, “We have to address the pro-Japanese collaboration issue in a balanced way for national harmony. We have even forgiven the Japanese for the brutal past.”

During Lee’s term as Seoul mayor, the descendants of Seo Jeong-ju, a poet who is alleged to have helped the Japanese during their colonial occupation of Korea, tried to sell their inherited land amid the boiling controversy over Seo’s past. As mayor, Lee bought the place and restored it.

Presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan quoted the chief executive as saying, “One way or the other, we cannot deny Seo’s contribution to Korean literature. He’s one of the greatest poets in Korean history. We should not try anyone in a kangaroo court. We have to judge each one fairly.”

“Most members of truth commissions for rectifying the past were appointed by the previous administration. We have to amend relevant laws to streamline the higher number of commissions.”

The spokesman also said, “Our administration plans to restore family values, and we need the help of religious leaders. Our people are excellent. When our families, state affairs and inter-Korean relations take shape the way they should be, our nation will become a leading country in the world.”

▽ Inter-Korean Relations

President Lee said, “The United States and Japan trust us. It’s now time to restore trust with North Korea. To achieve this goal, we have to establish proper relations with [Pyongyang]. We have to put the relationship into a normal orbit and talk with openness and sincerity.”

“We even help other countries. North Korea is our other half. No wonder we ought to help them. I will meet the Japanese prime minister four more times this year alone. Why would I avoid meeting [North Korean leader Kim Jong Il]? I will meet him whenever and wherever I have to. The only difference between me and my predecessors is the approach I take. In the past, our administrations begged for North Korea’s cooperation. Now, we have rules and we will play by those rules.”

▽ Energy Policy and Public Sector Reform

On high oil prices, the president said, “We have to save energy. But I don’t think we have to set more regulations. It’s an anachronistic approach. We need voluntary assistance from religious organizations and advocacy groups.”

He also criticized the high salaries of public sector executives, saying, “Certain CEOs reportedly receive seven-figure salaries. I don’t believe their companies have ever been that efficient.”

In response, religious leaders at the meeting said that when the public knows about the details, they will get shocked and strongly demand change.

swpark@donga.com ddr@donga.com