Dispersed mentors of Ahn Cheol-soo

Since ancient times, political strategists have looked for leaders whom they could use. Though the Confucian sage Mencius was born in the state of Zou, he was a mentor for a Wei king before working for the founding king of Qi because the son of the Wei king lacked the qualities needed by a monarch. Similarly, Confucius was born in Lu but worked for Qi. He later returned to his hometown to devote his life to teaching after failing to implement his ideas. Lao-tzu viewed Confucius`s followers as intellectuals pursuing power and positions.

Yoon Yeo-joon, who worked as a key strategist for former Presidential candidate Lee Hoi-chang from the then conservative ruling Grand National Party, has joined Moon Jae-in, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Democratic Unity Party who was close to the late former President Roh Moo-hyun. Kim Jong-in, a key aide to Park Geun-hye, the presidential candidate of the ruling Saenuri Party, was once vice chairman of the progressive New Millennium Party, the predecessor of the main opposition party. Lee Hun-jai, who orchestrated Korea’s economic restructuring following the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, has joined Ahn Cheol-soo, an independent presidential candidate. Presidential runners do not mind key brains from their opponents` camps to expand their support base. While critics have blasted them for marring party politics, others say such political hybridization alleviates the politics of extremism.

Both Yoon and Kim Jong-in served as advisers to Ahn last year but have since left him. In an interview, Yoon expressed regret that Park Geun-hye never asked for his help. Not long after the interview, he participated in a political debate hosted by a progressive magazine and then joined Moon. Kim Jong-in said in a recent interview that he viewed the upcoming presidential election as “Snow White vs. the Seven Dwarfs.” Not long after making these comments, he joined Park`s camp. Lee Hun-jai then became Ahn’s political mentor.

Yoon is 73 years old, Kim Jong-in 72 and Lee 68. Considering that one needs to be at least 70 to be considered a senior citizen, Yoon and Kim Jong-in qualify while Lee will soon. A former journalist, Yoon was a secretary under the Chun Doo-hwan administration. Kim Jong-in went from economic scholar to a founding lawmaker of the ruling party under the Chun administration. Lee was a high-level bureaucrat under President Park Chung-hee. While critics say the three strategists are being greedy even after having served in high public posts, that they complement younger presidential candidates is undeniable.

Editorial Writer Song Pyeong-in (pisong@donga.com)