Opposition leader begs ex-PM Han to bolt from NPAD

“It is a lamentable outcome from the judicial branch, the last bastion of truth and justice. Han has been given guilty verdict by a political court, but she is innocent in the court of history and conscience.” This is the official response by New Politics Alliance for Democracy Chairman Moon Jae-in on August 20 when the Supreme Court convicted former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, who had been indicted for taking illegal political funds worth over 900 million won (762,000 U.S. dollars). Even though Han was found guilty unanimously by all the 13 justices at the court, Moon said as if Han was given unjustifiable verdict.

Han is a figure who had served as prime minister and chairwoman of the main opposition party. Even being political leader, she was found guilty for committing the crime of taking illicit funds while serving as prime minister. Despite that, the main opposition party had recommended her as its candidate for Seoul mayor and elected her as party chairwoman. As Moon tries to trumpet reform in spite of such practices in every election, no one trusts his sincerity in his pledge for reform. Even until recently, Moon would make comments that were not compatible with common sense in law by mentioning "appeal for a retrial." Moon should know better than anyone else that Han’s case fails to meet the necessary requirements for seeking appeal for a retrial.

Moon has abruptly requested on Wednesday Han to voluntarily bolt from the party. The way he expressed the message was absurd at best. “I believe in her innocence, but it would be good if she makes bold decision about her political position to live up to people’s expectations,” Moon said on the day. If he truly believes in her innocence, he should dissuade her from bolting even if she wants defection. His statement appears to be his earnest request for her action in tune with his "showy reform." Han is the symbol of the pro-Roh Moon-hyun faction. She played a critical role in achieving political revival of the pro-Roh faction, which had effectively become a group of hopeless failures. Moon’s statement vividly illustrates his deep affection for Han.

Some watchers say Moon’s call for Han`s defection from the party is his bid to block Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo`s secession from the party by taking action suggesting as if he is accepting Ahn’s demand for the party reform. In contrast, others speculate that his request is aimed at strengthening the cause to counterattack the anti-Roh and non-mainstream faction in his party, which has resisted him. However, it is regrettable that his moves just reveal his hidden intentions. If Moon seeks to take action at least mimicking innovation, he should apologize for his remarks meant to cover Han, and choose to expel Han, rather than asking her to voluntarily leave the party.

jinnyong@donga.com