"Moon Administration... Kang Jun-man Launches 'Yoon Seok-yeol Killing' Accusation, Direct Criticism of 'Moon Government'"

New Book Criticizes Government and Ruling Party's Arrogance

Professor Kang Jun-man, Department of Journalism and Broadcasting, Jeonbuk National University. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Progressive commentator Kang Junman (64), a professor in the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting at Jeonbuk National University, unleashed harsh criticism toward the Moon Jae-in administration and ruling party in his upcoming book scheduled for release on the 24th.

In his book Rude Politics - How Progressives Fell into Dogmatism and Arrogance? (Inmulgwa Sasangsa), Professor Kang stated, "I urge the Moon administration to abandon the traditional political view that politics is a 'war to defeat the enemy,'" adding, "And I will emphasize that we all must break free from the old habit of mistaking 'hatred' for 'justice' and move toward 'politics of dialogue and compromise.'"

First, Professor Kang analyzed how the 'camp politics' that do not tolerate opponents have paralyzed social reason. Regarding last year's investigation of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, he said, "I somewhat agree with the view that they were treated too harshly, beyond an appropriate level compared to the mistakes or crimes they committed," but pointed out, "While praising the efficient activities of the special investigation unit, it was the Moon administration that exploited it to the fullest."

He then mentioned the 'disciplinary action and suspension' incident involving Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol. Professor Kang remarked, "When the special investigation unit's blade turned toward itself, the Moon administration jumped up and launched a 'Yoon Seok-yeol killing' campaign," adding, "There has been no change in Yoon's conduct during the Lee Myung-bak, Park Geun-hye, or Moon Jae-in administrations. He has just continued as before."

Regarding the investigation related to the closure of Wolseong Unit 1, he said, "I am a supporter of the pledge to shut down Wolseong Unit 1," but added, "However, I firmly oppose the violation of procedural legitimacy to the extent that Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy officials were made to enter the office at 11 p.m. on a Sunday night to delete 444 nuclear power documents on PCs, avoiding the eyes of other employees."

Professor Kang stated, "This is a matter concerning the basic order of national governance," and strongly criticized, "It is a serious criminal act that destroys the legal autonomy of public officials, turning them into 'soulless puppets.' Progressive intellectuals and progressive media have ignored the gravity of this national disorder."

He also criticized Kim Eo-jun, host of Naneun Ggomsooda, saying, "They often produce conspiracy theories, claiming to fight against 'grand conspiracies,'" and pointed out, "Even when these conspiracy theories are proven false, they remain very confident. Such privilege stems from the 'shut up and support' attitude of Moon Jae-in supporters."

Professor Kang also pointed out the current administration's problem of 'lack of communication.' He said, "Moon Jae-in's 'image politics' often centers on 'ceremonial politics' that frequently evoke emotion," but added, "Unfortunately, Moon distances himself from communication."

He then quoted President Moon's inaugural speech, "The opposition party is a partner in national governance. We will regularize dialogue and meet frequently," and added, "I only hope that Moon will show that warm and kind smile even in communicating with the opposition. Not because the opposition is likable, but because embracing the citizens who support them is the president's destiny."

Meanwhile, Professor Kang is a representative progressive intellectual who has been actively writing since around the time of the late President Kim Dae-jung's administration in 1997. His major works include Kim Dae-jung Killing, Kim Young-sam Ideology, and Roh Moo-hyun and the National Fraud.