[The Editors' Verdict] Legal Professionals, Bureaucrats, and Politics

Imokhee, Asia Economy Senior Specialist

The late former Prime Minister Lee Han-dong was nicknamed "Ildo (一刀)," meaning to settle matters with a single stroke. He entered politics in 1980 and was elected to the National Assembly six times. With his background as a judge and prosecutor and his dignified presence, he was aptly called "Ildo." However, the reality was different. At that time, military figures, stronger than public security prosecutors, dominated politics. Former lawmaker Lee Sang-jae, a security service lieutenant, controlled the ruling party. How displeased must "Ildo" have been with subordinates acting up.

Those who followed former Prime Minister Lee were called the "bomb squad," including former lawmakers Park Jae-hong and Kim Young-gu. Whenever they met, they drank dozens of strong whiskey bombs, seemingly to soothe their frustrations. Through political trials, he gradually lost the characteristics of his nickname. Ultimately, he ended his life crossing party lines, earning the reputation of a "politician of compromise."

Politics in Yeouido is like a melting pot. Until now, the classification was simple: those who wear the gold badge and those who do not. One had to step onto the parliamentary stage at least once to be truly regarded as a politician. Internal power struggles and checks were more complex than in any other world. It was difficult to leverage past experience.

In opinion polls ahead of next year’s presidential election, frontrunners are those without experience as National Assembly members. Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province from the Democratic Party, ran in the party’s presidential primary in the last election but never served as a lawmaker. He has yet to fully taste the intense flavor of politics. Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, emerging as a leading opposition candidate, is now taking steps to enter politics. Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon and Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, both highly sought-after figures, need no further introduction.

As politics hits rock bottom, the less tainted side of Yeouido gains voters’ favor. However, one cannot stay above the clouds forever. It is inevitable to dive into the muck. Lawyers who prioritize principles and firmness, bureaucrats who aim for long-term national plans beyond populism?Governor Lee, former Prosecutor General Yoon, and Chairman Choi are lawyers. Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim is an economic bureaucrat. It is difficult to adapt to politics while leveraging each of their strengths. If their identities become ambiguous like former Prime Minister Lee, they will fail. Figures like former Grand National Party Chairman Lee Hoi-chang and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon struggled to find common ground between their illustrious careers and the muddy world of politics.

The one agonizing the most is probably former Prosecutor General Yoon. He is surrounded by lawyers. There are observations that former prosecutors are leading and controlling the situation. Yet, he does not want to be deeply entangled with seasoned politicians. Should he maintain his "swordsman" image as is? Or should he gamble like former Chairman Lee, as an "Albunam (a man who is gentle once you get to know him)"?

The era of "career politicians" is over. Politics must be led based on achievements in various sectors of society. The principles and precision of legal professionals and bureaucrats?one hopes politics does not consume these strengths. This is not to belittle the role of lawmakers. It is simply a dislike for the repetitive old-style politics symbolized by the gold badge. The "Lee Jun-seok storm" is sweeping through the People Power Party’s leadership race. The backlash against the gold badge has matured enough to change Yeouido’s political landscape.

The academic definition of politics is "the acquisition and maintenance of state power." Focusing solely on that repeats the criticized behavior. The goal is more important: to enable citizens to live dignified lives and to mediate mutual understanding. For the first time in a while, non-career politicians have emerged as leading presidential candidates. It is desirable for the country to ensure they do not lose their strengths. Voters’ insight is also crucial.

Lee Mok-hee, Asia Economy Senior Specialist