[Imokhee's Homopoliticus] It's Time for Cool-headed Collective Intelligence

Imokhee, Asia Economy Senior Correspondent

There is a politician who casually talks while hitting the core points. He is Yuin-tae, former Secretary General of the National Assembly. I agreed with his remark, "Leaders need to have a bit of a rogue streak rather than just being geniuses." In the rough world of politics and elections, breakthrough ability is required. He classified Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party candidates Yoon Seok-youl and Hong Jun-pyo as rogue types. Seemingly in line with that theory, genius-type candidates Yoo Seung-min and Won Hee-ryong have also turned into rogue-type fighters competing fiercely.

I have closely observed eight presidential elections so far. There were figures who made me think, "If this candidate leads the country, it will be well managed." Most of them dropped out in the middle. The lack of a rogue streak ironically hindered their achievements. Those who constantly reflected on their own faults, even if not moral saints, could not advance. Above all, they were vulnerable to investigations and inquiries by law enforcement agencies.

There is a leadership analysis framework called Houheixue (厚黑學). It was proposed by Li Zhongwu in early 20th century China. Houhei consists of Mianhou (thick face) and Xinhei (black heart). Mianhou means having a thick face, shamelessness. Xinhei means a black heart, cunningness. Recently, candidate Hong Jun-pyo criticized candidate Lee Jae-myung as being Houhei. However, Houheixue is not simply a trickery survival skill. Li Zhongwu’s analysis goes a step further. Simply put, it means 'not reacting sensitively to specific incidents.' It is the capability to not reveal one’s true feelings and to undertake great national affairs. Many historical figures who left their names in history were Houhei leaders.

Machiavelli, who set the standard for Western modern state governance after the Renaissance, also emphasized leadership virtues of 'the fox’s cunning' and 'the lion’s courage.' Korean voters are dualistic. On the surface, they emphasize morality and idealism. Yet, those who are purely clean alone did not gain votes. To win, one had to combine 'deception and courage.'

People with antisocial personality disorder are called sociopaths. I was once startled by a politician who reached the presidential position and gave off a sociopath vibe. He mercilessly crushed those who challenged him. Yet, he showed no remorse at all. He strongly denied clear facts. That politician firmly believed that only he could save the country. Small lies were not a problem. The initial lies became conviction and a new truth for him.

The roughness of the election battlefield is partly due to the public’s desires. Voters are attracted to strong leadership. Candidates verbally promise not to engage in political revenge. In reality, they move toward strongly punishing the opposing side. That is how they firmly secure their core voter base.

The public is also fickle. The desired leadership type cycles. Strong leaders and gentle leaders appear alternately. Former presidents Lee Seung-man, Park Chung-hee, Chun Doo-hwan, Kim Young-sam, Roh Moo-hyun, and Park Geun-hye had bold temperaments. The presidents in between were milder. Former presidents Yun Bo-seon, Choi Kyu-ha, Roh Tae-woo, Kim Dae-jung, Lee Myung-bak, and Moon Jae-in. Depending on perspective, they seem less strong than their predecessors. This election is clearly the turn for a rogue type.

Especially in the digital age, there are various ways to find faults in opponents. Past records are thoroughly exposed. Even jokes made in public or private spread immediately. The flood of traditional media, countless internet media, and SNS. Ordinary people have the means to find and reveal every move of presidential candidates. Unless one has a very thick face, it is hard to endure the exposure battles.

Even considering these backgrounds, this presidential election is extremely fierce. The polarization between camps has reached its peak. Internal conflicts within the same camp are also life-or-death struggles. There is no courtesy toward opposing candidates. They openly say things like "You will go to prison," "Sociopathic psychopath." Indiscriminate exposure and slander continue even toward families. It feels like a revolution or coup atmosphere, except no guns or knives are drawn.

Past cases of not having thick face and black heart include former Prime Minister Ko Gun and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Both left remarkable marks in administration and diplomatic security. The reality they faced while preparing for the presidency was different. Continuous scheming and conspiracies. They struggled to endure slander. They were naive regarding political funds. I have seen several similar cases. They entered politics but only suffered harsh trials and withdrew. They sometimes damaged the images they had built in other fields and became frustrated.

Current leading presidential candidates seem to have dual leadership traits. Candidate Lee Jae-myung was originally introverted. To break through extreme poverty and succeed, he had to become tough. The reason candidate Hong Jun-pyo is called a lone wolf is probably similar. Candidate Yoon Seok-youl also developed a strong character while navigating the rough world of prosecutors.

I believe having the 'lion’s courage' to overcome controversies and properly lead the country is a priority. Some degree of 'fox’s cunning' will also be necessary. Machiavelli said a despised ruler is the worst. One should not be criticized for indecisiveness. However, the problem now is that candidates are despised because of visible trickery. They focus on slander and agitation rather than presenting the capability to fix the nation’s chaos.

Polls show historically high unfavorable ratings for each candidate. Still, I hope the president will be someone who may appear Houhei on the outside but not so inside. I expect voters to exercise cold collective reason. Political hatred and avoidance lead to regret. Herd mentality and blind faith cause poor judgment. I hope voters carefully examine the true nature behind the Houhei facade. They should review at least one or two major policies. It is necessary to look around the candidate’s associates. There is still enough time to consider alternatives.

Lee Mok-hee, Asia Economy Senior Advisor