[Inside Chodong]The Gift Received by the President

Lee Jeongmi Presents "The Dwarf Who Shot a Small Ball" to President Yoon
Bipartisan Cooperation Is Essential for the Success of the Three Major Reforms

Baek Gwang-hwan, Deputy Chief of the Political Department

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The late writer Jo Sehui, during his lifetime, hoped for a world without 'Nakwon-gu Haengbok-dong' and waited for the novel 'The Dwarf Who Shot a Small Ball (Nanssogong)' to become unread. Since its publication in 1978, his earnest wish has not been fulfilled for over 40 years and remains ongoing. Although set against the backdrop of 1970s industrialization and redevelopment of shantytowns, the discourses that candidly depict the era's realities are still relevant today. The author's remark in a past interview with a media outlet, stating that "even if 'The Dwarf Who Shot a Small Ball' appeared on an exam, I would score zero," reflects that the situation in Haengbok-dong is not much different now.

President Yoon Suk-yeol recently received this book as a gift. On the 2nd, Lee Jeongmi, leader of the Justice Party, attended the New Year's gathering held at the Blue House's State Guest House and presented 'The Dwarf Who Shot a Small Ball.' Lee urged President Yoon, saying, "Please open an era where 'legal justice' prioritizes protecting the weak first, not a society where only the powerful are favored before the law." Inside the book, she also wrote a statement from Youngsoo, a character in 'Nanssogong': "What we needed was someone who understood our pain and shared that pain with us."

Among the public observing President Yoon, who resolved the recent Cargo Solidarity general strike by emphasizing law and principles, many recall 'Haengbok-dong.' Lee's indirect criticism of President Yoon, who has not made efforts toward cooperation, aligns with this sentiment. She said, "For a head of state elected through democratic institutions, integration, cooperation, and active communication for these are the most important duties."

The punishment of Cargo Solidarity transport refusers who sent threatening messages demanding participation in the strike, including the use of 'steel marbles,' is justified. Considering their actions held livelihoods and the national economy hostage, causing trillions in economic losses and inconveniencing citizens, demanding compensation from them is not unreasonable.

The public's response through approval ratings can be interpreted in the same context. During the process where President Yoon emphasized the rule of law and ordered the commencement of work, instructing to "respond firmly," his approval rating, which had once fallen to the 20% range, rose above 40%. Inside the presidential office, the 'principled response to labor struggles' is seen as a valid point.

The challenge lies in this year. To push forward the three major reforms?labor, pension, and education?President Yoon's call for a 'bipartisan national consensus' is necessary. For labor reform, which he identified as the 'top priority,' the voices of workers must also be heard. The structure makes it difficult to succeed in amending laws such as the Labor Standards Act without cooperation from the labor sector. Labor must be recognized as a partner and invited to the table.

Above all, cooperation with the opposition party is essential. If this year is to be the inaugural year of the three major reforms, legislative approval in the National Assembly is required, making the Democratic Party's legislative cooperation crucial. Even regarding semiconductors, designated by President Yoon as a national core industry, some opposition members have already proposed a new plan to apply a uniform 10% tax credit rate for facility investments to expanded strategic technology industries such as hydrogen and displays.

Within the government and ruling party, voices are heard about pressuring the opposition based on approval ratings secured through principled governance. There is also an opinion within the presidential office that the Democratic Party's passive stance on reforms, ignoring approval ratings, is ultimately a 'foot-dragging frame.'

However, the hardline stance effective during the strike is different from what should be used in the reform process. As the general election approaches, confrontations between the ruling and opposition parties will inevitably intensify, so it is necessary to return to cooperation before it is too late. The public will not interpret 'bipartisan consensus' as a 40% approval rating. For the sake of our children, these reforms are something the president is willing to pursue even at the cost of popularity, but there is concern that they might be recorded in history as half-hearted efforts.