[Opinion] A Prime Minister Like This Is Needed

It is common to hear people say to the Prime Minister, "Isn't this the position of 'one person below, ten thousand people above'?" This means, "You have risen to the most powerful position except for the President." It sounds like a kind of flattery.

If we must compare to the Joseon Dynasty, the Prime Minister's position is akin to that of Yeonguijeong (Chief State Councillor). Looking only at the executive branch, this is not entirely incorrect. Above is the head of state, the President, and below are the ministers of various departments. However, this expression does not fit well in a democratic system. The state consists not only of the executive branch but also the legislative and judicial branches, all existing with equal power. It is no longer an era when public officials ruled over the people. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister holds an important position in leading national affairs. They meet weekly with the President to discuss current national issues and oversee ministers and vice ministers to decide major policies.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo tendered his resignation to President Yoon Suk-yeol immediately after the ruling party suffered a crushing defeat in the general election. Speculation about the new Prime Minister is rife. What kind of Prime Minister does South Korea need now?

First, the Prime Minister must accurately interpret the public will as expressed in the election results. Within the ruling party, some bizarrely interpret that winning 108 seats in this election means gaining 5 more seats than the 103 seats won in the 21st general election. However, if you examine closely, the 21st National Assembly started with 103 seats, then increased to 114 seats by incorporating members from the People Party, independents, and defectors from the Democratic Party, but this time they actually lost 6 seats.

Especially in the metropolitan area and Chungcheong region, the ruling party failed to gain traction. Just before the election, as polls predicted a landslide victory for the opposition, a psychological effect to "secure a veto-proof majority against constitutional amendments" prevented the worst outcome. We must carefully consider why the people gave more votes to the opposition to check the current administration.

The economic situation is also challenging. High inflation, high interest rates, and high exchange rates have made it difficult for people's livelihoods to improve, and unstable external economic conditions, such as concerns over the Middle East war, continue. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecasts that the potential growth rate will fall to 1.7% this year. This is a continuous decline since 3.5% in 2013. The Korea Development Institute (KDI) has even issued a bleak forecast that the potential growth rate will reach 0% by 2050. Experts repeatedly point out that Korean society and economy must undergo a revolutionary structural reform.

The new Prime Minister must secure cooperation from the opposition to push forward the reform agenda of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. They must successfully conclude medical reform and achieve significant results in pension reform and labor reform. They need to present practical solutions to low birth rates and aging population issues and find a starting point to resolve complex social structural problems such as expanding immigration. How the Prime Minister accepts opposition resistance and finds compromise will be crucial. The Prime Minister must personally engage in dialogue with the opposition and lead realistic alternatives. It must not be merely formal or ceremonial. The opposition must be treated with sincere words and actions.

Such efforts by the Prime Minister could be the starting point to transform our society from conflict and confrontation to dialogue and compromise. The greatest fault in our politics becoming increasingly hateful lies with political leaders. At times like these, leaders must dedicate themselves to ensuring that the people can live peacefully within a new framework. Power must be used solely with the people in mind.

Finally, those who flatter the Prime Minister with cunning language should be kept at a distance. Likewise, the Prime Minister must not hesitate to offer candid advice to the President. Through this, the Prime Minister should assist the President in making the right decisions. We hope a new Prime Minister who will be an excellent closer is appointed.

Cho Young-joo, Head of Sejong Central Reporting Bureau