Truth and Integrity Leadership Seminar... "Presidential System Reform Needed"

4th Seminar at Seoul Global Center

The Truth and Justice Coalition (Jinjeong Yeondae), a private think tank alliance advocating free market principles and moderate conservatism, held its fourth seminar under the title "Conditions for Leadership in the Republic of Korea."

The private think tank alliance, the Truth and Justice Alliance, is holding a seminar on the theme "The Conditions of Leadership in the Republic of Korea" at the Seoul Global Center Building on the 8th. Photo by Choi Young-chan

On the afternoon of the 8th, Jinjeong Yeondae held a seminar at the Seoul Global Center to discuss ways to overcome the leadership crisis amid the emergency martial law situation and impeachment turmoil. Jinjeong Yeondae is an organization formed by the alliance of K Policy Platform, the Korea Peninsula Advancement Foundation, the Anmin Policy Forum, and the Economic and Social Research Institute.

At the opening remarks, Choi Dae-seok, Chairman of the Economic and Social Research Institute, said, "Currently, the Republic of Korea is facing confusion due to a lack of leadership and uncertainty," adding, "Leadership is not merely a tool to resolve the current crisis but must be able to restore community trust and present a sustainable vision." He further stated, "Finding the conditions for leadership that prepares for the future is a task and responsibility for all of us."

Park Jae-wan, Chairman of the Korea Peninsula Advancement Foundation, said, "An absurd declaration of martial law and a series of impeachment motions have led to a chaotic political situation close to anarchy," adding, "It is truly shameful and disheartening. We must calmly examine what went wrong and where, without being swayed by the rapidly unfolding events, and seek fundamental remedies to widely inform the public."

Yoo Il-ho, Chairman of the Anmin Policy Forum, said, "There seems to be no more timely topic than that of desirable leadership," adding, "I hope this will be a good opportunity to take a step forward with positive discussions on what constitutes a desirable leader, believing that the crisis will be overcome well."

Jeon Kwang-woo, Chairman of the K Policy Platform, said, "It is fortunate that we can discuss the conditions for a proper captain for the Republic of Korea ship to survive amid turbulent global environmental changes," adding, "I hope that through today's seminar, the people, who have a proven track record of overcoming crises better than any other country in the past, can choose an excellent leader."

During the discussion, opinions were also expressed regarding the problems of the current presidential system and the need for constitutional revision. Kang Won-taek, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University, said, "In the current presidential system, anyone can rise to the highest position if they gain high popularity among the people, even without training or verification," adding, "Our presidential system, established in the 1987 constitutional amendment, did not make much effort to reduce or disperse presidential powers but democratically elected a powerful president."

Professor Kang emphasized, "Until now, trained and politically influential individuals have handled the presidency without incidents, but I think it is becoming difficult to meet such leaders anymore," adding, "The Republic of Korea has grown too large and complex to rely on one person. To avoid experiencing such crises and inconveniences again, I think comprehensive system reform is necessary." He also explained that under a parliamentary system, the prime minister undergoes a dual evaluation by fellow lawmakers and the public, allowing for a more rigorous verification process.

Besides Professor Kang, the discussion included Lee Hak-young, advisor to the Korea Economic Daily, lawyer Jung Jae-wook, and reporter Choi Chang-geun.