[Reporter’s Notebook] The One Thing Missing from K-Brands: Respected Politicians

"There is a president who still receives national support even after serving a 12-year term."

While conducting a special report titled 'Constitutional Amendment, Connecting the Future' and researching the dual government system (decentralized presidential system) of Austria, I got in touch with former lawmaker Iwonwook, who is currently staying there. He mentioned former Austrian President Heinz Fischer as "a politician still talked about among the people."

Fischer did not have high approval ratings from the start. In the 2004 presidential election, he received only 52.4% of the vote. Emphasizing the realization of a 'welfare state,' Fischer stated in his victory speech, "I will be the president of all Austrians." He focused on becoming a 'harmonizing president' rather than showing partisan colors. Despite being the only Austrian president to exercise a veto in 2008, he was re-elected in 2010 with an overwhelming 78.9% of the vote.

In Finland, another dual government system country, former President Tarja Halonen maintained approval ratings in the 80% range until the end of her term, although her election vote shares were not high. In two presidential elections, including her re-election, Halonen barely surpassed the majority. However, during her term, her approval ratings rose to the 80% range because she gained trust from more citizens after becoming president. Halonen is evaluated as having managed state affairs without being swayed by partisan politics. During her tenure, Finland became a strong small country with a per capita income exceeding $36,000.

There is talk of envy. The Korean president, elected for a single five-year term, faces lame-duck controversies by the third year. Under a divided National Assembly, President Yoon Suk-yeol experienced this even earlier. When that time comes, governance is paralyzed and political strife intensifies. This is the exact opposite situation from the presidents of the two countries who served 12 years and earned respect.

As seen in the cases of Austria and Finland, power-sharing creates a more inclusive political system and leads to national development. Ultimately, discussions on electoral reform should follow, but first, the 'imperial presidency' elements embedded in the 1987 constitutional system must be addressed. Another ill effect of the 1987 constitutional system, the winner-takes-all structure, has normalized politics that tear down opponents and foster division rather than unity, enabling regimes to maintain or regain power.

Among the overflowing 'K-brands' such as semiconductors, automobiles, mobile phones, dramas, and music, the one area Korea uniquely lacks is politics. Politics in Korea is a seed of conflict that only produces wasteful and unnecessary disputes. It is increasingly difficult to find respected politicians. To realize politics that do not hold back progress, a power-dispersing constitutional amendment is essential.