Kang Wontaek: "The People Power Party Is Pathetic, Even Their Infighting Seems Idle" [So Jongseop's Sookterview]

"President Lee Jae Myung Needs 'Half-Step Leadership'"
"Legislative Infringement on the Judiciary Is Not Favorable"
"Lee Jae Myung's Appointments Are Better Than Moon Jae In's"

Professor Kang Wontaek of the Department of Political Science at Seoul National University appeared on Asia Economy's current affairs YouTube channel 'AK Radio' and evaluated, "The first appointments of the Lee Jae Myung administration were smooth. They are better than the first appointments of the Moon Jae In administration." In a one-hour interview held at the Asia Economy studio in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, Seoul, at 10 a.m. on the 10th, Professor Kang advised, "Although the economy is urgent right now, President Lee needs to lay the groundwork for the country's long-term development." He also said, "It is not good for the legislature to appear as if it is infringing upon the judiciary," and added, "It is important to pay attention to the fact that special prosecutor investigations are being conducted in a sweeping manner." Professor Kang commented, "The state of the People Power Party after the presidential election is disappointing," and predicted, "If things continue like this, they will be completely defeated in next year's local elections."

Professor Kang Wontaek of the Department of Political Science at Seoul National University is appearing on Asia Economy's 'AK Radio' for an interview on the 10th.

It has been a week since the Lee Jae Myung administration was inaugurated. How do you evaluate it?

The resolution of political uncertainty is important. Since December 3 of last year, there has been significant political turmoil and uncertainty, which made many people at home and abroad anxious and weary. Now, that uncertainty has been resolved. The election result was decided with a certain margin. Nevertheless, since the winner did not receive more than 50% of the votes, it sent a message to the victor not to be complacent and to remain humble. The first appointments were smooth.

In what respect do you think so?

It seems that, rather than relying on personal connections, people who are competent and experienced in their respective fields were chosen. Kang Hunsik as Chief of Staff, Kim Yongbeom as Policy Chief, and Woo Sangho as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs are all relatively experienced, rational, and politically skilled individuals. This gives the impression that the administration intends not to be biased.

Where do you think President Lee Jae Myung placed the emphasis in his presidential office appointments?

We need to wait and see the composition of the cabinet as well. However, as he mentioned during his campaign, there is a sense that he values pragmatism. During President Moon Jae In's administration, ideological identity and comrade-like relationships were much more emphasized. That is why the term 'Blue House government' was used. This time, the scope is broader, and the pool of available human resources is being considered much more widely than before. So far, the appointments have been better than those of the Moon administration.

"For integration, changes in personnel, policy, and institutions are all necessary"

President Lee Jae Myung is emphasizing growth and integration. What do you think is the historical role of the Lee Jae Myung administration?

The most urgent issue right now is the economy. Since the emergence of President Trump, the international order has been changing, and there have been major shifts, such as what is called a tariff war. How we respond to these changes is important for now. However, that alone is not enough. In the long run, it is crucial to create the driving force for the country's development and to lay that foundation. Domestically, the most important issue is still integration. After the eradication of deep-rooted evils during the Moon Jae In administration, Korean society has been plagued by severe division and conflict.

Everyone is exhausted. Before being elected, President Lee Jae Myung was a party to the conflict. Therefore, even after the election, there is a possibility that the conflict will continue. President Lee mentioned integration in his inaugural address, but real efforts are needed to achieve tangible results. In terms of both policy and appointments, it is important to use capable people even if they are known to be closer to the opposition. Institutional reform is also necessary.

Professor Kang emphasized, "Institutional reform is also necessary for integration."

What kind of institutional reform are you referring to?

First, constitutional amendment.One of the main reasons for the intensification of conflict has been winner-takes-all politics. In this system, the winner takes everything and the loser gets nothing, which leads to extreme competition. There needs to be institutional consideration of how to decentralize the powers concentrated in the presidency. Also, political reform is needed by changing the electoral system to move toward a multiparty system. While integration is important in terms of policy and personnel, ultimately, the system itself needs to be changed. If this is achieved during President Lee's term, it will be a significant achievement.

The Lee Jae Myung administration is a powerful government that controls even the legislature. While there may be positive aspects such as the ability to act quickly, there must also be things to watch out for.

When in the opposition, they did not have power, so even if they exercised influence, they did not bear responsibility. But now, they must take responsibility. They are now subject to evaluation. As power holders, they must be extremely cautious in exercising power from now on. If they act as if they can do whatever they want, as in the past, there will soon be backlash, criticism, and concern.

"A leader must be half a step ahead of the people"

Given the strong demands of supporters and the realities of the situation, President Lee may face dilemmas.

A leader is not someone who follows, but someone who leads. At some point, it became accepted that politicians must listen to the voices of hardline supporters, but that is wrong. If necessary, a leader must persuade even their own supporters. If, like during the Moon Jae In administration, the government only looks to its own support base, society will be divided again. A broader perspective is needed. The Park Chung Hee Presidential Memorial Hall in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, was established under the initiative of President Kim Dae Jung. Although his supporters opposed it, he persuaded them and pushed forward. One of the important things President Kim Dae Jung said was, "A leader must be half a step ahead of the people." While a leader stands with the people, they must also be half a step ahead.

Are you saying that President Lee Jae Myung also needs such leadership?

Yes. 'Half-step leadership' is needed. If you are to be the president of all the people, you must consider and embrace even those who did not support you. You must not become a half-president.

Professor Kang said that President Lee Jae Myung needs to have a 'half-step leadership.'

The three major special prosecutor laws, including the 'insurrection special prosecutor,' have been promulgated.

The important question is to what extent the investigation should go. Once an investigation starts, it can become excessive. Politicalretribution may be suspected, so the investigation should be limited to clarifying suspicions. If it turns into a sweeping witch hunt, there will be backlash. The investigation should be conducted carefully and responsibility should be assigned accordingly, but if it is expanded endlessly, it could become a burden for the Lee Jae Myung administration. Managing the process well after the passage of the special prosecutor law is more important than the passage itself.

The Seoul High Court has indefinitely postponed President Lee Jae Myung's criminal trial for violating the Public Official Election Act, leading to the assessment that the judicial risk is effectively over.

After a presidential election, it is not appropriate for the sitting president to appear in court for matters that occurred before taking office. Unless it involves violating the constitutional order, the five-year term should be guaranteed. In fact, it would have been appropriate for the Supreme Court or other courts to clarify their stance on this matter in advance.

However, for the Democratic Party to try to resolve this by law is also foolish. That only gives the impression that, as the majority in the National Assembly, they are doing whatever they want. It is wrong for the legislature to infringe upon the judiciary. The same goes for the issue of increasing the number of Supreme Court justices. People are already concerned that the ruling party controls both the legislative and executive branches, and if they try to interfere with the judiciary as well, it is not a politically wise decision.The Democratic Party leadership must be extremely cautious about this issue.

"The state of the People Power Party after the presidential election is disappointing" "Conservatives have lost their policy competence"

The People Power Party seems unable to regain its footing even after the presidential election.

The entire conservative camp is in crisis.There is nothing left that conservatives can proudly claim as their strength. Conservatives still talk about Syngman Rhee and Park Chung Hee. That is ancient history.For the 2030 generation,it is just history.They are only talking about the past. Conservatives must address the current issues that people find difficult, painful, and frustrating. They seem like a political force preferred by the elderly, a group unable to escape the shadows of the past, a force that seeks to protect vested interests centered on the privileged, and a regional power based in Yeongnam.Their policy competence has also disappeared compared to the past.

Looking at what has happened in the People Power Party since the presidential election, it is disappointing.The ship is sinking with a hole in it, and while no one cares, people inside are arguing about who is right or wrong. Who would like that? Even their infighting seems leisurely. If things continue like this,they will be completely defeated in next year's local elections. There is no sense of crisis, and in some ways, getting more than 40% of the vote this time could actually be poisonous. If they do not fundamentally innovate, it will be difficult.

Professor Kang diagnosed that "a generational change is necessary for conservative innovation."

Then where should conservative innovation begin?

Leadership must change first.Generational change is necessary.Rather than focusing on who becomes party leader, a comprehensive renewal and a political generational shift are essential.

Is there anything you would like to say to President Lee Jae Myung?

I hope things go well.It is necessary to set several key 'presidential agendas' for the next five years.If you pay special attention and push these forward during your term, even if they are not completed, just laying the foundation will be a significant achievement.