[Editorial] Wise to Push Ahead With Dismissal Proposal Against Justice Minister Kim?

During the term of this administration, Dismissal Proposals have been introduced into Congress 13 times, and proposals for impeachment 6 times against cabinet members. Whenever such proposal was introduced, politicians turned themselves to the instinct of killer. Out of these, only one Proposal was passed against Lim Dong-won, then Minister of Unification. The main reason was the administration’s failure to function adequately. But, it is not also desirable to watch the abuse of the Congress’ power to impeach.

This time, Justice Minister Kim Chong-kil is the target. It was directly triggered by the renewal of Park Young-kwan’s term as the head of Special Unit 1 of Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office. Park’s Unit has been investigating the alleged military evasion by the sons of presidential candidate Lee Hui-chang. Our paper itself requested for the dismissal of Park. But we think differently as to the Dismissal Recommendation of Chief Prosecutor Park. Nonetheless, we do not believe Park did well.

Approval of a Premier-select is different from passage of Dismissal Proposal against a cabinet member. The “approval” in this context is an act empowered by the Constitution. But passage of the Proposal is an act holding someone politically accountable. By rejecting the approval of a Premier-select, it transpired where the power is. Nonetheless, if Grand National Party (GNP) pushes ahead with the Proposal, it may backfire on it. The GNP should also consider that with the office of Premier empty, there is no constitutional organization to appoint a cabinet member in place of a dismissed one.

In reality, the GNP, which dominates the majority, has the power to dismiss all the cabinet members. But, being excessive is just the same as being in need. It is wise for the GNP to stop now. If it insists on the Proposal, it will probably appear as the abuse of power by a powerful entity.

Citizens are sick and tired of the ever-lasting partisanship and political haggling therefrom. They are also fed up with politicians’ lack of compromising and yielding. The GNP’s attempt to force the passage of the Proposal will probably induce the physical resistance from Millennium Democratic Party, which will turn the public once again away from the politics. Both of the GNP and the MDP will be losers themselves in this type of confrontation.

Both should take a deep breath and calm down their belligerence. Minister Kim himself should root out any possible lead to confrontation. We also strongly request for the replacement of Chief Prosecutor Park. Sincerely hope that the GNP’s self-restraining will serve as an opportunity to sever the political chain reactions.