“Everyday Life,” President Roh

President Roh Moo-hyun, who returned to “everyday life,” spent a peaceful weekend. And Cheong Wa Dae was actually not in session.

President Roh went up to Bukak Mountain, which is behind Cheong Wa Dae with his wife Kwon Yang-sook, son Kun-ho, and daughter Jung-yun. Only a few staffs at the office affiliated with the President and several security guards accompanied them. After mountain climbing, he had lunch with his family members at the Presidential residence, and in the afternoon, looked over unresolved reports.

In the morning of March 13, he awakened at 5 a.m. to exercise, watch TV and read newspapers, as always. Around 8 a.m., answering the call of Uri Party chairman Chung Dong-young, President Roh opened his heart, saying “I feel so sorry and concerned. Are you all right? I also want to comfort other congressmen.” President Roh stayed all day at the Presidential residence.

According to staff, Roh said, “The matter of impeachment seems to be related to the prosecutor’s investigation of political funds. Even though it is the prosecutor’s work, I was not capable of carrying it out.” The conversation took place during a dinner with Chief Secretary and Presidential Aide on March 12, when the impeachment motion was passed. Recalling opposition to three parties uniting in 1990, Roh said, “The leader should stick to the principle. Only if it is this way, politics and history will prosper.

When chief secretary Kwon Oh-kyu consoled him with the example of Margaret Thatcher, previous prime minister of U.K., President Roh instructed to bring Thatcher’s biography. He also began to read “the Song of Sword,” a novel written in the first person narrative (Honored general Lee Sun-sin). He also decided to read “Let’s Focus on Community” by the Committee for Balanced Nation Development, under immediate control of the President.

On the other hand, Goh Kun, the acting president, will administrate the government centering on the Council of Ministers, not depending on the presidential secretary office. “Cheong Wa Dae Briefing,” which delivered news about President Roh and Cheong Wa Dae, was discontinued, after issuing the 260th edition on March 12. Yoon Tae-young, spokesperson at Cheong Wa Dae, declared at the press conference, “Officially, I will no longer perform my duties until further notice.”

Young-Hae Choi yhchoi65@donga.com