[Opinion] Bad Politicians

“Vote for the man who promises least,” said American politician Bernard Baruch (1870-1965). What he meant was that the one who breaks his own word most is a politician. In reality, a politician’s words are mostly not “promises” but “game.” Retirement declarations, not to mention pledges and policies, are often games. Not a few politicians come back to the political sector with various excuses after having been retired from politics to avoid disadvantageous circumstances.

Kang Sam-jae is among these politicians. He announced his retirement after he was found guilty for “Ann Gate” where he was accused of misappropriating the current National Intelligence Service’s budget for his election in September 2003. Kang said he planned to return to politics, asking for the nomination of the Grand National Party ticket for the July 26 reelection. He claims that he is qualified for the candidacy since he was acquitted in the Supreme Court. Yet, the court’s ruling shows that the money cannot be said to be from the NIS budget, not that the possibility of its being illegal political funds is ruled out. It is not honest for him to pretend that he is not involved in the illegal funds case.

Kim Deog-ryong is equally pathetic. After his wife was found to have received 400 million won in bribes for a party nomination in the May 31 local election, the representative in effect announced his resignation from the politics when he said “I will resign as party member and representative and will decide my political career soon.” He even closed his office. However, recently, he shows the intention of returning to the politics, saying, “My colleagues want me and I have things to do for GNP’s presidential election victory.”

They are in stark contrast to Maeng Hyung-kyu who resigned from the parliament for party candidate of Seoul mayor and decided not to run for the election. Party members encouraged him to run for Songpa district in Seoul, citing his established constituency of third term and his policy capability. He refused, saying, “I want to keep promises.” Keeping promises, even risking one’s life, is virtue of a politician. The GNP should remember that the public who threw majority votes to it this time is watching closely.

Song Young-eon, Editorial Writer, youngeon@donga.com