Liberal politician`s retirement from politics

When President Lee Myung-bak gave a farewell speech Tuesday, Rhyu Si-min, former co-chairman of the minor opposition Unified Progressive Party, announced his retirement from politics. “Before it`s too late, I`m leaving the world of politics as a job to seek the life I want,” Rhyu said, who got a headstart in leaving politics over the outgoing president in Internet portals and social networking services. Rhyu`s supporters praised him, with one saying, “It’s so sad. He`ll be remembered as the best political reformist both theoretically and practically.” His critics were not so kind, however, with one saying, “He might have no more parties to break away from. I wish he could join the (main opposition) Democratic United Party.” Rhyu enjoyed the highest approval rating among opposition politicians until Moon Jae-in and Ahn Cheol-soo emerged as presidential contenders for the liberal camp in 2011. For this reason, many Koreans have shown huge interest in Rhyu`s retirement.

Rhyu joined politics in summer 2002, when then opposition presidential candidate Roh Moo-hyun faced a challenge, saying, “I’ll punish dirty play against Roh with the spirit of running into a barricade with a firebomb.” Rhyu`s sophisticated rhetoric and writing turned into a poisoned sword that stabbed those who did not support Roh after he became the latter`s "spiritual presidential security chief.” A fellow lawmaker said, “(Rhyu) always says the right thing but says it like a bastard.” This reflects Rhyu`s capacity and the limit of the Roh administration. Lee Baek-mahn, former senior presidential secretary for public relations, said on Facebook, “Rhyu’s frustration is our frustration.”

Koreans cannot tolerate four things: real estate speculation, draft dodging, tax evasion (or plagiarism) and rough language. If Roh disappointed the people with his blunt way of speaking, Rhyu upset others with his splendid rhetoric and changed his words as if he didn’t say. When rumors grew that the ruling Uri Party and the Democratic Party might merge, he said, “How extremely inappropriate to insist on marrying a person who dislikes you.” He, however, told the ruling Grand National Party, which did not budge on Roh’s proposal for a grand governing coalition, “It`s wrong for a lumberjack not to hit a tree 10 times.”

Few would doubt his sincerity on retiring. In “Deferred Payment Democracy,” a book he authored in early 2009, Rhyu said, “It is quixotic to run into politics without fear due to compassion for the people. I won`t be like that again (page 226)!” Given his rhetoric, he could quit politics as a job but who knows if he will continue politics as a hobby or keep commenting on it. In a recent interview, he said, “When factors outside politics have an impact on politics, politics might see internal change.” By saying so, he could have implied that he will pursue activities outside politics. Many politicians are recognized more after leaving politics. Former President Kim Dae-jung came out of retirement several times and went on to become president. Who knows? The Korean people could call Rhyu back.

Editorial Writer Kim Sun-deok (yuri@donga.com)