hankyoreh

The crushing defeat in the May 31 local-level elections of the Uri and Democratic Labor parties, the two political bodies that normally bridge the gap between different factions of the left, is deepening worry among progressive political circles. To assess the aftermath, the Hankyoreh gathered opinions from officials in civic organizations, universities, and religious, women’s rights and labor groups.

Defeat for progressive circles?

Most experts said the election defeat was a result of the ruling party’s loyalty to President Roh Moo-hyun, not a defeat for overall progressive forces.

Sohn Ho-cheol, professor of Sogang University, said, “The election results [signal a positive judgement of] the incumbent administration," referring to the Grand National Party, whose members, he said, are considered conservative progressives. Professor Sohn said the crushing defeat was an outcome of frustration felt by "middle-income, ordinary people."

Kim Ki-sik, a senior official of the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), said, “People felt betrayed because the government’s reforms on social policies were delayed, while the government achieved political reform to a certain level.”

Placing blame more squarely on progressives in general, Cheong Hyun-baek, chief of the Korea Women’s Associations United (KWAU), said, “Progressive forces failed to show their capacity in offering alternatives and resolving conflicts.” Ms. Cheong said the fundamental problem is a lack of social networks that support progressive forces.

Kim Young-ho, co-head of the People’s Coalition for Media Reform, said, “The defeat was a natural outcome because the current government had ignored people’s continued warnings.” Mr. Kim expected the election defeat to deal a big blow to progressive circles, beyond just a defeat for the ruling party.

Future of Roh Moo-hyun administration?

Most experts urged the Roh Moo-hyun administration to exercise clearer reform measures. Among others, the top priority is to resolve economic polarization, they said. Park Myung-lim of Yonsei University said, “If the current government fails to resolve economic polarization, it will lay the groundwork for negative legacies,” Park pointed out democracy will be in disarray if a healthy ’citizen class’ is dismantled throughout economic polarization.

Mr. Kim of the PSPD said, “The Roh Moo-hyun government should look back to its identity. In the past, the government said it would resolve economic polarization, but it pushed talks for a free trade agreement with the U.S. In addition, the government said it would say what it has to say in diplomacy, but it allowed the U.S. forces to move their base to Daechu-ri.”

Monk Hyolim, head of the National Organization for Practicing Buddhism, said, “The Uri Party, the Democratic Labor Party, and the Democratic Party should join forces to push reforms, such as the abolition of the National Security Law.”

Cheong Il-yong, head of the Journalists Association of Korea, said, “The government should earn people’s support by making reforms needed in Korean society without concerning conservative forces.”

Failure for Democratic Labor Party?

The disappointing result by the Democratic Labor Party in the May 31 local elections was mainly because it did not ’market’ itself as an alternative political force, according to the opinions of many of those polled by the Hankyoreh.

Cho Joon-ho, head of the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions, said, “I admit that the Democratic Labor Party has a limit as an alternative force. It should have the capacity to reflect people’s passions on political issues.”

Lee Yong-deuk, head of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, said the party needed to develop its image further. Mr. Lee said the party should also abandon its tactic of being all-or-nothing about certain issues.

Ha Seung-chang, senior official of Citizens’ Action, said, “The Democratic Labor Party must reconsider its progressive policies after thinking about why prior supporters of the ruling party don’t move to the DLP.” Mr. Ha advised the Democratic Labor Party to shake off its image associating it with the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions.

Choi Yeol, head of the Green Fund, said, “The Democratic Labor Party lost the elections because it failed to attract people’s attention. The party should go more public with practical alternatives.”

What’s the lesson for progressives?

Park Tae-kyun of Seoul National University said, “Progressive forces haven’t advanced enough since democratization.” Professor Park urged the forces to develop an unique approach.

KWAU’s Ms. Cheong chided the progressives for not being as dynamic as the people who support them, saying they needed to adapt and change more readily.

The Green Fund’s Mr. Choi saw a light at the end of the tunnel: “Progressives are expected to join forces with civic groups and experts, to turn this crisis into an opportunity.”