hankyoreh

People Power Party presidential nominee Yoon Seok-youl (center) poses for a photo with young people vying for the position of youth advisor for his camp, while stopping by the open recruitment interviews held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building on Saturday morning. (Yonhap News)

“Journalists and prosecutors both seek out truth, place importance on fieldwork, and risk their all for fairness and justice. When they bow down to power, justice dies out, and the people who are powerless wither away.”

This remark came from Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party (PPP), during a debate hosted by the Kwanhun Club on Tuesday.

Prosecutors are representatives of the public’s interests. They stand for the community, punishing and passing judgment on others. After a long career as a prosecutor, one may fall under the illusion that they themselves are synonymous with state power. Journalists check and criticize politicians. After a long career as a journalist, one may fall under the illusion that they are much more influential figures than politicians.

Those who criticize and pass judgment on others accumulate bad karma. This is why it’s risky for those with long careers as journalists or prosecutors to plunge head-first into a career in politics.

Now, Yoon’s attitude concerning the scandal surrounding his wife Kim Keon-hee’s falsified credentials is under fire. Since his apology on Friday, Yoon has stubbornly resisted accountability. What could be the reason for such obstinacy?

In Yoon’s own words, the kernel of Yoon’s apology Friday is that “regardless of why, the fact that [Kim Keon-hee’s] credentials were inaccurately stated and created cause for controversy in itself counters common sense and the ideals of fairness [Yoon has been] emphasizing. The principles and standards [Yoon] consistently upheld should be applied equally to [Yoon himself, his family, and his circle.]” However, Yoon told reporters on Sunday to use their discretion in judging his wife’s case as “many of the claims made by the Democratic Party are false,” adding that he would not comment on each and every allegation.

As a matter of fact, many of the accusations made by the ruling Democratic Party and its lawmakers against Yoon’s wife are indeed inaccurate. Those should be responded to and debunked by Kim herself or by the PPP’s election committee. But at the same time, both the party and Yoon himself should acknowledge and apologize for accusations that are valid, of which there are also many. However, they refuse to do so.

What should be made of Yoon’s hard-line response? It may be attributed to pride. Pride is at the heart of Yoon’s unwillingness to admit to fault, to fall behind in the race.

A former prosecutor practicing law once said, “Why have former prosecutors general never thrown their hat in the ring for president or started careers in politics? Those who’ve held the hilt of the sword in their hands all their lives cannot possibly understand what it’s like to be on the edge of the knife they once held. One should not expect Yoon to possess the virtues of a politician.”

Yoon became the picture of a righteous prosecutor standing against abiding power through his role in the probe against former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. He captivated not only supporters of the main opposition party but also moderates, ultimately rising to become a presidential nominee. But due to the controversy surrounding his wife, moderate voters may be turning their backs on him.

In an interview with the Hankyoreh, PPP campaign chief Kim Chong-in said that “having emphasized the principles of fairness and justice, Yoon will not disappoint the people of Korea.” However, Kim added a caveat, saying, “Though, I’m not sure what will happen later on.” He was expressing his concern for what may come should Yoon win the presidency. But Yoon’s self-avowed principles of fairness and justice are already faltering even before the election.

Will Yoon persist? His approval rating will be key. Recent polls indicate that Yoon has lost some of his following. A further drop in support will make the situation untenable for Yoon. In the end, he may end up having to apologize after losing everything he has.

The mood within the PPP is reportedly better than one would expect. An insider familiar with the goings-on of the opposition camp said, “Yoon and his party believe that the effects of the controversy surrounding Yoon’s wife will be limited.”

The insider also added, “Because unifying with People’s Party presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo remains a possibility, Yoon and the PPP are still confident that they will win the presidency in the upcoming election.”

By Seong Han-yong, senior editorial writer

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]