Roh Moo-hyun legacy resonates

Moon Jae-in, left, the former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), and An Hee-jung, right, also a DPK member, vie to court support from followers of former President Roh Moo-hyun. / Korea Times, Yonhap

Two presidential hopefuls vie to court supporters of former president

By Choi Ha-young

The suicide of former President Roh Moo-hyun on May 23, 2009, was one of the most tragic and shocking events in modern Korean history, but it was also the moment when his lasting legacy began.

His longtime friend Moon Jae-in announced his death in a tearful statement. Roh's other confidant An Hee-jung was a pall bearer at Roh's funeral.

Now, the two political heirs to Roh are vying for the presidency as two of the strongest contenders. Moon, the former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is cementing his lead in polls; while South Chungcheong Province Governor An, also a DPK member, is emerging as a dark horse.

They are now poised for a battle in the party's primary. The winner is expected to have a strong chance of becoming the country's next president.

Moon, a former human rights lawyer, served as presidential chief of staff for Roh. When the former President was impeached in 2004 by the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Moon was his attorney and when Roh was investigated for bribery allegations in 2009 after leaving Cheong Wa Dae, he defended him.

For Roh, Moon was more than a friend. Roh once said, "If someone suspects my capacity, I will tell them that Moon is my friend."

An, 11 years younger than Moon, met Roh in 1994. As a leading aide in Roh's presidential camp, he was nicknamed "Roh's left-hand" with his friend Lee Kwang-jae, "Roh's right-hand." An, who shouldered responsibility for illegal political funds Roh allegedly received from Samsung, didn't accept any position during the latter's term after being sentenced to a one-year prison term.

"My loyalty to Roh was loyalty to the ordinary people, who don't have power and wealth. After he was elected, imprisonment was the only thing I received," An said in a tearful speech in 2010 during his campaign for governor.

Roh's legacy

Roh, who suddenly rose to become a star politician after he threw a nameplate at military dictator Chun Doo-hwan, was always in the center of controversy. "Rohsamo" ― literally meaning people who love Roh ― was the first-ever fan club for a politician in Korea. He was also the first President to be impeached here.

After the dramatic candle lit rallies calling for his reinstatement, he pushed for the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement and dispatched troops to Iraq, which made his supporters turn away from him. When facing thorny issues, he didn't avoid talking openly. To reform the prosecution, Roh argued with prosecutors for two hours in a televised discussion.

"As a symbol of justice, Roh's largest contribution was anti-authoritarianism," said Im Hyug-baeg, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Korea University. "However, he lost his own authority as president in the end, which led to his failure," said Im, who once served as an advisor to Roh.

He was much happier after his five-year presidential term ended. His hometown of Bongha Village in South Gyeongsang Province emerged as a tourist attraction.

The president-turned-farmer started to live a life that was full of joy ― taking bicycle rides with his granddaughter, enjoying an occasional cigarette and dreaming of eco-friendly agriculture ― before prosecutors began looking into allegations of bribery against his family and friends, which led to his suicide.

Citizens came to recall the former president's humble image, particularly after the influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil, caused by Park's closed-mind and authoritarian leadership style.

Following Roh's reviving popularity, the newly released movie "The King," based on Roh's journey through life, has so far drawn over 5 million viewers. An was invited to a public screening, Thursday.

Now, Roh's hometown is a must visit spot for all presidential aspirants, not only liberals but also conservatives. Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung of the DPK paid his respects at the former President's grave there, Sunday. "I will complete his dream of making a fair society without privilege," Lee said. "I am proud of myself for eagerly fighting to achieve his ideals."

Conservative hopeful Rep. Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party also visited the village Wednesday, sending out the message of integration across ideologies.

Roh's shortcomings are as evident as his strengths. Despite his slogans in favor of the common people, he failed to alleviate growing polarization. His insufficient economic policies resulted in the conservatives' return to power. The conservatives often criticize Roh's "pro-North" security policy line, which still haunts Moon.

"Regardless of the truth, Moon has been dogged by allegations that Roh yielded to the North's request on the Northern Limit Line and asked Pyongyang about it's view of U.N. pressure on its human rights problem," said Junhan Lee, a professor of political science at Incheon National University.

"To overcome the anxiety around him, Moon has recruited military leader Chun In-bum and other veterans," Lee added.

Compared to Moon, An is less burdened by Roh's mistakes since he didn't assume any position during the late President's term.

However, An is currently under fire from other DPK hopefuls for his proposal to share power with conservatives, which is in line with Roh's "Grand Coalition."

"This was an improper moment to suggest a grand coalition. An has to win the DPK's primary," professor Im said.

Im said both contenders are more careful than Roh, and so are less likely to make slips of the tongue; however, he pointed to An's speaking style. An held a five-hour free debate instead of the typical press conference to declare his presidential bid, which reminded voters of Roh, but he was criticized for using vague words.

"Roh was an eloquent speaker with hard-hitting and witty words. Also, he was an action-oriented person. On the other hand, An's expressions are too philosophical. Politicians should deliver an understandable message to voters," he said.