By Jane Han
Staff Reporter
Early this month, MBC's popular current affairs show, ``100 Minutes,'' enjoyed record ratings. The never-exhausted issue of U.S. beef imports was the first and most obvious factor, and the other was the rare media appearance of Korea's trade minister, Kim Jong-hoon. People wanted to hear more from him than his usual, succinct words tossed to reporters.
However, as expected, the seasoned negotiator, who stood at the center of the complex negotiations, didn't elaborate much, keeping his cool throughout the extended session despite frequent attacks made by his opposition. He simply stressed from start to finish that overhauling the controversial beef deal with Washington was not a smart option.
``A renegotiation is possible if the counterpart accepts (the demand for that),'' Kim, who is known to be frank, said with authority, ``but the United States has made it clear several times it is not in favor of it. We need a reality check at this point whether it's really worth all the trade retaliation expected.''
Leaving those last words behind, the trade minister flew to Washington a day after the debate to meet with his counterpart Susan Schwab for an additional round of talks intended to get a concession from the U.S. That's when the so-called drama directed by Kim began.
Although not to the degree of renegotiation, the 56-year-old decided to take things to the extreme in order to bring back results acceptable to the Korean people. This included twice ``threatening'' Washington that he would make an early departure to stir up a mood of urgency, all of which Agriculture Minister Chung Woon-chun described as Kim's ``brinkmanship.''
Trade experts evaluate the veteran official's tactics as premeditated, as he most likely had it figured out early on that Washington also has a lot at stake if Seoul completely backed out of the deal.
The risky strategy was the only remaining choice for the chief negotiator, who had a lot on his shoulders, including helping to rescue President Lee Myung-bak's endangered presidency. The use of the word ``brinkmanship,'' most often associated with North Korea's nuclear policy, demonstrates the on-the-edge status of Lee's government.
Weeks of massive street rallies and candlelit vigils against the April 18 bilateral beef accord, which virtually allowed all parts of U.S. beef from all ages, have crippled President Lee's administration less than five months into its term.
But on Saturday, Kim came back with the heavily anticipated results, which the government scored 90 out of 100.
The deal reached after intensive talks between Kim and Schwab will restrict imports of U.S. beef to products from cattle less than 30 months old. The changes will also ban shipment to Seoul of heads and spinal cords from American cattle under 30 months old.
A frazzled-looking Kim stood in front of reporters Saturday to deliver the outcome of the talks in detail.
The silver-haired veteran, nicknamed ``gladiator'' for his sharp-eyed image, admitted the numerous hurdles he faced during the weeklong negotiation. Kim said he took with him to Washington a large aerial photo of the June 10 demonstration in downtown Seoul as preparation for a strong rebuttal.
``When the American side rejected our demands citing `science,' I showed the picture and told them, `Look at this. Can we resolve this with science?''' Kim said.
Although the public still calling on a ``complete renegotiation'' remains vocal, protests have significantly subsided since June 10.
This isn't the first time Kim has come to the rescue. The career diplomat played a pivotal role in clinching the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. in early April of last year. During the 14-month long talks was when he became a familiar figure nationwide.
At the time, he had to listen to and balance the demands of both South Korea and the U.S., as each have their respective interests in the major trade accord.
After finishing off the FTA, which is still at an impasse due to the lack of congressional approval from both sides, Kim was lauded for his strategic tactics and was promoted to minister.
Kim, an appointee of former President Roh Moo-hyun, offered his resignation after President Lee came into office this February, but in a rare move Cheong Wa Dae retained him.
``I assumed my duty with the mindset of a warrior. He who seeks his death shall live, and he who seeks his life shall die,'' said the diplomat after the completion of the FTA deal. Known as enjoying extreme sports during his free time, Kim is widely known to carry the same energy and drive to the negotiation table.