Looking in from the oustide

By Lee Hyon-soo

We are labeled “overseas Koreans.” Although we live abroad, Korea is always on our minds.

We read Korean newspapers on the Internet and watch Korean news and dramas on satellite TV. Indeed we are Korea watchers in the true sense of the word. Not only are we well informed of what is going on in Korea, but we form unbiased opinions that we are prepared to share with anybody who would listen. For what it is worth, the gist of our general opinions on Korea is as follows:

o begin with, we are very proud of Korea’s remarkable economic achievements. The record speaks for itself. Korea boasts the world’s 15th largest economy with per capita GNP estimated at about $25,000. It is also the world’s 8th biggest trading partner.

Furthermore, Korea has a competitive edge in the production of cars, ships, cell phones, televisions, semiconductors and other electronic goods. Many Korean companies such as Samsung, Hyundai and LG are household names worldwide. Needless to say, we share in the glory that comes with Korea’s brilliant accomplishment.

We note that Korea has come a long way politically and is now a truly democratic society where political rights are fully guaranteed. Presidential and parliamentary elections are held at regular intervals. And a peaceful transfer of power between political parties is assured.

Nevertheless, as we see it, there is one area that leaves much to be desired on the political front. What we have in mind is the behavior of Korean lawmakers. Let me elaborate.

When we observe the manner in which Korean lawmakers conduct their business in parliament, we cannot help thinking that none of them are statesmen. The Webster dictionary defines a statesman as “one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship.”

There seem to be many reasons why Korea lacks statesmen. Firstly, the deep-rooted regionalism that prevails in Korea comes to mind. For instance, a severe rivalry exists between Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces, both of which are extremely partisan. Therefore, lawmakers do not have the courage to go against the collective wishes of the provinces from which they come.

Secondly, the nomination process in which candidates are chosen for parliamentary seats is far from democratic. Candidates are handpicked by party bosses without regard to public opinion in the constituencies in which they are to run. Therefore, once elected, they are in the pocket of party bosses and vote blindly in the parliament as directed.

Otherwise, they will fall out of favor and will not get the nomination for the next election. This explains why those who have distinguished themselves in their former professions disappoint us by acting as mere rubber stamps after they become lawmakers.

Thirdly, the voters are to blame. It is obvious that they do not scrutinize their candidates carefully. Their voting behavior seems to be emotional rather than rational. That is why they elect undesirable lawmakers who act irresponsibly or impertinently. What is amazing is that those lawmakers who habitually disgrace themselves are re-elected.

A case in point is a notorious lawmaker who made Korea a laughingstock worldwide by throwing a tear gas bomb in parliament. Despite what he did, he was returned to parliament by his constituency.

Korean lawmakers should be cognizant of what they are called upon to do. Instead of remaining as mediocre politicians whose sole concern is re-election, they should strive to act as statesmen who put the national interest ahead of the party line.

Unless they do so, they will continue to be denied the high esteem that they think they deserve.

The writer is a freelance columnist based in Toronto, Canada. His email address is tomhslee@hanmail.net.