Rep. Choo Mi-ae, the new leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), devoted much of her speech Tuesday to economic matters, especially citizens' livelihoods.
During her first address as a party leader at the National Assembly, she urged the government to take strong measures to revitalize the moribund economy, saying politics cannot take precedence over people's bread-and-butter issues. Choo, a five-term lawmaker, proposed a one-on-one meeting with President Park Geun-hye to address imminent economic issues.
Choo's speech drew keen interest because it focused primarily on the economy rather than politically sensitive issues, including the corruption scandal involving senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Woo Byung-woo, which had previously been the norm. On the issue of the government's decision to deploy the U.S.-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on Korean soil, she just called the decision a "diplomatic gaffe'' and refrained from explicitly opposing the deployment.
Most lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party also avoided jeering at the opposition leader while she was speaking and applauded when she ended her address ― rare and refreshing scenes in domestic politics usually characterized by conflicts and clashes.
Given encouraging signals from Choo's address, one can hope ― albeit prematurely ― that dialogue and compromise might be possible in Korean politics. But if the past is any guide, it remains to be seen whether our politicians can stop their endless bickering to better serve the public.
In fact, opposition parties have been mired in opposition for opposition's sake on most national issues. What is most painful is that the government's structural reform initiative has come to an end almost fruitlessly owing largely to the MPK's interruption.
It goes without saying that President Park and her administration are to blame for the mess in national affairs. Equally responsible for all these fiascos is the main opposition party, which has often stood in the way of the administration performing its duties. At a time when opposition parties hold a majority in the legislature, their irresponsible behavior will no longer be tolerable.
The presidential office is reported to be lukewarm on Choo's offer for talks. Given that the top opposition leader refrained from political offensives and proposed discussing bread-and-butter issues, Cheong Wa Dae needs to respond positively.
From now on, it is hoped that political parties will deal with economic issues separately no matter how fiercely they disagree politically; even more so if they deal with people's livelihoods.
During her first address as a party leader at the National Assembly, she urged the government to take strong measures to revitalize the moribund economy, saying politics cannot take precedence over people's bread-and-butter issues. Choo, a five-term lawmaker, proposed a one-on-one meeting with President Park Geun-hye to address imminent economic issues.
Choo's speech drew keen interest because it focused primarily on the economy rather than politically sensitive issues, including the corruption scandal involving senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Woo Byung-woo, which had previously been the norm. On the issue of the government's decision to deploy the U.S.-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on Korean soil, she just called the decision a "diplomatic gaffe'' and refrained from explicitly opposing the deployment.
Most lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party also avoided jeering at the opposition leader while she was speaking and applauded when she ended her address ― rare and refreshing scenes in domestic politics usually characterized by conflicts and clashes.
Given encouraging signals from Choo's address, one can hope ― albeit prematurely ― that dialogue and compromise might be possible in Korean politics. But if the past is any guide, it remains to be seen whether our politicians can stop their endless bickering to better serve the public.
In fact, opposition parties have been mired in opposition for opposition's sake on most national issues. What is most painful is that the government's structural reform initiative has come to an end almost fruitlessly owing largely to the MPK's interruption.
It goes without saying that President Park and her administration are to blame for the mess in national affairs. Equally responsible for all these fiascos is the main opposition party, which has often stood in the way of the administration performing its duties. At a time when opposition parties hold a majority in the legislature, their irresponsible behavior will no longer be tolerable.
The presidential office is reported to be lukewarm on Choo's offer for talks. Given that the top opposition leader refrained from political offensives and proposed discussing bread-and-butter issues, Cheong Wa Dae needs to respond positively.
From now on, it is hoped that political parties will deal with economic issues separately no matter how fiercely they disagree politically; even more so if they deal with people's livelihoods.
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