Virtue of Sacrifice
By Shim Jae-yun
New Media Editor
Months ago, a TV program featured a group of pet dogs living in a house. One of them became the target of attention with its attachment to a water supplier fit for dog feeding. The dog was greedy enough to try to monopolize the equipment, staying close to it all the time while preventing other dogs from approaching it.
As a result, the pet could not enjoy other forms of happiness around him, such as cuddling and flirting with others, while staying near the ``monitoring'' post. Nervous, the owner worked out remedies for the pet's misbehaviors, mobilizing both ``forceful and motivating'' means. The result was positive and the pet managed to escape from its ``self-imposed exile'' and found a new life.
Monk Beopjeong, who is famous for his pursuit of ``non-possession,'' wrote in an essay that he felt anxious due to an orchid he got from an acquaintance. Living in a humble cottage on a remote mountain, he began worrying about the condition of the plant when he was outside the house, mindful of various factors needed for the plant's survival such as water and an ideal temperature. Recognizing that the orchid had become a source of mental agony, he decided to return it and at last found his equilibrium.
It seems that former Defense Minister Kim Jang-soo is one of the happiest men in the political arena these days, as he is certain to become a lawmaker of the governing Grand National Party (GNP) under the proportional representation system. He had also been given a similar offer from the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), which he rejected.
Kim gained popularity with his manly and straightforward attitude while serving as defense minister. He earned the nickname ``upright Jangsoo'' due to his square manner when shaking hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il during the second inter-Korean summit. He was once reckoned as potential defense minister for the current administration, but said he would not take the post as he is a man of former government.
In contrast, former chief of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Kim Man-bok has become the target of public cynicism with his mean and seemingly greedy attitude. He created a stir by publicizing his role in resolving the kidnapping of Koreans by Islamic militants last year. He also invited residents of his hometown in Busan to the NIS in an apparent bid to woo their support with the April 9 parliamentary elections in mind. Compared to the defense chief, he kowtowed while exchanging greetings with the North Korean leader. In the wake of a series of instances of inappropriate behavior, he was forced to step down early this year. Despite his desire for an Assembly seat, he has never managed to get on the ticket of any parties. Now he seems to have been almost forgotten.
In a similar context, former Justice Minister Kang Geum-sil's announcement that she would never seek a parliamentary post has injected fresh air into the political arena. Kang, the front-running female politician in the progressive UDP, was supposed to assume the No. 1 party ticket under the proportional representation system, which guarantees becoming a lawmaker. Her attitude contrasted with those who stubbornly stick to become lawmakers even after they fail to get party nominations. Many of them are seeking Assembly seats as independents.
Seoul City Mayor Oh Se-hoon made a brilliant comeback after he gave up his lawmaker post years before he decided to run as Seoul mayor. President Lee Myung-bak has seen his approval rating steadily fall, hit by the current controversy over the party's candidate selection ahead of the general elections. What matters most is his insistence on saving his elder brother (House Vice Speaker Lee Sang-deuk) while ``killing'' other GNP lawmakers.
Albeit belatedly, Lee needs to stop sticking up for his brother, which is the only way for him and the GNP to get a majority in the upcoming elections. Lee confessed he has been facing difficulties these days. The reasons for his hardship seem to be declining popularity amid a brewing power struggle in the conservative party, and his adherence to his brother.
Former GNP leader Park Geun-hye began to launch salvos at Lee and the GNP by raising the issue of the candidate selection. Lee may face serious setbacks without support from Park. Lee needs to learn from Admiral Yi Soon-shin of the Joseson Kingdom, who said: ``Those attempting to live will surely die while those braving death will surely survive.''