Park allows no compromises

By Kang Seung-woo

President Park Geun-hye is famous for her principle of no-compromise.

It has earned her a reputation for being dependable since her salad days as a politician.

Now as head of state, the daughter of the former President Park Chung-hee has remained virtually the same as shown in her New Year press conference Monday.

Political analysts say that the President’s “self-righteous” governing style may prevent her from gaining momentum in administrating state affairs in the third year of her term, during which the Park administration is required to produce tangible results.

In response to growing negative response to the press conference, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday that it will closely pay attention to public opinion.

The President apologizing for the “memogate” scandal that involved four of her key aides, earned good reviews.

After that, however, Park showed she was still in a world of her own, when opposing personnel renewal at Cheong Wa Dae of those touched by the scandal, including presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon, and even defending them on the back of the prosecution probe that exonerated them. This was despite a public poll by Gallup Korea last week which revealed that 59 percent of respondents did not trust the investigation.

“After the press conference, I have again recognized that a head of state does not change his or her leadership style during a presidential term. It was quite a predictable press conference,” said Hangil Research director Hong Hyeong-sik.

“I am worried whether such an awareness and leadership style can guide the nation to reach achievements ranging from finding new growth engines to managing state affairs.”

He added that Park is likely to lose momentum as time passes due to a lack of public support.

Prof. Choi Chang-ryul of Yongin University said the press conference showed that she does not listen to what people say.

“The public and even, the ruling party wanted to renew personnel at the presidential office including the three secretaries and the chief of staff. But the President seems to be too far removed from public sentiment,” Choi said.

Such a “no-compromise” style will not help her government push ahead with pending issues including her “ambitious” reform plan for the pension system for civil servants.

“Lack of communication will hurt future relations with the opposition party, which will prevent her from pushing pending issues that require bipartisan cooperation,” said Choi.

Meanwhile, despite her readiness for an inter-Korean summit indicated at the news conference, North Korea analysts say that she should have come up with more specific plans.

“In order to lead inter-Korean ties, Park should have made more attractive proposals to bring the North to the table,” said An Chan-il, head of the World Institute for North Korea Studies.

Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at the Sejong Institute, said, “Park’s reluctance to respond to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s summit proposal prohibits the North Korean authorities from coming forward for talks at once.”

He added that it is appropriate not to worsen bilateral ties, but Seoul needs to show a more aggressive position for cross-border rapprochement.