Sohn leaves for Germany

By Jun Ji-hye

Sohn Hak-kyu

Sohn Hak-kyu, senior advisor of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP), left for Germany Tuesday to undertake research on welfare policies and work practices during a six month residence there.

As part of the main opposition party’s recent efforts toward reform after its defeat in the presidential election, the former lawmaker is seeking a new political vision and role by distancing himself from domestic politics.

“I threw away any greed for position or honor. I want to take some time to reflect on myself,” Sohn told his followers at Incheon International Airport.

Following the decision, Sohn, the former chairman of the DUP, will not participate in a leadership contest at the party’s convention slated to be held as early as the end of March.

Sohn plans to pursue research in such areas as welfare, labor, the environment and unification at the Free University of Berlin. He will be supported by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (Foundation), a think tank associated with the Social Democratic Party in the European nation.

His fields of study are in line with a slogan he touted during the party's presidential primary race calling for “Life with an evening.” The former Gyeonggi Province governor stressed that employees should be able to return home in time to enjoy dinner with their family. He called on companies to reduce overall working hours and adopt flexible working schedules.

“I can never give up on trying to realize ‘Life with an evening.’ It should be a future value,” Sohn said. He added he decided to go to Germany last September when the DUP’s primary finished.

Political watchers say that Sohn will appear in the domestic political circle again at an appropriate time because he emerged as a key figure among figures against late President Roh Moo-hyun during the primary. At the time, he competed with Moon Jae-in, the DUP’s former presidential candidate, backed by pro-Roh factions.

It is also speculated that Sohn could combine forces with former independent candidate Ahn Cheol-soo after the two held a private meeting in November, three days after Ahn’s withdrawal from the presidential race.

Both figures are political moderates and oppose Roh’s followers.

Polinews chairman Kim Neung-gu said, “Two figures have many things in common. This could lead them to do something together.”

Ahn is currently staying in the United States and thinking about details on new politics, said his aides.