Sohn's Seoul address prompts rumors of political comeback
Crushed NPAD opens door for aspiring leaders
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Sohn Hak-kyu
Sohn Hak-kyu, a retired politician who last year went to live in the southern city of Gangjin in South Jeolla Province, where he has since shunned outside contact, recently signed a contract to lease a home in Seoul.
The house contract has stirred speculation of a possible political comeback because it came as main opposition party leader Moon Jae-in remains under fire for his party’s dismal results in the April 29 by-elections.
Aides say that Sohn, former advisor to the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD), needs a second home in Seoul because he sometimes visits the capital to attend weddings and funerals or to meet people.
Despite repeated denials by Sohn, his new address in Seoul has political circles abuzz with rumors of a potential political comeback because it comes about a year ahead of the general elections.
The move also coincides with growing speculation of a possible split within the NPAD. Independent Chun Jung-bae won the Gwangju election on April 29 and is pushing for a new liberal party that can best represent the southwestern Jeolla Province.
NPAD Chairman Moon’s leadership has been put to the test following a total defeat in the by-elections for four parliamentary seats.
Sohn’s moving to Seoul is increasing the possibility that he could run in the parliamentary elections in Seoul next year.
Chun, who grabbed the media headlines following his win in the Gwangju election, is another viable politician who can deal a serious blow to NPAD Chairman Moon.
The former justice minister under the liberal Roh Moo-hyun government will pay a courtesy visit to former first lady Lee Hee-ho, wife of the late President Kim Dae-jung, Wednesday, before paying tribute to the late President Kim.
Such plans are aimed at earning endorsement from the Kim couple that Chun is the right successor to represent the Jeolla region.
The independent politician’s move came amid mounting criticism about Moon from within the party.
During a meeting with senior NPAD lawmakers, third-term lawmaker Joo Seung-yong blamed the legion of Roh Moo-hyun aides, including Moon, for the election results.
“We have heard that NPAD supporters gave a warning to our party by casting their votes against the party candidate in the Gwangju election,” he said. “They are sick and tired of Roh aides.”
In an attempt to allay anger harbored by home turf citizens, Rep. Moon went down to the southwestern city on Monday. At the airport, he faced protestors holding a banner reading, “Never Attempt to Fool Us Again.” Citizens there gave the NPAD leader the cold shoulder.
Inside the main opposition party, interpretations of the April 29 by-election results vary.
Rep. Kim Dong-cheol said that home turf voters were angry and that they tried to send out the message that the NPAD is heading in the wrong direction by voting for independent Chun.
“The election results can best be understood using a parent-son analogy. Our parent is so angry with us, who are spoiled sons, so he used a rod on us to correct our wrongs. But the parent didn’t intend to frustrate us but tried to teach us that what we’ve done is wrong.”
The lawmaker warned of overreaction to Chun’s victory in the Gwangjju election.
According to Kim, NPAD home turf voters cast their ballots tactically and they chose Chun to send a warning message to the main opposition party.