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[Editorial] Business as usual
Sung scandal should not sideline key national agenda
By Korea HeraldPublished : April 19, 2015 - 18:42
It seems that there are only two things in Korean politics these days ― the Sung Woan-jong scandal and the rest.
Given that the scandal surrounds people close to President Park Geun-hye and that it contains some interesting elements ― politicians, money, death, lies, conspiracies and finger pointing ― it is hardly surprising that the case has become the hottest political issue in Korea.
Moreover, no one knows where the prosecution’s investigation will end up. There is already talk of possible probe into campaign funding during the 2012 election, for both Park and her former opponent and the current opposition leader Moon Jae-in.
By most indications, the scandal will shake the political community to its foundations and put the Park administration into its gravest crisis. Which is why we worry about its possible impact on reforms and other major national agenda.
Our first concern goes to the all-important overhaul of the pension plans for government employees.
The ruling and opposition parties had agreed to draw up a proposal to reform the pension scheme by May 1 and complete legislation work on it by May 6. But it is uncertain whether the rival parties, who even at normal times are better at quarreling than working together, will be able to meet the timetable amid the chaos of the Sung scandal.
Labor reform is another area of concern. With the tripartite talks ruptured, major labor groups are resorting to collective action, heightening tension with the government and employers.
The radical Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has already called a general strike on April 24, which will be joined by the unions for government workers and teachers. To make matters worse, the less militant Federation of Korean Trade Unions has decided to join the fray, threatening to call a general strike in late May or early June.
The nation cannot afford to delay reform of the civil service pension reform, which soaks up about 10 billion won of taxpayers’ money every day, and the labor market reform, which is essential for, among other things, creating jobs, especially for young people.
It might be ironic, but the Sung scandal, which is exposing the dirty, shameful aspects of our politics, should be an occasion for the government, major parties and the National Assembly, to show that they are mature enough to make national issues their main business.
Given that the scandal surrounds people close to President Park Geun-hye and that it contains some interesting elements ― politicians, money, death, lies, conspiracies and finger pointing ― it is hardly surprising that the case has become the hottest political issue in Korea.
Moreover, no one knows where the prosecution’s investigation will end up. There is already talk of possible probe into campaign funding during the 2012 election, for both Park and her former opponent and the current opposition leader Moon Jae-in.
By most indications, the scandal will shake the political community to its foundations and put the Park administration into its gravest crisis. Which is why we worry about its possible impact on reforms and other major national agenda.
Our first concern goes to the all-important overhaul of the pension plans for government employees.
The ruling and opposition parties had agreed to draw up a proposal to reform the pension scheme by May 1 and complete legislation work on it by May 6. But it is uncertain whether the rival parties, who even at normal times are better at quarreling than working together, will be able to meet the timetable amid the chaos of the Sung scandal.
Labor reform is another area of concern. With the tripartite talks ruptured, major labor groups are resorting to collective action, heightening tension with the government and employers.
The radical Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has already called a general strike on April 24, which will be joined by the unions for government workers and teachers. To make matters worse, the less militant Federation of Korean Trade Unions has decided to join the fray, threatening to call a general strike in late May or early June.
The nation cannot afford to delay reform of the civil service pension reform, which soaks up about 10 billion won of taxpayers’ money every day, and the labor market reform, which is essential for, among other things, creating jobs, especially for young people.
It might be ironic, but the Sung scandal, which is exposing the dirty, shameful aspects of our politics, should be an occasion for the government, major parties and the National Assembly, to show that they are mature enough to make national issues their main business.
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Articles by Korea Herald
