The administration has started the process of selecting a private operator of KTX high-speed trains departing from Suseo in southern Seoul, ignoring the political community’s demand that the matter be fully debated in the National Assembly before a final decision is made. It is emerging as a national issue of contention.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said a consortium will be selected in July or August and that it will be given the right to operate KTX trains running the Suseo-Busan and Suseo-Mokpo lines for 15 years from 2015. But this plan is opposed by some civic groups as well as Korea Railroad Corp.

The selection of a private operator will put an end to the monopoly of Korea Railroad Corp., which has operated all KTX trains. The ministry says competition between a private operator and KORAIL will help provide better service at a lower cost.

There should be no opposition to the selection of a private operator if the idea of encouraging competition for better service is guaranteed to work as the ministry promises. As the Seoul Subway Line No. 9 case shows, however, the operation of a train system by a private consortium may not necessarily help lower prices and improve services. The subway operator has recently demanded the basic fare be raised from 1,050 won to 1,550 won.

The opposition Democratic United Party opposes the plan to privatize the operation of the Suseo-Busan and Suseo-Mokpo lines. It accuses President Lee Myung-bak’s administration of attempting to line the pockets of business conglomerates it favors. On the other hand, the ruling Saenuri Party favors the plan. But it demands a debate on the issue at the National Assembly.

True, public debates have been held on several occasions in the past. But they failed to draw attention from the public and the political community as they were overshadowed by parliamentary campaigns during the run-up to the April 11 general election.

The administration is urged to sponsor a new round of public debates on the issue with the participation of KORAIL representatives and nongovernmental organizations as well as transport experts. The National Assembly may also sponsor one as well.

Of course, renewed debates may delay the project. But it would be better to ensure it will proceed with public support than to let it falter in the face of intensifying opposition from its detractors.