It Makes a Difference to the Sheep

ONE YEAR LATER: THOUGHTS ON ROH MOO-HYUN

"Though the Roh administration has been a failure in general, it helped reduce authoritarianism and the tyranny of powerful national agencies," said Yoo Jong-pil, spokesman of the former ruling MDP.

Said Bae Yong-soo, vice spokesman of the main opposition Grand National Party, "President Roh has failed to satisfy people's desire for reform and change and even some of his supporters are very disappointed and turning their backs."

Such comment is expected from his political rivals. But what about those who are most affected by his policies and the administration of the world's 12th-largest economy in the world in terms of trade volume?

"I see no problem in President Roh's economic polices so far, but he has to resolve people's anxiety about dramatic social reform," said Jeffrey D. Jones, honorary chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.

To regain the public's confidence and push forward his reform agenda, Roh must open his mind more to criticism and try harder to build consensus on major and controversial policies, political analysts said.

"It is a big mistake if the president thinks he can do whatever he wants to do without public consensus," Prof. Lee said. "He must keep asking people about what they want and then should do it."

Park Young-sun, spokeswoman for the pro-government Uri Party founded in September by Roh loyalists, believes the president should push ahead with his reform policies - but in a manner that is conciliatory to all citizens.

"Although we experienced some ideological disputes last year, we are in the process of becoming one beyond ideologies, rank and titles," Park said.

Though it would seem like it to the average South Korean, Roh has not spent his entire first year in office fending off attacks from political opponents or spinning into damage-control mode with every new scandal.

The Korea Herald article adds this tidbit of conventional wisdom:

Roh's single five-year term runs through February 2008 and he is barred by the Constitution from seeking re-election. He has a lot of work to do if he hopes to make his next four years in office any more significant than his first.

Doesn't look good for Roh.