As the 2026 local elections approach, members of the ruling party gathered in Bongha Village, Gimhae, where former President Roh Moo-hyun is commemorated. On May 23, President Lee Jae-myung attended the 17th anniversary memorial service for Roh, stating, "I will carry on the legacy of President Roh Moo-hyun." He emphasized values such as fairness, balance, inclusivity, respect for humanity, popular sovereignty, and reform. The leadership of the Democratic Party and other figures from the ruling coalition also attended the service, which is interpreted as a politically significant gathering aimed at rallying support ahead of the official campaign period.
The name Roh Moo-hyun continues to hold special significance in South Korean politics. He stood against regionalism, sought to change an authoritarian political culture, and left behind the ideal of a "world where people live together." His philosophy of reducing presidential power and emphasizing citizen participation is still regarded as a vital asset for South Korean democracy. Bongha Village has become a symbolic site for progressive politics, transcending its role as a mere memorial space.
However, what matters in politics is not merely the declaration of succession but the actual substance behind it. For the slogan of "carrying on the Roh Moo-hyun spirit" to resonate with the public, current political practices and governance must align with that spirit.
The core legacy left by Roh was not the victory of a particular faction but the commitment to political reform aimed at returning power to the people. He confronted regionalism, authoritarianism, and entrenched political interests, believing that the legitimacy of power comes from communication with the public. Thus, the essence of the Roh Moo-hyun spirit can ultimately be described as popular sovereignty and common-sense politics.
The pressing question is whether South Korean politics is moving in that direction today.
In this local election, there are significant criticisms that emotional politics and factional battles are overshadowing policy competition. The proliferation of AI-generated fake news, conspiracy theories, and politically charged content on platforms like YouTube is muddying the electoral waters. Even though it is a local election, the dynamics of central politics are being highlighted over issues like local economies, industrial strategies, youth employment, and housing. The Democratic Party speaks of punishing the ruling party, while the People Power Party advocates for checks on the government. However, issues that citizens feel, such as transportation, housing, welfare, and safety, are being sidelined.
Roh Moo-hyun emphasized citizen participation and responsible politics during his lifetime. Yet, the public now feels fatigued by politics. Conflicts are escalating, factions are becoming more extreme, and political discourse is increasingly harsh. If politics continues to foster division and hatred while invoking the Roh Moo-hyun spirit, it cannot be considered a true succession.
There are also many economic aspects that need reflection.
Roh proposed balanced development as a national strategy, believing that the concentration of power in the capital region could weaken national competitiveness and lead to regional extinction. Policies like Sejong City and innovation cities originated from this awareness. Currently, South Korea is experiencing a renewed intensification of concentration in the capital region. Young people from rural areas are moving to Seoul and the surrounding regions in search of jobs, leaving local universities and small cities struggling for survival.
This local election should ultimately focus on who can revitalize the local economy. In an era where competition in advanced industries such as semiconductors, AI, biotechnology, and batteries will determine the nation's future, the role of local governments is becoming increasingly important. The key challenge should be how to create a regional industrial ecosystem, rather than merely engaging in infrastructure projects or populist promises.
For the Roh Moo-hyun spirit to be genuinely succeeded, answers must be found at this juncture. Balanced regional development must be placed back at the center of national strategy, and local governments should evolve from mere administrative bodies into platforms for industry and innovation. This is the path that will economically support the vision of a "world where people live together."
The issue of reforming power institutions is similarly critical. In his memorial speech, President Lee expressed his intention to push for reforms without being swayed by the backlash from vested interests. However, reforms should not serve as political tools for the benefit of a specific faction but should aim to enhance public trust. Whether it is prosecutorial reform or media reform, the core should be the balance and transparency of power, avoiding any further concentration of power.
Another lesson from Roh is the restraint of power. He understood the dangers of presidential authority and emphasized decentralization and citizen participation. If the political sphere truly wishes to invoke the Roh Moo-hyun spirit, it must first reduce the demonization of opponents. Reforms should not be forced through power but should be completed through public empathy and trust.
This memorial service in Bongha is not merely a commemorative event. It also serves as a politically symbolic space ahead of the local elections. However, the name Roh Moo-hyun should not be consumed solely as an emotional code for election mobilization. The Roh Moo-hyun spirit should not be the monopoly of a particular faction but rather an asset for all of South Korean democracy.
The public is asking: Is the "Roh Moo-hyun spirit" that the political sphere speaks of truly improving the lives of the people? When politics returns to common sense, unity, practicality, and balance, the memorial in Bongha can hold true meaning. The genuine succession of the Roh Moo-hyun spirit must be proven through changes that the public can feel.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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