South Korean politics is under scrutiny. Following a state of emergency, presidential impeachment, early elections, and a change in government, the political landscape remains turbulent. Even after local elections, tensions between the ruling and opposition parties persist, and conflicts surrounding the National Assembly, government, and judiciary continue. Citizens feel that politics is exacerbating conflicts rather than resolving issues.
What direction should politics take? Why is conservative politics facing a crisis, and can it recover? Are the separation of powers and the rule of law functioning properly?
Rep. Song Seok-jun of the People Power Party presents the concept of "restoring normalcy" in response to these questions. With 25 years of experience in policy-making and implementation at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, he diagnoses the greatest challenge for South Korean politics as the recovery of normalcy. He believes that for South Korea to leap forward again, politics must respect the people, power must exercise self-restraint, and laws and institutions must fulfill their roles.
He describes himself as a "progressive rightist," indicating the need for politics that embraces change and innovation while upholding the identity of South Korea as a liberal democracy and market economy. Aju Economy and ABC Broadcasting met with Rep. Song to discuss the crisis in South Korean politics, the future of conservative politics, and the direction the country should take.
"I entered politics to restore normalcy"
- Can you share the background of your entry into politics?
"I originally worked in the executive branch. For 25 years, I was involved in policy-making and implementation. At some point, I felt that the order of the world was changing."
Rep. Song explained that he transitioned from a bureaucratic career to politics to "seize new opportunities for South Korea."
"When I started politics, I was determined to make South Korea a central country in the world through coexistence, harmony, and restoring normalcy. I saw that there were clear opportunities arising for South Korea during the reorganization of the global order. However, I believed that the abnormalities remaining in our society were blocking those opportunities."
He noted that he stepped down from his central government position for the same reason.
"The executive branch is where predetermined goals are executed. However, changing the direction of the country is the role of politics. That’s why I decided to enter the political arena."
"Is South Korean politics moving towards normalcy?"
- How do you evaluate South Korean politics today?
Rep. Song paused for a moment before responding.
"Honestly, it’s disappointing."
He diagnosed that while South Korea has become a globally recognized nation, its politics are regressing.
"In terms of culture and economy, South Korea has already become a leading country in the world. Nobel laureates in economics have praised South Korea's systems and growth processes. However, I worry that politics is undermining the systems that have been painstakingly refined over time."
- What concerns you the most?
"Checks and balances."
He cited labor policies and the judicial system as examples.
"In labor relations, the rights of workers and entrepreneurial spirit must be balanced. However, recently, that balance has been disrupted. The environment for companies to invest boldly and create jobs is shrinking."
Rep. Song emphasized that "entrepreneurial spirit must thrive for the economy to grow."
"Companies are the entities that take risks and invest. If all risks are placed solely on companies, who will invest boldly? Ultimately, the growth engine will inevitably weaken."
"The balance of the separation of powers is collapsing"
- There have been many concerns about the separation of powers being shaken recently.
"I share the same concerns."
Rep. Song stated that not only presidential power but also legislative power must be checked.
"The recent state of emergency has sparked discussions about constitutional amendments. However, merely strengthening emergency procedures will not resolve the issues."
- What do you mean?
"We have seen firsthand how much power a legislative body with a large number of seats can wield in recent years. The impeachment process, budget disputes, and various legislative actions have confirmed that the legislative body can also abuse its power."
He argued that checks on the legislative branch are necessary in a presidential system.
"There are many mechanisms to prevent presidential overreach. However, there are relatively few mechanisms to curb the excesses of a legislative body with a large number of seats. If we are to amend the constitution, this aspect must be discussed as well."
"The essence of the rule of law is more important than its form"
- You have also pointed out a crisis in the rule of law.
"There are formal and substantive aspects of the rule of law."
Rep. Song stated that simply passing something by majority vote does not justify everything.
"Laws that contradict the spirit of the constitution cannot be justified just because they were passed by majority vote. While the form may be in place, it may violate substantive rule of law."
He expressed concern over the reality of unconstitutional bills being passed in the National Assembly by majority vote.
"The National Assembly cannot ignore the spirit of the constitution just because it has a majority. The rule of law is not a matter of numbers but of principles."
"The most important virtue of a politician is humility"
- What do you consider the most important value in politics?
"Humility."
Rep. Song identified humility, communication, and responsibility as the most important virtues for politicians.
"Especially those in power must be even more humble. Just because you have power does not mean you can stand above the people."
He expressed regret regarding the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.
"If we had been a bit more humble, we could have gained more trust from the people."
- You also emphasized communication.
"Ultimately, politics is about people."
He stated that communication with the public is important, but so is communication within the party.
"Listening to the voices of the people is important, but hearing the diverse voices within the party is also crucial. If communication breaks down, the organization will ultimately collapse."
"Politics is an area of decision, not choice"
- As an economic bureaucrat, how do you see the difference between politics and policy?
"Economics is the study of choices, while politics is the realm of decisions."
He explained the difference between economics and politics interestingly.
"Economics seeks the most efficient solutions. It looks for ways to minimize costs and maximize effects."
- Is politics different?
"Politics requires making decisions in situations where there are no clear answers."
He likened the role of a politician to that of an entrepreneur.
"Entrepreneurs also make decisions in uncertain situations. Politics is no different. Even when the future is unclear, you must set a direction."
Rep. Song stated, "Politics is ultimately the realm of insight."
"It involves seeing through the past and looking ahead to make decisions; that is the role of a politician."
"The essence of the crisis in the People Power Party is the gap between public sentiment and party sentiment"
- What do you see as the essence of the crisis in the People Power Party?
"The gap between public sentiment and party sentiment."
He defined the biggest issue facing the People Power Party as the difference between public expectations and internal party perceptions.
"The public demands change and innovation. However, the party has not yet reached that level of expectation."
Rep. Song emphasized, "We must humbly accept the public's criticism."
"We need to reflect on what we did wrong. Without that process, there can be no innovation."
"I aspire to be a progressive rightist"
- You referred to yourself as a progressive rightist.
"I prefer the term progressive rightist over conservative."
He identified liberal democracy and market economy as the core values of South Korea.
"South Korea has grown based on liberal democracy and market economy. That legitimacy must be preserved."
However, he also stated that change and innovation are necessary.
"We cannot simply maintain the existing order. South Korea must constantly change and innovate. Politics must do the same."
He emphasized the need for the expansion of conservative politics.
"The People Power Party should not become a party that only represents a specific class. It must embrace a broader public."
"Young people need confidence the most"
- If you have a message for future generations, what would it be?
"I want to tell them to have confidence."
Rep. Song did not hide his expectations for the MZ generation.
"Today's youth are more internationally aware and capable than any previous generation."
He assessed that South Korea has already moved beyond being a follower and has entered the stage of being a leading nation.
"We are no longer a country that follows; we are now a country that leads."
He urged young people to dream bigger.
"I hope they do not set limits for themselves. South Korean youth have the capacity to lead the world."
"Politicians are always on trial"
At the end of the interview, Rep. Song spoke about the fate of politicians.
"Ultimately, politicians are evaluated through elections."
He stated that all achievements of politicians culminate in public evaluation.
"It’s not important for me to say I did well. What matters is whether the public recognizes it."
Therefore, he said he approaches politics with the mindset of always being on trial.
"Politicians must always be chosen. To be re-elected, they must keep the promises made during elections and meet public expectations."
Rep. Song concluded by stating, "I will not lose sight of the principles of humility, communication, and responsibility."
"I want to contribute, even in a small way, to restoring normalcy in South Korean politics and regaining the trust of the people. That is why I am in politics."
Rep. Song Seok-jun is a three-term lawmaker representing the Icheon constituency. He graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in economics and passed the civil service exam, serving over 25 years as a bureaucrat in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. He has worked as a policy planner, director of land information policy, and head of the Seoul Regional Land Management Office, establishing himself as an expert in land, housing, and transportation policy. Elected to the 20th National Assembly in 2016, he has successfully secured three terms and currently serves on the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee. He identifies as a "progressive rightist" based on liberal democracy and market economy and emphasizes humility, communication, and responsibility as core virtues for politicians, presenting the restoration of normalcy as the most important task for South Korean politics.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.