Presidential candidates Ahn Cheol-soo and Rep. Park Geun-hye made differing assessments of the political legacy of former liberal President Kim Dae-jung on Wednesday.

The two were participating in a forum hosted by the Kim Dae-jung Foundation.

In his address, Ahn focused on his keyword “change,” stressing that Kim brought fresh air to the country when elected the first-ever liberal president in 1997. Rep. Park, on the other hand, spoke of “unity” and “leadership,” underscoring her advantages as an experienced politician.

“The reason that the people chose Kim back in 1997 was their desire for change,” Ahn said.

“By changing the government for the first time in 50 years, we grasped the chance to overcome old customs and take a leap forward.”

Korean society, however, is currently bound by old systems and thinking, he said.

“This year, I hope to revive the momentum of change that we witnessed back in 1997,” he said.

Ahn also criticized the political offensives made against him by the leading parties.

“Many who want to protect their vested rights have continued to dismiss change as a mere delusion,” he said.

“I will not give in. I shall succeed former President Kim’s vision and achieve political reform.”

In contrast, the conservative candidate Park pledged to heal division in the country.

“Just as Kim overcame the economic crisis, I shall do my best to bring the people together as one and build a happy nation.”

Park also said that the state leader post should be taken by someone with political insight and statesmanship, alluding to her advantages over Ahn.


By Bae Hyun-jung
(tellme@heraldcorp.com)