‘I want to build a world of justice’
Moon Jae-in discusses change of government
Moon Jae-in, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is currently the frontrunner in the presidential race. As the presidential election is set to take place as early as April or May if incumbent President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment is upheld by the Constitutional Court, Moon has already started his campaign to strengthen his top position.
His book “A Completely New Nation — Questions from the Republic of Korea and Answers from Moon Jae-in,” released late last month, is one of his first moves to reveal his future vision, suggesting Moon’s specific pledges for the country if he becomes president.
In the 360-page long book, Moon begins the story with the word “Jaejosanha,” meaning rebuilding of the country from ruins. The liberal candidate strongly argues for a change of government, as involving the President’s confidant Choi Soon-sil in state affairs has put the country in crisis. Moon says he believes in common sense, the restoration of justice and battling corruption of the past.
“The people woke up in a nation where principle and common sense have been overturned,” Moon said during the press conference for his new book at the Press Center in central Seoul, Jan. 17. “Until now, the top 1 percent controlled the country and the people had to sacrifice and it did not get better whether you worked hard or not.
“The word power is only mentioned once in the constitution and it states all the power comes from the nation. I want to make a country where the people are the real owners,” Moon said.
Apart from his pledges and vision, the book contains stories of Moon’s life.
Born to refugee parents, the presidential candidate grew up in a poor family. He was caught and imprisoned for protesting against the government and failed to become a judge as a result of his political activities despite his good grades at the Judicial Research and Training Institute when he graduated.
He chose to become an attorney of human rights together with former President Roh Moo-hyun.
“I always say human comes before everything. I know the hardships of life and when I meet people who tell me about their lives, I get heartburn. People’s voices asking me not to forget about them accumulate in my heart,” wrote Moon in the book.
Moon says the most unstable factor in today’s society is the blockage of opportunity. Not able to grasp a chance, or having even a small chance, and if that small chance is even unfair and unjust, the country has no hope.
During his presidency, Moon pledged to shorten military service to one year and reduce the number of soldiers.
Other promises include financial reform such as cracking down on conglomerates and the standardization of universities.