[EDITORIAL] Evaluating the Government

In a Blue House briefing presided over by the president Saturday, the government received a report card on its area-by-area performance for three years in power. It is encouraging that the government has attempted an objective assessment by mobilizing outside evaluators, but it will be futile if improvement does not follow. The government must assume a humble attitude to reflect on the raised problems, and we hope this assessment will lead to successful reform.

Part of the overview in the evaluation report reads, ?espite the establishment of desirable policy directions, confusion arose from the lack of preparation and verification systems.?It cites medical reform as a representative case without sufficient preparation. It also says that lax post-management practices in infusing public funds into ailing corporations and banks resulted in rampant corruption. It goes on to point out that in the economic sector, the lack of consistency in restructuring efforts caused setbacks, while the settlement of shaky companies ended in failure due to the government? failure to keep firm policy guidelines.

In the field of reunification, foreign affairs and national security, the report gave high marks to the achievements of the historic inter-Korean summit talks, but warned about insufficient convergence of national capabilities that hinders the efficient pursuit of North Korea policy. This reflects the reality: Concerned voices on the speed and the methods of inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation are on the rise. A special measure is called for to consolidate the ground for national consensus in implementing North Korea policy. It is necessary to introduce a special parliamentary committee on inter-Korean affairs, as President Kim said during his news conference.

The report also emphasizes the necessity of sharing roles between government and non-government organizations to pursue a systematic North Korea policy. In this regard, the problems of a National Intelligence Agency director doing both national security duty and engagement with the North at the same time has already been pointed out. The resolution to this point should follow.

With regard to personnel employment, since President Kim also pledged that he will rectify these problems, we expect visible improvement in the coming cabinet reshuffle.