2 Legislators Want Old Fogies Out

Two young politicians called Tuesday for a generational change in political leadership.

Representatives Chung Dong-young, 48, of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party and Sohn Hak-kyu, 53, of the opposition Grand National Party, speaking together at a forum hosted by the Korea Human Development Institute, said, "If politics goes young, the nation goes young."

Mr. Chung, a rumored presidential candidate, said, "Our choice in 2002 should be for young political leadership." He said, "the times call for youthful leadership that is flexible and dynamic in thinking, and able to build a nation strong in information technology." He cited the leadership of Tony Blair in England as a model.

Mr. Sohn, pointed out the success of world leaders, all in their 40s or 50s, like President George W. Bush of the U.S., President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Germany and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan.

"The choice around the world for young leadership is not a simple fad, but a fierce survival strategy," Mr. Sohn said. "The new leadership should actively decentralize government and delegate power."

Political analysts said the call for young leadership is gaining momentum as the so-called "Three Kims" － former President Kim Young-sam, President Kim Dae-jung and Kim Jong-pil, honorary chairman of the United Liberal Democrats － have had little success addressing issues facing the country's young people.

by Lee Sang-il