&#91LETTERS TO THE EDITOR&#93Roh victory interesting, worrisome

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&#91LETTERS TO THE EDITOR&#93Roh victory interesting, worrisome

The Chinese Cultural Revolution, from 1967 to 1976, generated a tremendous amount of chaos and confusion in the name of revolution. Unfortunately, that is precisely what I see in Korean politics with the newly installed Roh administration. I am an enthusiastic observer of Korean politics and society, and President Roh’s campaign has simultaneously interested me and worried me. His victory in the election last December was a not-so-anticipated one after a long campaign that was characterized as sensational, unconventional and revolutionary. He cried out loud for reforms in politics and removal of any possibility of corruption. People of all ages, especially Generation N, were encouraged to participate and express their opinions on politics. That, in my opinion, resembles the Chinese Cultural Revolution’s “Hundred Flowers Movement,” in which everyone was encouraged to express his opinions, but were later persecuted for any criticism of Mao Zedong and the Communist Party.
I am not trying to convince anybody that President Roh will turn into an evil Mao Zedong, who created a “wasted generation” in China. Nor am I suggesting an authoritarian government. Still, a decisive and wise government sounds like a good solution for Korea.


by Jane Sung
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