Watch your words, Justice Minister Han

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon continues making unrefined remarks about the majority Democratic Party (DP) even after he has been rumored to take up a new role as head of the emergency committee of the governing People Power Party (PPP). Some political pundits say that his unique style of straightforwardness — though based on facts and logic — could help rally support from conservative voters. However, could his provocative conversation style focused on counterattacking the opposition party really be compatible with the political grammar?

Asked about his political future by a DP lawmaker on Tuesday, the justice minister tersely said, “If you really want to know the answer, just ask yourself.” Questioned by another DP lawmaker about his position on the allegation that first lady Kim Keon-hee received an expensive handbag in return for favors in appointments, Han retorted by asking if the majority party really thought he would be embarrassed by such a question. “Do you really believe I would act in the same way as the DP defending its own boss [with many judicial risks]?”

The justice minister’s offensive reaction came in response to DP lawmakers’ coarse rhetoric. And yet, a tit-for-tat reaction cannot be respected as a top government official.

Han’s primary responsibility as the head would be to extend public support for the PPP. But if he adheres to his aggressive stance toward opponents, he can hardly be successful in revitalizing the lethargic party.

Rhetoric is the ABCs of politics. If politicians are engrossed in ridiculing their rivals and hurling insults at them, the spirit of compromise — the essence of the art of politics — vanishes to fuel partisan fights. Condescending narratives only provoke counterparts and the general public, even if it could consolidate support from their own league.

Furthermore, the justice minister has no experience in politics as he served as a prosecutor for 21 years in the top-down hierarchy. In other words, he is not accustomed to the political narrative cherishing the values of persuasion and empathy. If he becomes the chairman of the emergency committee, he will have to wrestle with annoying questions from opposition parties, including those about the first lady.

A leader of a governing party must use decent and prudent language. We hope the justice minister listens carefully to what his opponents say before rushing to counterattack against them with his tough rhetoric. Otherwise, it will certainly be better for him to not assume the new role as emergency committee chair.