Democracy in a Crucible

Roh Tae Woo, with a singular act of political initiative, has set South Korea on the course to full democracy. Concessions, seasoned with some compromise, had been expected, but not his bold and full acceptance of opposition demands.

As the chairman of the ruling Democratic Justice Party and as his party’s candidate to succeed next year as the national president, Roh was not expected to reverse the stubborn course of President Chun Doo Hwan. He could have remained on the sidelines until his own installation. But he recognized the danger of escalating riots and broadening resistance. So he intervened imaginatively, stunning compatriots and opponents alike.

“This country belongs to us,” he said in his sensational Monday morning address. “It is our historic duty to exert our efforts and exercise restraint and wisdom to more successfully develop the country that was nurtured with the blood of our forefathers and the lives of our patriots to proudly hand it over to the next generation.”

His confidence in the wisdom and restraint of the Korean people will now be tested. There will be negotiations on implementing his package of reforms that go beyond the direct election of the president to include the release of political prisoners, the restoration of civil rights to opposition leaders, and election-law changes to ensure a free and open contest. And there will be, before the end of the year, elections both for the national assembly and, for the first time, for president.

Leaders of South Korea’s splintered opposition will now be measured by how they respond and whether they can move from the essentially negative responses of critics to partners in an affirmative program for the future of Korea.