<#314 Desk Column>
The Importance of Final Impression
By Kim Han-na, Head Student Editor
The National Assembly of Korea passed the South Korea–United States free trade agreement (FTA) on November 22nd 2011, with strong objection from several parties. The passage came more than four years after the government signed the landmark deal to break down trade barriers between two allies. The Assembly passed 14 FTA-related bills needed for the implementation of the pact. The passing of the disputed Korea-U.S. FTA has left the National Assembly in paralysis from the opposition Democratic Party’s boycott. Although the opposition parties continued a demonstration in protest, Korea has just signed FTAs with a total of 45 countries including Chile, Singapore, India and Peru. And the bill takes effect from next year.
Related to the FTA bill, there are two main issues. One issue is the appearance of tear gas at the National Assembly. During the ratification of the bill, Kim Sun-dong, a Democratic Labor Party member, set off a tear gas canister at the Assembly speaker’s seat in the main chamber to block the voting procedure. This incident marks the first time tear gas has been used in the National Assembly. It seems to be an international humiliation for Korea. The issue is the fact that they have rushed the bill through. Furthermore, it is pitiful that the opposition parties struggle with the ruling party through a series of key bills, including the 2012 state budget plan which should require a joint effort to handle.
How do the people assess the government and the national assembly which passed a bill which most people do not want? A general election is due in April next year and the presidential election is due in November. The issue of the FTA will come to the forefront again as the election approaches. I think that when people appraise leaders they remember their last work vividly for a long time. This column is my last as the Head Student Editor of the Chonnam Tribune. With a feeling of regret, I wonder how my fellows will assess me. Eventually leaders have to take strong responsibility and do their best at every moment. In contrast, if a leader fails at their duty, I think that a leader who would quit the position should wrap up their work in the final days.
김한나 기자
han_nah92@naver.com