The anti-bribery and anti-graft law known as the Kim
Young Ran Act went into effect in South Korea on September 28. This brought me
a feeling of relief, as I have covered the dynamic nature of South Korean
politics from Beijing for quite some time now. Many of my Chinese colleagues
were pleasantly surprised by the development, particularly the older ones, who
thought that such surprises were behind them. The implementation of the new law
is a bold reminder of the differences and similarities between South Korea and
China.
Xi Jinpingβs anti-corruption drive: Not business as usual
within the Communist Party
resistance to anti-corruption initiatives. The first Communist Party doctrine
was developed by 13 representatives on board a cruise ship in Zhejiang, sailing
from Jiaxing to Nanhu. This was the first formal conference of the CCP, and it
served to reaffirm their goal of overthrowing the capitalist class and
dismantling the corruption of the Nationalists by bringing about the rule of
the proletariat.
conducted an investigation into the countryβs systematic corruption/graft
problem and published a joint pledge to eradicate it. This pledge is the first
official document revealing the CCPβs attempts to address the problem. From
1923 until the present day, an ongoing battle has been waged against corruption
within the Communist Party.
However, since Xi took office in 2013, surprising and
significant changes have developed in the way that this war is being waged. The
current corruption drive is characterized by its slogan which promises to
simultaneously pursue both tigers (the high ranking bureaucrats) and flies (the
mid to low level officials). This policy is evidently well-liked by the public,
but it breaks with Chinese Communist Party tradition whereby its high-level
officials were generously provided for. We are now witnessing unprecedented
levels of enforcement and an expanding jurisdiction that is challenging the
status quo.
South Koreaβs anti-bribery and corruption law inspires hope
away from a political leadership dominated by the privileged elite and towards
a society based on merit and a government that can be held accountable. It is a
bold statement for positive social progress, and could mark the end of a period
that has been rife with corrupt relationships. If enforced to its full
potential, the act will serve as a solid foundation for the strengthening of
democracy and an expanding civil society.
Unwavering enforcement and realization of the spirit of this
anti-corruption law will likely mark a definitive end to the turbulent period
that followed South Koreaβs rapid democratization. It may also serve to
diminish the βregion vs regionβ mindset that tends to sweep over the country
during election season. The Kim Young-Ran law will further these steps as an
important tool to dismantle vested interests and help unify the countryβs
disparate groups.
Historically, political strength in Korea has been derived
from corrupt networks and unfair relationships based on regionalism, nepotism,
and elitism, as well as the tradition of βhush moneyβ or quickly handling
problems through monetary means. This new law gives South Korean society an
opportunity to uproot these networks. Through their own hard work, dedication,
and skill, all South Koreans with ambition will have a fairer chance of rising
to prominence.
However, the extent of the outcomes depends on whether truly
fair competition and transparency can be achieved through constitutionalism and
a law-abiding spirit. As Koreaβs democracy matures through this process, the
nationβs integrity will be further elevated on the world stage, and it will
give the Korean people renewed hope and trust in their government.
This is also extremely important in the context of preparing
for unification. By reducing conflict and corruption within South Korean politics,
we increase the prospects for a peaceful, successful unification outcome.
βCan they really do it this boldly?β
That is what my incredulous Chinese friend asked me in
response to South Koreaβs new law. I put my hand on his shoulder and simply
responded, βChina is doing the same!β
*Views expressed in Guest Columns do not necessarily reflect those of Daily NK.
