VETERAN POLITICIAN GOH KUN ON KOREAN SOCIAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 000174 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/04/2020 TAGS: PGOV ECON KPAO KS SUBJECT: VETERAN POLITICIAN GOH KUN ON KOREAN SOCIAL CHALLENGES Classified By: Ambassador Kathleen Stephens. Reasons 1.4 (b),(d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On February 1 the Ambassador hosted former Prime Minister Goh Kun for a lunch discussion that covered a range of issues, including his work on the Committee for Social Integration. Goh, recently selected to chair the committee, has now worked for seven different presidents over the past 30 years. This -- combined with Goh's experience serving in local, regional, and national offices -- has given him a unique perspective into Korea's economic and political development. Goh discussed his goals for the committee, which he chaired for the first time on January 18, and his idea for reforestation projects in North Korea. Goh was relaxed and talkative, and declared he "never" would run for a high office. END SUMMARY. -------------- Improving Social Integration -------------- ¶2. (C) President Lee Myung-bak launched a new advisory committee for social integration on December 23, 2009. The committee consists of 16 government ministers and 32 civilian members, including former high-ranking officials from previous liberal governments. Goh, who has served in the administrations of both conservative and liberal presidents, vowed to maintain the committee's political neutrality. During lunch, Goh told the Ambassador that a recent public survey indicated that eight out of 10 people thought Korea's social conflict was worse than it was 10 years ago. Goh explained this sentiment by noting that social classes were formed during the process of industrialization, and Korea has not yet resolved how to handle the ensuing class conflict. Goh noted that the emphasis on class structure underpins the fundamental conflict between progressives and conservatives in Korea. The former group emphasizes equality while the latter argues for individual excellence and advancement. ¶3. (C) Goh said he has outlined 10 core objectives for his committee, and one of these was building institutions to manage social conflict. As proof of the need for more conflict resolution, he referred to the Yongsan incident and said institutional mechanisms could have prevented the tragedy. (NOTE: In January 2009 police tried to remove protestors who were occupying a building scheduled to be demolished. Five protestors and one police officer died in the ensuing confrontation. END NOTE.) Goh said that when he was Seoul mayor (1988-90 and 1998-2002),he met every Saturday with citizens to hear their concerns. The issue of urban redevelopment was a growing issue in Seoul, and there was a potential for similar incidents if the government did not take action. -------------- Reducing Regional Conflict -------------- ¶4. (C) Another of the goals Goh set for his committee was reducing regional conflict. Goh noted that the huge influx of people to Seoul had diminished the traditional Youngnam (southeastern Korea) and Honam (southwestern Korea) conflict, especially among young people. The problem was that regional politics still existed. The parties had very strong support bases in the regions -- the Grand National Party in Youngnam and the Democratic Party in Honam -- and politicians tried to take advantage of historical animosity for their own political gain. -------------- Reforesting North Korea -------------- ¶5. (C) The Ambassador inquired about media reports that Goh had also advocated reforestation projects in North Korea. Goh noted that that was separate from the work of the committee and instead hearkened back to work he had done in 1972 as part of the successful efforts to reforest South Korea. Goh noted that South Korean companies like Posco were looking at reforestation projects in South America as part of cap-and-trade requirements. He encouraged them to think about projects in North Korea instead. Goh argued that reforestation projects could also be part of humanitarian aid. It would be easier to verify that trees were delivered to the proper place. It should be treated as a crop, Goh said. That way, the wood could be harvested for fuel and workers who oversaw the maintenance of the trees could be paid like agricultural workers. -------------- Bio Note -------------- ¶6. (C) Goh was talkative and articulate. He relied on the interpreter, but often seemed to understand most if not all of the English. Goh was the youngest-ever governor (1975-79) of South Jeolla province and has also served as minister (Transportation 1980-81; Agriculture and Fisheries 1981-82; Home Affairs 1987); National Assembly member (1985-88); Seoul Mayor (1988-90 and 1998-2002); and as Prime Minister (1997-98 and 2003-04). His long and diverse government experience has prompted people to suggest him as a possible Democratic Party candidate for the 2012 elections. When the Ambassador made a general inquiry about his political ambitions, Goh quickly replied "never." STEPHENS