Was the Samsung group really out to construct the "Republic of Samsung"? That is the question you ask when you learn of Samsung's behavior as revealed in the course of the eavesdropping tape affair. It is at the center of the collusive relationship between power and money, being deeply involved in using money to create a government of its liking and keeping a network of prosecutors on the take. The behavior is entirely different than the giving of illegal donations as protection, as "insurance." The country feels both love and hate when it comes to Samsung. There is much they disapprove of about Samsung but they feel pride in the fact that Korea has a global company, and to young people it is an object of envy. For that reason the sense of betrayal must be even greater for them.
It is disappointing and even pathetic to see Samsung trying so hard to cover up the truth. Samsung's Lee Hak Su, who's voice appears on the tape recording, is the highest-ranking executive there who is not a member of the tycoon family. The tycoon who made the decisions then is still in place. The 1997 presidential campaign discussed in the recording was not that long after the slush funds of Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo became apparent between 1995 and 1997. During the 2002 presidential campaign as well, Samsung gave W30 billion to the same candidate it had given illegal donations to in 1997. It is enough to make you scared to think of how far Samsung's power would have extended had things turned out as it had wanted in either election. The main players are still in place, so there is no way to say the same thing will not happen again.
The best thing Samsung can do at this point would be to be the one to disclose everything and act in a manner that convinces the people it will make sure the same behavior is not repeated. Whether or not there is criminal prosecution is something for the prosecution to decide later. There must be no more attempts to gain profit or special treatment through connectedness with those in power. Samsung can get plenty of special treatment just for being the conglomerate that contributes to the national economy more than any other.
The Hankyoreh, 25 July 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Samsung Should Stop Trying to Hide Truth |
