[Editorial] Doubts About Roh's Desire to Reform NIS

President Roh Moo Hyun has given the country his thoughts about the illegal eavesdropping affair. For the most part he talked about how accusations coming from members of the National Assembly that the case was blown open by some plot on his part are unfounded. The conspiracy theories on this are in fact so lacking in basis that they smell of transparent political maneuvering. Even without the president's comments it was never a case that should be approached as a matter that might be advantageous or disadvantageous to a particular political faction.

However, there were parts of Roh's press conference that were disappointing, and the most disappointing was his answer to a question about reforming the National Intelligence Service (NIS). He didn't mince words, and said simply that "it would be too much at this juncture." It might of course be too early to discuss organizational restructuring at the NIS when the investigation into the illegal eavesdropping has yet to be concluded. But back when Roh was the Millennium Democratic Party's (MDP) presidential candidate he presented voters with a plan to reform the NIS, including changing it to an "overseas intelligence office" that would be responsible only for foreign intelligence, the creation of an "intelligence supervisory commission," and greater budgetary review authority by the National Assembly. That being the case he needs to explain in detail why he has not pursued the implementation of his reform proposal and whether he thinks it is still valid or not. When he says "if there is a need to examine the NIS organization" he sounds like he's backpedaling, and it is enough to give you the impression he's no longer interested.

Something else that needs to be addressed is his comments about the collusive relationship between politics, business, and the media. "The eavesdropping is the most key issue" in the affair he said, placing more emphasis on the eavesdropping activity. It's not that he is necessarily wrong, but given how the prosecution is being so uncommitted about its investigation into allegations Samsung engaged in illegal "lobbying," you worry that his comments could further weaken the prosecution's will.

The Hankyoreh, 9 August 2005.

[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]