Choi Jang-jip: "The Activist Generation and 'Ppa' Faction Brought Political Failure... Crisis of Korean Democracy"

Progressive political scientist Choi Jang-jip, Professor Emeritus at Korea University.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Choi Jang-jip, an eminent progressive political scientist and professor emeritus at Korea University, evaluated that a crisis has come to Korean democracy since the inauguration of the Moon Jae-in administration. He analyzed that "this crisis arose from the political failures of the elite group of the student activist generation and the so-called 'ppa' faction allied with them," and that the activist 86 generation who entered the party, government, and Blue House, along with President Moon’s fervent supporters known as 'Moonppa,' brought about a regression in Korean democracy.

In a paper titled "Rethinking Korean Democracy" contributed last month to Seoul National University’s 'Korean Political Studies,' Professor Choi stated, "After the candlelight protests, the emergence of the Moon Jae-in government was expected to be a turning point ushering Korean democracy into a new phase, but now Korean democracy is in crisis."

He continued, "The phenomenon of 'ppa,' which passionately follows a particular politician, is a political movement centered on strong cohesion and aggressiveness," and pointed out, "A virtually organized majority leads public opinion through internet social media, attacking dissenting views or criticism, effectively restricting freedom of the press."

Regarding the 21st general election held on April 15, Professor Choi said, "Certain civic activists ran as candidates of hastily formed parties for the election and were elected as members of the National Assembly," adding, "The phenomenon where civic movements are essentially political parties, and political parties are essentially civic movements, has become a reality." He further noted, "Between these two groups, a relationship has been established exchanging political support in return for privileges and support."

He evaluated the recently controversial High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Office (HICO) Act as an "extremely dangerous law."

Regarding the president’s authority to appoint the head of HICO, Professor Choi said, "It is highly likely to result in granting yet another enormous power to an already powerful president," and criticized, "It is difficult to find a convincing answer to why prosecutorial reform should be the top priority reform agenda above all else."

He added, "The past-clearing method, which had the motto of eradicating deep-rooted evils, has brought about polarization in our society and caused unbearable social division, creating a situation where reform itself cannot yield results."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.