[The Editors' Verdict] Lee Nakyeon and Lee Jaemyung

Published 16 Nov.2020 11:15(KST)

Imokhee, Senior Advisor

Na Hoon-a and Nam Jin. Fifty years of rivals in the trot music scene. They have written an unprecedented history of rivalry. Na Hoon-a is known for his vocal ability, while Nam Jin is known for his performance. Na Hoon-a is from Yeongnam, and Nam Jin is from Honam. They contrast in many ways and lead each other. In their youth, Nam Jin thought he benefited from Na Hoon-a. Isn't singing skill the most important thing for a singer? This Chuseok special stage boosted Na Hoon-a's popularity. With spectacular production, minimal exposure, and political remarks that connect with the public. Nam Jin appeared frequently on TV, but with trivial talks. The regret that he was undermining himself was brief. His experience enhanced the emotion in his singing. His simple way of speaking felt warm and approachable. In a different way, he rivaled Na Hoon-a.

Kim Dae-jung (DJ) and Kim Young-sam (YS). They are the Na Hoon-a and Nam Jin of Korean political history. Former lawmaker Nam Jae-hee compared the two. YS, born in Yeongnam, the majority population area, comes from a wealthy family. He has a straightforward personality and is direct. YS spoke about difficult matters too easily. DJ, born in Honam, the minority area, endured hardships in childhood. He had to be cautious and indirect. DJ made easy things sound unnecessarily complicated.

While covering these two giants, DJ felt like Na Hoon-a, and YS like Nam Jin. YS was thought to have benefited from DJ. DJ had a broad range of knowledge. Isn't insight important for a politician? Later, observing YS closely, the view changed a bit. YS eradicated the Hanahoe faction within the military and implemented the real-name financial system. When YS thought something was right, he simply handled difficult tasks. How much would DJ have agonized? Would he have circled around and made mistakes? It seemed like a masterstroke that DJ became president after YS.

Lee Nak-yeon and Lee Jae-myung. The leading candidates of the ruling party for the 2022 presidential election. Neck-and-neck in opinion polls. Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, followed an elite path with education and career. He is from Honam, serious and rational. Lee Jae-myung, governor of Gyeonggi Province, feels like a dragon rising from a small stream. He is from Yeongnam, skilled in sensory politics and aggressive. Lee Nak-yeon is curved, Lee Jae-myung is straight. The symmetrical pattern is roughly set.

The main election will not be easy. If they strongly differentiate themselves, the party primary becomes precarious. If they walk a tightrope, they appear indecisive. President Moon Jae-in has a strong fandom, making the solution more complicated. If they fail to control the level, a third figure can always intervene. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Chairman Yoo Si-min of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, and lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae. Although judicial procedures are variables, Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam, seen as one with President Moon. President Moon’s supporters are tightly united and send signals that they can leave Lee Nak-yeon or Lee Jae-myung anytime.

No matter what, no great politician can be made by the title of someone’s successor. People always desire something new. A persecuted image also helps increase approval ratings. The rapid rise in public support for principled Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl represents this. Among the two politicians Lee Nak-yeon and Lee Jae-myung, the one who can differentiate more easily is Governor Lee. Leader Lee finds it difficult to increase the intensity of differentiation due to his background, character, and current position. This is why he cannot maintain his initial overwhelming lead.

Former lawmaker Park Chan-jong, who once challenged the presidency and caused a stir, explained the reason for his failure. It is difficult to gain the three hearts (3심): the incumbent president, party members, and the public. If you try to please everyone, you lose both the crab and the flatfish. If you only look at the president, you remain a mere aide. You must approach the moderate voters. Differentiation for the sake of differentiation now backfires. When the public truly desires something, you must boldly deliver a decisive blow without hesitation. Interest doubles when there is a clear symmetrical rival. DJ and YS grew that way.