[Reporter’s Notebook] "Can Fruit Grow on Rotten Roots?"

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In a nation governed by the rule of law, some individuals commit corruption and yet appear indifferent to the seriousness of their actions. There is always some time until the results of an investigation or trial are revealed. The priority, for some, is simply to get elected first. These are people who value appearances over substance.

This is a common occurrence in the political sphere. While politicians often call for reform or innovation targeting investigative authorities such as the police and prosecutors, when they themselves become involved in scandals or alleged wrongdoing, they insist-often as if nothing happened-that everyone must wait for the results of the police or prosecution’s investigation.

Furthermore, once formal charges are brought against them, they frequently question the investigation process and try to buy time, arguing that no court verdict has been issued yet. This is the typical behavior of those in positions of political power. Elected politicians, whether affiliated with political parties or running as independents, are chosen by voters and receive taxpayer-funded salaries throughout their terms, often accumulating wealth in the process. Some unethical politicians even use their authority to amass even greater personal fortunes.

This willingness to change logic according to the situation is characteristic of politicians. Today, this phenomenon is not limited to the political sphere. All elected officials who must win votes to secure their positions live with this reality. The upcoming 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections in June are expected to see a heated contest for the superintendent of education in Sejong City, a non-partisan race without party affiliations, but not without political leanings.

Despite being embroiled in allegations of personnel corruption during his time in office, Candidate A has chosen to ignore these risks and enter the race. Although the registration deadline for preliminary candidates is not until February 3 and he has yet to officially register, his name has already appeared in opinion polls, and he is preparing for his campaign by hosting book launch events and similar activities. Education-related organizations are also playing a role in this process.

The personnel corruption committed by Candidate A is not merely an allegation raised within public education circles, but a matter of testimony. These issues were detected while he was in office and were raised during the confirmation hearing for Education Minister Choi Kyojin, among other occasions. Nevertheless, at the time, Choi was appointed as minister. He did not step down voluntarily, and his perseverance is viewed by many inside and outside the political community as the reason for his ultimate appointment.

Perhaps having observed this process, Candidate A seems intent on pushing forward with his candidacy. Is he hoping that, just as Choi was appointed despite personnel corruption being raised during the confirmation hearing, he too can simply endure and weather the controversy? Or is he planning to remain silent until the election, focusing solely on winning?

To prevent a hypocritical and murky election for superintendent of education, if there is clear evidence, it is necessary to file a complaint with the investigative authorities. If not, a petition should be submitted so that an investigation or audit can be launched, and if wrongdoing is found, the individual must be appropriately judged under the law.

Article 234 of the Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that anyone who becomes aware of a crime must report it. In other words, if no complaint is filed with the investigative authorities, there is no point in discussing Candidate A's alleged wrongdoing. The same applies to voters in Sejong City. At this moment, voters are inevitably faced with a difficult question: Why does Candidate A, despite carrying the risks associated with his past misconduct in office, still seek to become superintendent of education for Sejong City?

Is Candidate A prepared to answer the questions of the public regarding his alleged wrongdoing? If he attempts to hide or remain silent about all of this instead of coming clean, regardless of the outcome, he must remember that he is a hypocrite hoping for fruit to grow from rotten roots.

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