[Editorial] Nation at crossroads

Reconciliation and happiness are set to be the two most often heard words in Korean society this year. And it is certain that President-elect Park Geun-hye will frequently mention the words, which she has resolved to turn into reality for all her compatriots, many of whom turned to the notion of healing last year amid increasing hardships.

Park, from the conservative ruling Saenuri Party, pledged on the campaign trail to unite the nation beyond ideological, regional and generational lines and bring in an era of happiness for all people. The outcome of the Dec. 19 presidential election, in which she earned 51.6 percent of the vote against 48 percent for her liberal rival candidate, further raised the need to strengthen efforts toward national unity. Measures to ease the suffering of the less privileged may be overdue in a country with the highest suicide rate and some of the lowest welfare spending among major industrialized nations.

Historic tasks

Park’s five-year term, which begins in late February, may be tasked with the historic mission of reconciling the decades-long antagonism between conservatives credited for the country’s economic ascent and liberals proud of their struggle for democracy. She suggested her readiness to achieve this aim, which had been elusive for incumbent President Lee Myung-bak and his predecessors, during the campaign by saying she would lead the “change of times” in response to the opposition’s call for a change of power.

The president-elect’s late father, Park Chung-hee, who took power in a 1961 military coup, oversaw the country’s rapid economic growth until his assassination in 1979. His lieutenants prolonged the military-backed rule for years until massive pro-democracy protests revived the direct popular election of the president in 1987.

Two liberal presidents led the country for a decade until 2008 when conservative President Lee took office. Political animosity persisted between the liberal and conservative blocs, often paralyzing parliamentary sessions, causing unnecessary economic and social costs and hampering a concerted approach toward the communist regime in Pyongyang.

It may be ironic that the daughter of the authoritarian ruler, who left such a divisive legacy, is framing herself as a leader to heal the deep rifts in Korean society.

As a nation we need to move beyond the paradigm of industrialization and democracy, leaving behind outdated conflicts and maximizing our potential. It is down to all of us, let alone the incoming administration, to shape the future course of the country in the face of mounting challenges at home and abroad.

During her first year in office, Park may be drawn to carrying out her campaign pledges to strengthen the social safety net and improve people’s livelihoods. Surely, low-income households and small business entrepreneurs, who have been hardest hit by the prolonged economic downturn, should be given more care and support.

Her government and the public still have to focus on long-term visions and sophisticated tactics to get through internal problems and external threats to the nation’s continuous development and prosperity.

A report released by a state-run think tank last week noted Park’s administration will experience the toughest diplomatic and security environment of the early part of this century. She will be tasked with leading the nation through a mounting rivalry between Washington and Beijing, rising nationalism in China and Japan and dangers posed by the unpredictable regime in Pyongyang. She may have to deal with the aftermath of a possible third nuclear test by Pyongyang shortly after her inauguration.

Finance Ministry officials recently revised down the growth forecast for next year to 3 percent from 4 percent, with many experts predicting the actual figure will be lower still, following an estimated growth rate of 2.1 percent for 2012. What is more worrisome is the prediction that the country’s potential growth rate, which refers to the maximum possible rate at which an economy can expand without triggering inflation, will slow down in the decades to come as its fast-aging population and chronic low birthrate shrink the workforce.

Park’s welfare schemes, which would cost an additional 27 trillion won ($25.3 billion) annually, also need scrutiny. The public will and should understand the reduction of benefit packages to ensure fiscal health and leave room for boosting growth.

Sophisticated and concrete plans are needed to revitalize the passion and endeavor of the Korean people by setting up goals and creating values that could bond them together.

Taming the influence of big businesses should not result in harming the nation’s long-term growth. Efforts must be strengthened to develop the service industry and other sectors that would employ more young skillful workers. Going through hard times cannot be an excuse for neglecting the work to lay the foundation for national reunification. Businesses and youths should be encouraged to find more opportunities abroad, with the nation expanding its role in the global community.

A national reconciliation and happiness for all people might truly come within our reach when we move toward greater goals, which sometimes connect us with larger causes beyond the interests of our everyday lives.

The ability to inspire people has been barely mentioned as a character required of a political leader in Korea. But the leadership the nation may need in 2013 and years after may be one capable of encouraging people to face their difficulties and realize their potential rather than just offering words or measures meant to heal their sufferings.

Mission of Herald

The Korea Herald also greets this year, which marks its 60th anniversary, with a renewed sense of mission to be part of the nation’s efforts to secure a prosperous future for its people and make more contributions to the global community.

It would be an exaggeration to say that we have done fully and completely what we were supposed to do over the past decades. We should have done more and have yet to do more. Still we know we are indebted to our readers for whatever we have achieved.

In return for their support, we will continue trying our best to serve as a valuable bridge between Korea and the world for the decades to come.