Both may face tougher game as rivalry intensifies


It was a drama-filled Thursday afternoon in the nation’s political circles upon the announcement by an aide of professor Ahn Cheol-soo that a Saenuri Party official had threatened to disclose bribery and affairs allegations unless Ahn stayed out of the presidential race.

The ruling Saenuri Party scurried to play down the allegation as Ahn’s “political ploy,” while the main opposition Democratic United Party quickly inveighed the ruling party and indicated a launch of a parliamentary probe.

Observers said Ahn Cheol-soo may finally be making his political advance upon the claim, and winning at that against the Saenuri presidential candidate Park Geun-hye ― at least in round one.

But while Park is likely to suffer a blow to her campaign riding on the reform drive, Ahn may also risk exposing himself further to attacks on his clean-cut image amid the throngs of allegations, the pundits said.

The “he-said-he-said” controversy may also expand into a political wrangling over the illegal surveillance of civilians, they said, already a sore spot for the ruling camp.

“For now, Ahn Cheol-soo has successfully depicted himself as the victim in this case, although there must be further clarifications into what each side claims have happened,” said politics professor Shin Yul of Myongji University.

“Although the Saenuri Party will attempt to shift the spotlight over to the newly raised allegations surrounding Ahn, any rash move may backfire and exaggerate the surveillance issue,” he said.

Both Geum Tae-seop, Ahn’s lawyer, and Saenuri’s communications committee member Jeong Joon-gil ― friends from back in college ― based their claims on the telephone conversation which took place early Tuesday about rumors surrounding Ahn, including a purported bribery in 1999 and an adulterous relationship with a woman in her thirties.

Geum claimed the conversation was a threatening one, while Jeong argued it was a friendly chat.

“What needs to be clarified is whether Jeong did repeatedly bring the (allegations) up as claimed by Geum, which would mean it was threatening in nature, as well as where Jeong acquired such information from, which could help clarify whether he was merely delivering rumors or whether it was related to illegal surveillance of civilians,” Shin said.

Choi Young-jin, professor of political science at Chung-Ang University, agreed on the possibility of the controversy widening.

“The case must be viewed from the perspective of any illegal surveillance that hinders the development of Korean politics,” Choi said.

Professor Yoon Seong-yi of Kyung Hee University, meanwhile, said it may turn out to be a tougher game for both.

“Ahn has high popularity mainly based on his image, while Park Geun-hye enjoys cohesiveness among the existing supporters. They may thus experience a parallel decline in support,” he said, adding that it remains to be seen where the controversy will lead.

Professor Lee Chung-hee of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies agreed.

“It is meaningless at this point to evaluate the situation without any facts clarified as it would just be playing along the political offensives (that are being exchanged). If any one of their claims is proven to be true, it should be followed with clear responsibility,” Lee said.

By Lee Joo-hee (jhl@heraldcorp.com)