IT IS a common tactic in South Korea’s political sphere to take advantage of scandals involving politicians’ family members. Political parties on all ends of the spectrum enthusiastically fuel the outrage that these cases spark to sway public opinion and gain support. Often, this strategy is criticized for the involvement of “outsiders” and the disregard for “private matters.” The publicization of these transgressions, even if the intention is political gain, is necessary for a more transparent and accountable political culture.

A pattern in politics

   Controversies revolving around politicians’ families often break during politically significant periods. A single case can have a huge effect on poll numbers and complicate important nominations. The two most prominent parties in South Korea—the People Power Party and the Democratic Party of Korea—are not unfamiliar with being in the center of such predicaments. The People Power Party’s nominee for chief of National Office of Investigations, Chung Sun-sin, made headlines earlier this year because of his son’s bullying history and Chung’s attempts to use his connections to reverse the punishments in court[1]. Despite Chung declining the nomination after his son’s history was made public, he remained in the limelight for weeks. Another infamous case occurred towards the end of 2019 when news outlets were flooded with articles on the Democratic Party of Korea’s appointed Minister of Justice at the time, Cho Kuk, for accusations of corruption and academic falsification[2]. In both cases, the politicians in question were hounded by the media and opposition parties, and faced scrutiny from the public.

Uncompromising on corruption

      Investigations into the family members of political figures are necessary to reveal whether they are abusing their power for their family’s benefit. When the crimes are committed through the exploitation of one’s political influence, investigations are able to expose their character. The public deserves to know whether the lawmakers that lead the country are fit for civil service positions. If they are unable to abide by the laws that they are meant to defend and the morals they supposedly espouse, it reveals their hypocrisy and inability to maintain public trust in the government.

   In the former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk’s case, it was found that his daughter’s academic credentials—which were used to gain admittance to Korea University’s undergraduate program  and Pusan National University’s medical school—had been inflated and, in some cases, completely fabricated. Cho Kuk was found guilty and sentenced to prison for the falsification of university admissions documents and the utilization of his power to gain academic favors for his children. His wife was sentenced to prison as well for her role in falsifying her daughter and son’s academic credentials[2].

   These politicians should also be scrutinized in order for them to face accountability for their actions. In both the cases of Cho Kuk and Chung Sun-sin, their corruption was only investigated and revealed after they were nominated for prominent positions. Without the relentless examinations from media outlets and opponent politicians, the public would never have been informed and the relevant parties would not have faced the ramifications. The political greed and power that permitted them their corruption ultimately led to their downfall, serving as a form of poetic justice.

Giving social issues exposure

   The publicization of these crimes do not only provide a public reckoning for the perpetrators, but they also garner significant attention towards important societal issues. The high profile nature of these cases ensures a spotlight on matters that require law amendments. Moreover, mass support from voters pressures lawmakers to make prompt changes. This was the case with Chung Sun-sin’s son’s bullying record. The constant probes into this incident led to the realization of a need for change to enforce harsher punishments to school bullies and prevent them from evading repercussions during university admissions. The law regarding bullying records was initially revised in February, 2023 and required high schools to keep records of students’ bullying cases for only two years after graduation. However, following the scandal, the law was again revised to increase the required period to four years, thus making it harder for school bullies to apply for universities without receiving penalties for their record. It will also soon become mandatory for universities to take into account bullying records in all admission routes and the government will encourage harsher penalties for those with a history of bullying[3]. Likewise, the examination of politicians’ private affairs can mitigate the misuse of authority and lead to reform that brings about tangible changes in society.

[1] Korea JoongAng Daily

[2] Yonhap News Agency

[3] The Korea Times