[Joo Young-jin's News Briefing]

When citing this interview, please explicitly credit the program name 'SBS <Joo Young-jin's News Briefing>'. Copyright belongs to SBS.

■ Broadcast: SBS <Joo Young-jin's News Briefing> Mon–Fri (14:00–15:20)
■ Host: Anchor Joo Young-jin
■ Guest: Kwon Roh-kap, Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party
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● Interview with Kwon Roh-kap, Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea

"Kim Min-seok fought to restore democracy... DJ always held Kim Min-seok in high regard"
"Kim Min-seok had political ups and downs, but overcoming them was a great experience"
"Kim Dae-jung was someone who engaged in politics solely for the people and the nation"
"A political life spent with Kim Dae-jung has been rewarding"
"President Lee is about 'pragmatism'... He is moving in the same direction as DJ"
"President Lee must not be swayed by fluctuations in public opinion... He must act on his convictions"
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▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: In the video shown just moments ago, we saw the 70-year history of the Democratic Party alongside the people and party members. Joining us is Standing Advisor Kwon Roh-kap, a living history and witness of the Democratic Party. Welcome. In the video, Representative Kim Min-seok mentioned that you are the same age as his late father and thanked you for staying by his side until the end. What thoughts crossed your mind when Representative Kim Min-seok was confirmed as the party leader?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: In my view, President Kim Dae-jung always held Representative Kim Min-seok in high regard. The reason is that when Kim was a student committee chairman, he had already taken the lead in fighting for democratization.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Back when he served as the president of the Seoul National University student council.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: And what stood out the most was the Cultural Center incident.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: The sit-in occupation of the Busan United States Information Service (USIS) Cultural Center.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Under the harsh conditions of the Chun Doo-hwan regime at the time, when no one dared to speak up or utter a word, Kim Min-seok went straight to the USIS cultural center and struggled to resist the dictatorship and restore democracy. That served as a turning point, and newspapers around the world—UPI, Newsweek, Time, The Washington Post, Asahi Shimbun, and Mainichi Shimbun—broadcast that scene globally, showing that South Korea's democratization was still alive.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: It wasn't dead.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: And that democracy would surely be realized. It was an event that highlighted the resilient character of the Korean people. That won President Kim Dae-jung's heart, leading him to grant a 25-year-old youth the party nomination in Yeouido for the 14th National Assembly election.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: In 1992.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: And at that time, running against Rha Woong-bae, the Minister of the Economic Planning Board, he lost by a narrow margin of just 258 votes, before being elected in the 15th National Assembly.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: That is right.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: He had such political competitiveness, and when Kim Dae-jung was elected president, he appointed him as chief of staff. Because President Kim Dae-jung recognized Kim Min-seok's abilities and qualifications, the presidential first secretary for civil affairs was Kim Joo-won, and the chief of staff to the party president was Kim Min-seok.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: I see, you mention that as well.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: That is how much President Kim Dae-jung cherished him and supported him so that he could grow significantly as a politician. Therefore, sharing President Kim Dae-jung's vision, I also felt that such a young person should become a leader who can lead the future of the Republic of Korea. With that conviction, I stepped forward and worked actively during this national convention.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: You supported Representative Kim Min-seok. However, after being scouted early on by President Kim Dae-jung and doing well, during the candidate unification between Chung Mong-joon and Roh Moo-hyun, he chose Chung Mong-joon's side. After that, he spent about 18 years in what he himself described as a period of exile, faced trials over Political Funds Act violations, and went through years of hardship before eventually returning to become party leader. It seems it took a very long time. What was the very first thing you told him after he became the party leader?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: When candidate Roh Moo-hyun and candidate Chung Mong-joon unified their campaigns back then, candidate Roh Moo-hyun's poll ratings had dropped significantly under the circumstances, leading many people like Kim Won-gil and Park Sang-kyu to defect to candidate Lee Hoi-chang.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: That was during the 2002 presidential election.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: That is how many people moved over to candidate Lee Hoi-chang of the Grand National Party.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: The Grand National Party at the time.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: However, the people credited with making that unification happen were then-Lawmaker Shin Kye-ryoon and Lawmaker Kim Min-seok.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: They were the negotiation partners.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Those two deserve credit for making the unification happen. There were things like that, and while there were political ups and downs, I consider it a great achievement that he overcame them, stood up again, and became the leader of the ruling party. Overcoming such hardships became a great experience, and it will be helpful for the path he walks in the future. President Kim Dae-jung also faced five near-death crises, enduring endless periods of exile, prison, and house arrest, but he ultimately overcame them and became a truly great president. Likewise, because Kim Min-seok overcame such adversity, I see the potential for him to become an even greater politician in the future.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Overcoming that period of hardship has made him even more likely to become a greater politician. When people think of Advisor Kwon Roh-kap, they cannot leave out President Kim Dae-jung. In fact, in some respects, isn't President Kim Dae-jung virtually everything in Kwon Roh-kap's political life? Among the many famous quotes left by President Kim Dae-jung, there are sayings such as "History progresses, and life is beautiful," and "A scholar's problem-consciousness and a merchant's realistic sense," right? Also, "A beautiful Republic of Korea where justice and peace flow like a river." Advisor Kwon Roh-kap, what words still come to mind when you think of President Kim Dae-jung today?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I have known President Kim Dae-jung since the Japanese colonial period.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: He was your school senior, wasn't he?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Ever since the colonial era, he was an older brother figure to me, attending the same elementary school and Mokpo Commercial High School. Although there was a 6-year age difference, he was 4 years ahead in school. So ever since our school days, we treated each other like older and younger brothers, and he was an outstanding individual even back in school. He studied so well, was great at public speaking, and excelled in sports—he was good at running marathons and swimming. He even did Japanese sumo. So from that time on, I intuitively knew that this man could truly become a great figure in the future. Japanese teachers also came up to me and directly said, 'Your senior Kim Dae-jung will become a great figure in Korea in the future.' So from then on, we already believed he would become a person of great spirit and stature. Then came liberation. When liberation came, that was when we realized our country had become independent. From that point, he engaged in politics while serving as the head of the propaganda department for the Committee for the Preparation of Korean Nation-Building. So I already knew back then that this man would become a great politician for our country. That is why I watched him ever since he was struggling. I didn't go to him when things were going well, but I went to him when he was struggling in Inje and when he faced electoral defeat.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: He was elected as a lawmaker for the first time in Inje, Gangwon Province, but couldn't wear the lawmaker's badge because the May 16 military coup took place.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: He was a three-day lawmaker.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: A three-day lawmaker.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: He was elected on the 13th and the coup happened on the 16th, so he was a lawmaker for just three days.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: How do you hope the young people living in this era remember President Kim Dae-jung as a president and as a politician?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: President Kim Dae-jung was not a person who engaged in politics for his own personal advancement and fame.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Not someone who engaged in politics for personal advancement and fame.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: He did it solely for the people and the nation. And for the happiness of the state and the people, contemplating how the people could live well, comfortably, and happily, and how the nation could develop and prosper. That was his core conviction.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Do you have any regrets in your life as politician Kwon Roh-kap?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I have no regrets whatsoever. Rather, I consider my life spent alongside President Kim Dae-jung to have been so rewarding. That was always my hope and wish, and continuing to live that way remains my lifelong resolution.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Is there a specific scene that comes to mind right now—a moment or a single remark between President Kim Dae-jung and you that our viewers might not be familiar with?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: What he always told me was, 'Always respect people.'

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Respect people.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Next was, 'Always show tolerance toward people.'

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Show tolerance.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: And then, 'Always do things that can be of help to people.'

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Do things that can be of help.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: And 'Become a helpful person.'

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: A helpful person.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: 'Become a helpful person.' Don't cause harm to others; be someone who provides help. That is what he always told me.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: I understand. Now, a Democratic Party government has returned under President Lee Jae-myung. President Lee has likely invited advisors to the Blue House to listen to various pieces of advice. Currently, President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings are declining somewhat, and the Democratic Party has made a fresh start under Representative Kim Min-seok's leadership. What advice would you give them?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I think President Lee Jae-myung is currently doing well. In every way, President Lee respects President Kim Dae-jung, speaks of carrying on President Kim Dae-jung's philosophy and spirit, and always talks about a scholar's problem-consciousness, a merchant's realistic sense, and pragmatism. Regarding those matters, I acknowledge that President Lee Jae-myung is moving in the exact same direction as President Kim Dae-jung. However, he must not be swayed by every rise and fall in public opinion.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Do not be swayed by the ebb and flow of public opinion.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Instead of doing that, he should stay true to his convictions and beliefs, focusing wholeheartedly on what benefits the people and the nation and what brings about progress.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Understood.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Without being swayed by public opinion.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Without being swayed by public opinion.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: However, he should reflect on public opinion.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Think carefully about why public opinion turned out this way.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Think carefully, reflect if a mistake has been made, and maintain the mindset to correct it.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Understood. I am sure President Lee Jae-myung and the Blue House will listen closely to what Advisor Kwon Roh-kap has said. Whenever Advisor Kwon appears, many people are curious: if you don't mind asking, what year were you born?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: In 1930.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Which month?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: February 18.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Born on February 18. Then in traditional Korean age terms, though counting ages has become complicated these days, you are 97 years old.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: 97 years and 8 months.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: How are you maintaining your health so well right now?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: In my heart, I never harbor hatred toward others.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Without hating others.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I always respect others, and even when I hear unfair remarks, I forget them right away.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Even when hearing unfair words, you forget them.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: And then I forgive.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Even when Lawmaker Chung Dong-young told you to your face, 'Advisor Kwon Roh-kap, please resign,' you didn't hate him.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I didn't hate him. In fact, I helped him.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: You actually helped him. And specifically, do you exercise every day?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Yes.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: What kind of exercises do you do?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: In the morning at home, I lift dumbbells and barbells.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: You do dumbbells and barbells every day.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I do squats.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: You do squats.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: Then I ride a bicycle.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: A bicycle.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: And then I go to the gym to work out further.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Recently, it became a topic of conversation that you played golf, scored an eagle, and shot even par. Do you still play golf often?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I play golf often. Recently, I played for 8 consecutive days.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Consecutive.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: For 8 consecutive days.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Golf for 8 days.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: In June, in June.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: In the heat of June. Maintaining your health well, diet must also be very important, isn't it?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I naturally eat well, sleep well, and always meet people. I also exercise and study. Additionally, I am currently continuing my doctoral studies.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: In English literature.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: English literature.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Is the university Dongguk University? Where are you studying?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: At HUFS (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies).

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: With only the dissertation remaining now.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: The dissertation is done, and now I just need to take the exam.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Once you take the exam, you will receive your doctorate. You are working truly hard.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I am working hard.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: A while ago, at a Democratic Party event, a video of you jogging down the stairs became a hot topic. You are still.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I am still healthy.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: If Advisor Kwon Roh-kap has a dream right now, what is it?

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: In every way, I hope for the success of the Democratic Party, and furthermore, I will serve the Democratic Party until the very end. Also, by passing down all of President Kim Dae-jung's philosophy and thought to future generations, I want to nurture future figures who can become a second or third Kim Dae-jung. That is the mission for the remainder of my life. In addition, together with author Ko Do-won, we are conducting a campaign for 10 million people to read 1,000 books and for one person to write one book. I want to continue leading this kind of nationwide reading movement in Korea.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Understood. That was our interview with 97-year-old Democratic Party Standing Advisor Kwon Roh-kap, who still has many dreams. I am sure many of our viewers have felt a lot from this. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts today.

▶ Kwon Roh-kap / Democratic Party Standing Advisor: I am always grateful to Anchor Joo Young-jin. You always speak the truth and upright words, and since you are so well respected by the public across all media, I also respect and love you.

▷ Joo Young-jin / Anchor: Thank you. Thank you very much. It was a pleasure speaking with you. That was our interview with Advisor Kwon Roh-kap.