이재명 정부가 택한 ‘손쉬운’ 개혁, 나쁜 개혁으로 끝나지 않으려면

The reform journey is not an easy path. It differs from revolution, which overturns everything and rebuilds order from the ruins. Reform involves adjusting institutions and systems to achieve gradual change. Reform is more challenging than revolution because dissenting forces can be punished, but reform resistance can be overcome through patience and persuasion.

The world changes little by little through this method. Politics is not about revolution, but reform. Politicians have the duty to persuade citizens to pursue reforms and achieve results. Failure to succeed in reform means politicians must shoulder responsibility and step down. The statement by President Yoon Suk-yeol, issued on August 4th during the National Assembly's approval of the 'Supreme Court Enhancement Review' criminal law amendment, reflects concern about the reform.

This statement is a fundamental rule that all politicians should remember and not forget. Politics ultimately serves the nation. The Democratic Party pursued reforms during its term in power, especially when it held a majority in the National Assembly. However, success was not always guaranteed. The impeachment scandal during President Park Geun-hye's term in 2004 led to a change in the political landscape, with the United New Party securing a majority of seats in the 2004 election.

The United New Party's push for four reform bills, including the abolition of the National Security Act, the Private School Act, the Historical Truth Investigation Act, and the Media Relationship Act, faced strong opposition from the opposition parties and internal conflicts within the United New Party, resulting in near-failure.

The reform process learned the lesson of not being overly reliant on rhetoric alone, as demonstrated by the compromise on the National Security Act, which retained the deletion of the commendatory clause. While the National Security Act's 7th article remains unchanged, the lesson was clear: overemphasis on principles can hinder reform efforts.

In contrast, President Park Geun-hye's judicial reform achieved success through close collaboration with the Supreme Court and the establishment of a judicial reform committee that consulted with the justices. By adopting a more inclusive and persuasive approach, the reform succeeded. President Yoon Suk-yeol's reforms, however, took a different approach.

The former president and the Democratic Party chose an easy path for reform, pursuing strong measures without engaging in dialogue and compromise with the opposition. This decision was facilitated by the party's absolute majority in the National Assembly. The Democratic Party and President Yoon Suk-yeol pursued judicial reforms, including the establishment of a summary trial system, the introduction of guilt-enhancing crimes, and the introduction of a trial chamber system, despite opposition from the judiciary.

The dispute over the review of the review (보완 수사권) testifies to the challenges faced by these reforms. While some Democratic Party members expressed support for the president's stance on the review of the review, the majority of public opinion favored its abolition. Nevertheless, the Democratic Party persisted in advocating for the abolition, driven by pressure from its base.

The 'easy path' comes with unintended consequences. That is the reality of life. The judicial and prosecutorial reforms undertaken by President Yoon Suk-yeol and the Democratic Party face sustainability issues. If the 2028 general election results in a Democratic Party defeat and the National Progress Party's victory, the latter would overturn the reforms initiated by the current government.

The president's right to reject reforms is limited. President Park Geun-hye's rejection of laws passed by the Democratic Party in a coercive situation is a clear example. One undeniable fact remains: reforms must be pursued through the consensus of both parties to ensure their sustainability. Only reforms achieved through the consensus of both parties can withstand changes in political power at the polls.

The danger lies in one-party-driven reforms, which can be reversed if the political landscape changes at the polls. This underscores the importance of political consensus in reform initiatives. Columnists such as Hong Won-seik of Hongdalk University, Seo Yeong-ho of the Chosun Ilbo, and Kim Ki-seok of the Central Dong-A Research Institute have raised concerns about the dangers of "soft-sell" reforms.

They argue that reforms must be grounded in firm principles and demonstrate a willingness to reflect, adapt, and assume responsibility. The push for reforms without engaging in dialogue with the opposition may lead to the abandonment of progress and a return to old ways, especially if the Democratic Party faces defeat in the 2028 general election and the National Progress Party's rise.

To avoid this outcome, the Democratic Party must demonstrate flexibility, listen to the concerns of the public, cooperate with the opposition, and be willing to modify its approach. Only through such a balanced approach can the party secure electoral victories and safeguard the gains made through reform.