Page 5 - Zenith 2023-웹용

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Politics of Conviction vs.

Politics of Responsibility:

Choices and Challenges

of Leadership

Leaders who govern nations often face difficult choices between conviction
and responsibility. The decisions made by former Presidents Kim Young-sam,
Kim Dae-jung, and Roh Moo-hyun highlight the comparison and contrast
between the politics of conviction and the politics of responsibility. This
article explores the differences between these two approaches through their
respective discusses the challenges that leaders encounter.

Firstly, let’s talk about Politics of Conviction which is Kim Young-sam's
Abandonment of Rice Market Protection Pledge. Former President Kim Young-
sam pledged to protect the rice market at the cost of his presidency. However, he chose international free
trade during the Uruguay Round negotiations, which greatly disappointed his support base and plunged the
agricultural sector into crisis. Politics of conviction often prioritize a leader's principles and ideology, even at
the expense of certain interests, in pursuit of the nation's future.

Next is the Politics of Responsibility with Kim Dae-jung's opening of Japanese culture. Kim Dae-jung, during
his tenure, pursued the opening of Japanese culture. This decision drew negative reactions due to concerns
about Japan's inferior cultural influence and unresolved issues regarding the sovereignty of Dokdo and
discrimination against Zainichi Koreans. However, President Kim Dae-jung focused on innovation and
openness for the nation's progress. This can be seen as an example of politics of responsibility.

Lastly we can talk about Challenges and Difficulties
of Leadership. Leaders constantly face challenges
and difficulties in navigating between the politics
of conviction and the politics of responsibility.
Roh Moo-hyun, a former president, encountered
opposition and protests from labor unions and
civic organizations when he pursued a Free Trade
Agreement(FTA) with the United States. This
decision, despite narrowing his already limited political support, was recorded in history as a solitary choice
made as a national leader, disregarding personal gains or losses.

In conclusion, the politics of conviction and the politics of responsibility represent two different approaches
to leadership and the choices and challenges leaders confront. While the politics of conviction prioritize a
leader's ideology and principles, the politics of responsibility emphasize the leader's accountability for the
nation's development. Finding a balance between conviction and responsibility is crucial for leaders. By
making strategic decisions and bold choices while considering the nation's future, leaders can achieve a
political leadership that simultaneously pursues the interests of the country and its people.

Lee Chae-won
(English-Spanish dept. 2nd grade)
Dreamer0306@naver.com