Outline:
The Rise of the “Lawyer State” in South Korea
President Lee Jae-myung’s first 100 days in office have been a reflection of long-standing concerns about the influence of legal professionals in governance. Three years ago, when former President Yoon Suk-yeol took office, the appointment of prosecutors to key positions became a recurring topic of discussion. Critics argued that these appointments were driven by a preference for individuals with prosecutorial backgrounds, leading to accusations of an internal “cartel” within the administration.
The Democratic Party of Korea, led by Lee Jae-myung, frequently criticized this trend, highlighting the dominance of prosecutors in various roles. However, as the “prosecutor wave” faded, a new trend emerged—“lawyer wave.” Legal professionals who had represented the president in high-profile cases, such as allegations of illegal remittances to North Korea or violations of election laws, were offered prominent positions in the government. This has sparked debates about whether these appointments are a form of repayment for legal services rendered.
A Shift from Prosecutors to Lawyers
Following the lawyer wave, a second wave of appointments began, centered around the president’s peers from the Judicial Research and Training Institute. These individuals secured influential roles, including positions on the National Education Committee and as UN ambassador. Notably, the new chairman of the National Education Committee was previously the president of Pusan National University during a controversy involving admissions favoritism linked to the child of a political figure.
This pattern raises questions about the direction of education reform in South Korea. Despite decades of efforts to modernize the system, the current leadership appears to be moving away from meaningful change. The Minister of Education is a former union leader, while the National Education Committee chairman has a background in both prosecution and law. It seems that the focus on reform has been overshadowed by political considerations.
The Balance Between Law and Engineering
In contrast to the legal landscape, some countries emphasize engineering expertise in their leadership. The United States, for instance, has a large number of lawyers, with over 1.3 million in total. In states like New York and California, the legal profession thrives on litigation. However, a surplus of lawyers can lead to challenges, as they may push the boundaries of legality in pursuit of their interests.
On the other hand, countries like China have historically favored engineers in their leadership. In 2002, the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China included several engineers, reflecting a strategic emphasis on technical expertise. This approach contributed to China’s rapid economic growth, as it integrated into the global economy through initiatives like joining the World Trade Organization.
Lessons from History and Current Trends
The rise of China as a global power in the early 2000s was partly due to a miscalculation by the U.S. administration, which believed that economic integration would lead to political democratization. Instead, China became a major global player, challenging U.S. dominance in recent years.
Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has leveraged engineering and technology to build a surveillance state, using facial recognition to monitor citizens. While technological advancement brings benefits, it also risks creating blind spots in addressing broader global issues.
South Korea’s Path Forward
South Korea’s political landscape is increasingly shaped by legal professionals. Presidents like Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, Yoon Suk-yeol, and Lee Jae-myung all come from legal backgrounds. Among the members of the 22nd National Assembly, 20% are lawyers, raising concerns about the quality of legislation and the overall functioning of the assembly.
According to employment data, lawyers rank around 20th in average income, yet many pursue political careers, driven by the allure of power and influence. This phenomenon has been likened to “mullets jumping when a chub moves,” with a growing number of individuals vying for positions in the National Assembly.
As South Korea continues to navigate its political and economic future, the balance between legal expertise and technical proficiency remains a critical issue. Whether the country will lean more toward a “lawyer state” or embrace the strengths of an “engineer state” will shape its trajectory in the years to come.