Kim's death gives opposition risks, opportunities

SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- The death of former President Kim Dae-jung will likely cause a subtle jolt to local politics, bringing focus to an opposition party that has staggered in its battle against the government, according to observers Wednesday.

A lifelong campaigner for democracy and inter-Korean reconciliation, Kim died
Tuesday at the age of 85 at a hospital in Seoul after a month-long battle with
pneumonia and related complications.
As one of the key old guards in contemporary Korean politics, his death has
virtually suspended all political activity as the nation mourns the loss of one
of its leaders.
Coming less than three months after the suicide of his successor and fellow
liberal Roh Moo-hyun, Kim's death could further channel public support to the
opposition, just as Roh's death fueled criticism of the current conservative
administration.
Roh took his own life by jumping from a cliff near his residence in the south of
the country while in the midst of an investigation by prosecutors that involved
both family and former close aides. Many here saw the investigation as
politically motivated and blamed it for Roh's suicide.
President Lee Myung-bak's fragile approval ratings took a critical hit following
Roh's death and were further damaged after the ruling Grand National Party (GNP)
passed a raft of unpopular bills allowing businesses and newspapers to own
controlling stakes in broadcast firms.
The main opposition Democratic Party (DP), which led a national campaign to abort
the media bills, may find renewed strength after the death of the former liberal
icon who even into his last days remained critical of the Lee administration.
The visible impact of his death may come in October's by-elections.
Still, others say that the opposition, which plans to boycott parliament's
September session, will ultimately return to the National Assembly after the
mourning period ends due to lack of momentum and disapproval among voters for the
recent street rallies.
The opposition would also be seen as walking a fine line, risking the perceptions
that it is attempting to capitalize on Kim's death.
For the ruling GNP, the current state of politics could affect the president's
plan for a partial shake up of his Cabinet.
"Kim's death will, to some extent, affect the Cabinet shuffle and reorganizing of
Cheong Wa Dae (presidential office)," a source close to presidential affairs
said.
A GNP member, however, insisted the government will stay on course.
"We expect to encounter a new political landscape for the time being," he said.
"Our reform efforts may be delayed (due to the changed atmosphere), but there
will not be much problem in accelerating them after the situation passes."