MANILA -- Politically, South Korean President Kim Dae Jung's time is running out, and the alleged corruptive practices of his sons have accelerated the erosion of his authority tremendously. The recent thaw in inter-Korean relations may well be Kim's last chance to improve his tarnished image.
No doubt, the president has always been concerned about his political legacy. It is an exceptional irony that the very institution created to preserve his political inheritance -- the foundation bearing his name -- has become the core of alleged corruption. While Kim has arguably done more to promote democracy and the market economy in South Korea than all his predecessors put together, his place in history will probably not be that of a domestic reformer.
Overshadowing his accomplishments at home have been his visionary moves toward North Korea. For many South Koreans who have given up hope that Kim's "sunshine policy" will bear fruit, this may sound unacceptable.