"It Was a Very Lonely Decision"

By Barry Hillenbrand, S. Chang

Roh Tae Woo paused last week to talk with TIME's Tokyo bureau chief Barry Hillenbrand and correspondent S. Chang. At his party's headquarters, Roh sipped ginseng tea between questions and spoke in a quiet, steady voice. Excerpts:

On his decision. Seeing all those demonstrations, the discontent and anger, I tried to look for the answer to the situation. I met with many leaders from many walks of life and listened patiently to what they said. I also met with young students and had a chance to talk with my family. After hearing all those opinions, I came to the conclusion that although the parliamentary cabinet system is a good democratic system -- and maybe the ideal for the future -- an immediate answer should be given to the demand of the people, which is, "Let us choose our own leader by our own vote."

On President Chun's role. There was no consultation with the President before I made this decision. But when I was considering this proposal, I had a firm belief that President Chun Doo Hwan would respond positively to my proposal. However, this process of decision was a very lonely one.

On a schedule for change. It is not necessary to wait until the election for these other reforms. Already President Chun has instructed his Cabinet to find a way of implementing my eight-point democratization proposal. The timetable for elections and the revision of the constitution should be resolved through negotiation with the opposition.

On the opposition. Because my proposal reflected the ruling party's desire for democracy, and because of our sincerity in making this announcement, I think that the opposition will come to the negotiating table. I think the opposition is quite happy with our proposal, and if they are happy, I am happy.

On Kim Dae Jung. In my view the unhappy past should be forgotten, and the memories of it should be eradicated. When I made my proposal for democratic development, I did it in the belief that by doing so all Korean people could find harmony in these principles. I do not have any personal feeling of animosity toward Kim or anyone, and I would like to have him be part of this reconciliation.

On American influence. Because the U.S. is our closest ally and because American officials do not want any instability in Korea, they have emphasized the importance of sticking to democratic principles. But I think U.S. officials remained within the proper limits. They understand that the decision has to be made by the Korean people, and interfering with our own problems is not their business.

On his presidential candidacy. I am not considering which side will win in the election. What I have on my mind is how the Democratic Justice Party and I can realize democratic development. If that can be achieved, I will be satisfied. Who will turn out to be President, I really don't care.

On economic policy. The basic structure of economic policy should continue. However, certain emphasis has to be made as to the fair distribution of wealth. High income should not be limited to one group. It should be shared by all people.

On his children. My daughter ((a graduate student at the University of Chicago)) is the absolute, unconditional supporter of her father. My son ((a senior at Seoul National University)) is different. He is very critical at times and has his own views and ideas. When I talk with him, I sense some generation gap. But after my announcement last week, for the first time he said to me, "Father, I respect you."