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One day after the national team's semifinal match on Tuesday, more than 100 government plans were announced to utilize the mood generated by a successful hosting of the World Cup. It is only natural for the euphoric atmosphere to be used, but looking at the plans only raises concern.
The government started making the plans just two weeks ago and field studies only commenced last week. Such a short period of research will likely produce mere paper plans and nothing concrete. Many of them remind people of the past dictatorships' developmental plans; for example raising the price of export items by 10% and the number of top class goods to 300 by the end of the year. So is the plan to get 15 main industries, including automobiles and steel, into the top five in the world. The phrase, "We will mobilize strong dynamics to ensure economic growth up to 2010," merely reminds people of slogans emanating from the Park Chung-hee "government" of the 70s.
Many will be wondering why the government has a plan to enable professional soccer teams to keep the Red Devils national team supporters club as their own supporters. Also why it intends to create plans and consultation groups that will surely harass businesses. It is difficult to find any real measures designed to help businesses such as easing regulation, or restructuring the tax system. This kind of government planning totally contradicts the spirit of the Red Devils, which is based on voluntary participation. It should try and become aware of the real lessons provided by the supporters and Guus Hiddink.
(Chosun Ilbo Economics Writer)
June 27, 2002
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