The result of the presidential election confirmed that the central axis of Korean society is changing. Most of all, the existing culture based on a boss, patrimony and the elite is being replaced by one based on autonomy and self-expression. This could not be detected during the 15-year period of democratization, which is why many experts now say the "Three Kims" system is now officially dead.

Gone too is the intervention of chaebol into the election, thereby creating a clean atmosphere. In addition the established media were stunned by the explosive power of the Internet and netizens who dominated the campaign.

Many parents who attempted to persuade their children to vote for their candidate failed and in some cases voted with them. Analysts note that the vote represented a complete rejection of mechanisms produced by the establishment, by a new voting block, which rejected its position of holding power and money beyond its capabilities.

Yonsei University Professor Kim Ho-ki commented the industrializing main stream of the country had now been replaced, adding that even if the Grand National Party's Lee Hoi-chang had been elected, its outlook would only have been artificially extended for five more years. The change can be seen as a kind of revolution, not perpendicular, but horizontal.

Korea University Professor Kim Young-pyong said society was transforming into a multi-lateral one rather than a vertical one, and new power groups will emerge in every field.

Experts say the old-style politics represented by the 'Three Kims' including privatization of a party "ruled" by one man and commanding complete loyalty has collapsed. Lee's defeat can be also blamed on his excessive elitism and the view that he represented then establishment.

Professor Kim Ki-jeong, also of Yonsei, said the old-style mobilization of crowds proved useless, and the party hierarchy system failed to perform its role. This is exemplified by the fact that following Roh's election, there were immediate calls for reform within the MDP, as well as in the GNP. Kyongnam University Professor Lee Soo-hoon said the desire to build a new system, discarding the old, frigid authoritarian one, is expanding throughout society.

The emergence of new media centered on the Internet has fundamentally changed the journalistic environment. Seoul National University Professor Chang Kyong-seop said people now gained information from multiple sources as opposed to just news reports. He added that those in their 30s and 40s, the new main stream in society, were critical of the corruption and two-faced behavior committed by those in their 50s and 60s in their pursuit of wealth from poverty. Chang noted they were also angry with the media for not reporting on this.

Many experts worry that populism, appealing to the sentiment of the people, rather than presenting logical and reasoned arguments, held sway in this election. Professor Eoh Soo-young of Ehwa Womans University commented it was doubtful whether Roh would meet the demands of the voters who want a general change in policies concerning North Korea and the United States, adding that his 570,000 margin was very small. Eoh said he should compromise with his opponents as drastic changes would be difficult.

Professor Kim Young-pyong warned of the creation of new alienation, saying that if society changed too quickly those over 50 in the middle and lower income groups would find themselves with no voice.

According to Sangji University Professor Chung Dae-hwa, Korea has entered a second phase of democracy, but Roh's victory was not one for his party, rather it was for those wanting change and reform. He said the next government must be balanced and fair. Professor Cho Hee-yun of the Sung Kong Hoe University said the gap between the demand for reform and the ability to push for this has grown wider and so Roh must be aggressive in pursuit of this.

(Chosun Ilbo 2002 Election Coverage Team)