Innovations in the science and technology sector, Reforms in market mechanism, Reforms
and renovations in the cultural sector (Encourage decency in the cultural sector),
Building a business hub of Northeast Asia, and Realize decentralization of power.
Dynamic nation, Compassionate society, Sound and decent culture, Safe society
with a vision
For a sound social culture, it is necessary to uphold and pursue principles
and reliability, dialogue and compromise, transparency and fairness, devolution
and autonomy, and balance and integration. In short, reform and integration.
Six cardinal virtues are necessary for individuals aspiring for leadership.
They are: reliability, fairness, sincerity, moderation, devotion and responsibility.
Also necessary are judgment and insight, based on knowledge and wisdom, and
courage and decisiveness to carry them out.
Centuries of "history on the periphery" have been the source of incessant division
of national consensus and conflict for the Korean people. A new era is dawning
upon us to develop a new history. A new era refers not only to an economic development,
but also to overcoming the "history on the periphery" and to taking an initiative
for Korea to chart a new order in Northeast Asia. We should develop an "independent
history" by playing a leading role and participating horizontally in shaping the
regional order.
Life
Boyhood Dreams:
A Christian minister, banker, judge
Nicknames:
Nojiang (called by members of Nosamo, a Roh Moo-hyun fan club)
Genius Roh, Stone Bean (both in boyhood)
Attorney Roh (while a human rights lawyer in Busan)
Bar Examination:
Passed the examination at his fourth try, joining the 17th class of successful
candidates
Marriage and Study for Bar Exam:
Marriage was a great help for his bar exam preparations. His wife provided meticulous
support for his studies. Whenever she brought him a lunch box, their toddler
first son used to tag along and offered his cute gestures to make their lunch
together a pleasure. When the student returns home at dusk, son's welcome back
greetings relaxed his daylong tensions and fatigue and refreshed him.
What was the most humiliating moment in your life?
Early on as a practicing attorney, I received 600,000 won from a client as a
retainer. Even though the case was settled out of court, I did not return the
money since that was a customary practice. The woman who retained me said, "Do
you lawyers make money in such a way?" The words struck deep in my heart.
What made you become a human rights lawyer?
When I saw a tortured student in the course of defending my client, a student
involved in the Burim Incident, it occured to me that it could also occur to
my own child who would become a college student sooner or later.
When did you learn to use computer?
Back in 1982, I saw an eight-bit computer for the first time. When the Geumsung
publishing company put a local version of the word processor program on the
market for the first time, I bought it right away. Ever since, I would save
defense arguments in the computer and used them with necessary revisions.
What was the occasion to enter into politics?
At the recommendation of Father Song Ki-in, I ran for the 13th General Elections.
On organ donation:
In 2002, my wife and I took an oath to donate organs upon death and delivered
the written oaths to the National Medical Center.
Preferences and Habits
Favorite foods:
I like samgyetang (boiled chicken in broth, with ginseng and other ingredients)
most. When it comes to food, I am not picky, but I try not to overeat. Other
favorite foods include steamed rice (beans, peas, etc) accompanied with "doenjang,"
(the Korean soy-bean paste), brown seaweed, dried pollack, thick beef soup,
seasoned vegetables and watery kimchi (fermented cabbage dish).
Favorite Songs: Ijeongpyo (milestone) and Jageun-yeonindeul (little lovers)
Favorite Sports:
Mountain hiking and bowling
Daily Exercises:
I do yoga for about thirty minutes everyday and stretch-exercise accompanying
a YTN morning program.
Favorite Movies:
"Ryan's Daughter," "El Cid" "Dr. Zhivago,""Indiana Jones." "Oasis," etc.
Favorite Books: Diary of Kim Gu, Biography of Abraham Lincoln, Between Hope and History by Bill Clinton, and Les Miserables
Favorite Clothing Color:
Dark Blue
On reading:
I am an avid reader who turns to books whenever a problem comes up. I learned
the basics of how to sail and how to use computers from books. My reading usually
starts from the books of principles and moves to applied books. I own more than
2,000 books and one day my living room was also turned into a study. I have many
books on futurology, ideology, economics, management and national strategy, but
not so many novels.
Motto
Be hard on yourself and generous to others.
Favorite Leaders:
Kim Gu (prominent independence fighter)and Abraham Lincoln
Who is the person you turn to when you face challenges?
My wife.
If you did not become a politician, what would you like to do?
I would like to become a lobbyist. Because backroom dealings were so widespread,
I once thought I wanted to build a fair and square lobby culture.
What are the words for children?
See the world with love and the world will become more beautiful.
