There should be no need to re-emphasize how the NSL should be fixed. It is a remnant of the Cold War, international human rights groups have long said it should be abolished, and it is a textbook example of laws that work against human rights. There actually have been many people within the GNP who are personally in favor of discarding or amending the NSL, now that we're in the 21st century, a time of reconciliation and cooperation. Progress in the area of amendment was never made, however, especially because of a venomous attitude on the part of party leadership. Now the GNP has joined the ranks of parties calling for change, since Uri Party is for alternative legislation and the Democratic Labor Party (DLP) wants it completely abolished, it would appear like the debate about what to do with the NSL can't postpone any louder. The most desirable way to go about it would be to get rid of it all together, or at least start by getting rid of cruel clauses such as about making statements in favor for North Korea or about punishing people who fail to report people.

The NSL will be the first test of how ready the GNP is to leave its past behind and be born anew. Since the end of the National Assembly election, there have been calls from within the party claiming "if we aren't reborn as rational conservatives there will be no road to the future." Park herself has said, "if we return to the ways of the past then it is all over." The problem is that it is highly likely that party members who represent old establishment interests will be strongly opposed to amending or abolishing the law. There could be an intense ideological battle, since it is an issue that could change the dynamics of the party. That is why Parks leadership will now really be put to the test. How well she exercises leadership is something that will be watched closely.

The Hankyoreh, 23 April 2004.