A Progressive Move in South Korea

Photo credits to BBC.

   While South Korea has already gained fame in the global arena with the rise of Samsung and Hyundai, it has reached a completely new level of public appeal with the election of Park Guen-hye, the first female president of the nation. 

   Having been elected last December with fifty-two percent of the popular vote, Park, a fiscal conservative, was sworn into office on Monday, and now begins her five-year presidential term.  Park’s win in South Korea, a nation with a predominantly male parliament, marks a strongly progressive step forward for Korean women.  Yet, many continue to question Park’s ability as President due to her family’s past, most notably that of her father, Park Chung-hee. 

   A former political figure in South Korea, Park Chung-hee is often referred to as one of the main founders of modern Korea.  Yet, after ruling South Korea from 1961 to 1979, he is characterized through mixed reviews with some describing him as the  “cornerstone of prosperity,” and others as one that abused human rights.  With his legacy having lived on since his assassination during his reign in 1979, many in Korea and around the globe now look forward to seeing what his daughter has in store for the next five years.

   Although Park now faces the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea’s (DPRK) threats of nuclear weapons, she still hopes to be able to create future peace between the two sides and prosperity within South Korea.  While Park advocates her idea of “trustpolitik,” a philosophy based on “mutually binding expectations” with the DPRK, Park also hopes to increase investment by cutting taxes for businesses and improving South Korean welfare programs. 

   With the title of the first female President of the South Korea and such a strong political foundation, can Park possibly make progress with the DPRK? Also, could her leadership also lead to improved relations with America, as well?