South Korea
Daughter of former South Korean dictator wins presidency
By Ben McGrath, December 20, 2012
Park Geun-hye’s election represents a turn to authoritarian forms of rule by the South Korean corporate elite.
South Korean “progressives” line-up behind the Democrats
By Ben McGrath, December 15, 2012
The parties connected with the Korean Co-federation of Trade Unions are promoting the fraud that the Democrat candidate in the South Korean presidential election represents “a lesser evil.”
South Korean “independent” pulls out of presidential election
By Ben McGrath, December 3, 2012
Ahn Cheol-soo, a wealthy businessman, has thrown his support behind the Democrat in what is now largely a two-person race.
South Korean unions enforce new auto productivity benchmarks
By Ben McGrath, October 30, 2012
The union sell-out of the campaign by auto workers will create more onerous working conditions.
US extends permitted range of South Korean missiles
By John Chan, October 15, 2012
The Obama administration’s move is set to heighten geo-political tensions in North East Asia.
South Korean government bolsters police powers
By Ben McGrath, October 6, 2012
The government claims it is trying to prevent crime and protect citizens, but the real aim is to prepare for future crackdowns against social unrest.
Tensions remain high between South Korea and Japan
By Ben McGrath, September 6, 2012
Tokyo and Seoul have refused to back away from competing claims over the Dokdo/Takeshima islands.
Japan-South Korea tensions flare over disputed islands
By Peter Symonds, August 22, 2012
Both governments are stirring up nationalist sentiment at home to deflect attention from mounting social tensions and political opposition.
South Korea: Dictator’s daughter announces presidential bid
By Ben McGrath, July 18, 2012
Park Geun-hye’s emergence is as the leading presidential candidate is a warning that more authoritarian forms of rule are being prepared.
South Korea postpones military pact with Japan
By Ben McGrath, July 13, 2012
Seoul’s proposed intelligence-sharing agreement with Tokyo provoked a political crisis for the South Korean government.
South Korean university students fined over fees protest
By Ben McGrath, June 14, 2012
The heavy fines were designed to intimidate students who are struggling to cope with rising tuition costs.
South Korean government tries to shore up fragile banking system
By Ben McGrath, May 16, 2012
As well as being exposed to a domestic real estate bubble, South Korea’s banking system is heavily dependent on international credit markets.
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