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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
S. Korea's right grapples with ideological crisis
ACCUSED of being complicit in insurrection and with its last two presidents both impeached, South Korea's conservative party is in crisis and heading towards likely defeat in tomorrow's snap election. South Korea will vote to choose a successor to the People Power Party's disgraced former president Yoon Suk Yeol, whose removal from office threw the country into turmoil. Yoon's impeachment over a disastrous declaration of martial law — which saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament — made him the second straight conservative president to be stripped of office after Park Geun-hye in 2017. "It's fair to say that the current political crisis in South Korea was already under way when Park Geun-hye won the election in 2012," said Minseon Ku, a postdoctoral researcher at the William & Mary Global Research Institute. Former president Park's father, Park Chung-hee, was a military dictator who ruled the country with an iron fist for more than 15 years. Running for Saenuri, a predecessor of the PPP, Park tapped into nostalgia for the rapid economic growth of her father's authoritarian era. But critics say this is no way for the party to win long-term support in the democratic South, pointing to the growing fragmentation of the right, which has drawn in anti-feminist young men and extreme religious figures but lost much of the middle. The PPP is now facing an "ideological identity crisis", Ku said. Yoon, a former star prosecutor, was a political novice when he became the PPP's presidential candidate — a sign the party had failed even then to cultivate in-house talent capable of appealing to a broad cross-section of society, analysts say. Yoon won the 2022 election by the narrowest margin in South Korean history, defeating the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung — who is now the clear frontrunner for the June 3 vote. During that campaign, Yoon sparked controversy by saying that former president Chun Doo-hwan — a military dictator responsible for the 1980 Gwangju massacre — was "quite good at politics in many people's view". On Dec 3 last year, Yoon tried to suspend civilian rule, justifying his bid as necessary to break legislative gridlock and "root out" pro-North Korean, "anti-state" forces. PPP lawmakers initially refused to join an opposition-led vote to impeach him, but after days of mass street protests, enough of them defected to allow the motion to pass. Weeks later, when prosecutors moved to arrest Yoon on insurrection charges, some PPP lawmakers physically intervened to block authorities from entering his residence. The party's former leader, Han Dong-hoon — once a Yoon ally — faced an intense internal backlash for publicly opposing Yoon's martial law attempt. Its current presidential candidate, Kim Moon-soo — Yoon's former labour minister — rose to public attention for refusing to join a cabinet-wide apology bow over the failure to stop martial law. Critics have repeatedly called for the PPP's dissolution, with the Democratic Party's candidate branding it "a party of insurrection and military rebellion". All major polls place liberal candidate Lee as the clear frontrunner for tomorrow's vote, and given the retaliatory nature of South Korean politics, experts say his victory could further accelerate the PPP's downward spiral. The party "lost the moral high ground due to the insurrection", said Byunghwan Ben Son, a professor at George Mason University. It "now faces significant legal burdens as investigations into various corruption charges involving Yoon and his wife continue", he added. The new government "could also file a constitutional review of the PPP", he said, which could potentially lead to the party's dissolution. The party has also faced sharp criticism from its own former leaders, with one of them, Lee Jun-seok, now running with a separate party and refusing to unite with the PPP against the Democratic Party's Lee. Lee's party already holds a parliamentary majority, and analysts say the fractured conservative base will struggle in opposition unless it can resolve its issues. The PPP will become a relic unless it succeeds in "rebranding itself and distancing itself from its unsavoury past", said Vladimir Tikhonov from the University of Oslo. If Lee wins, "I won't be surprised if the PPP splits, with influential bosses and faction heads leaving the sinking ship", the Korea studies professor added.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Seoul rallies as election nears
Out in droves: (above and below) Supporters of Kim attending a political rally ahead of the June 3 presidential election in Seoul. — AFP Thousands of supporters of the country's two leading presidential candidates rallied in Seoul, days before a vote triggered by the ex-leader's disastrous declaration of martial law. Tuesday's election caps months of political turmoil sparked by Yoon Suk-yeol's brief suspension of civilian rule in December, for which he was impeached and removed from office. All major polls have placed liberal Lee Jae-myung well ahead in the presidential race, with a recent Gallup survey showing 49% of respondents viewed him as the best candidate. Kim Moon-soo, from the conservative People Power Party (PPP) that Yoon left this month, trailed behind at 35%. Organisers from both camps told police they expected tens of thousands of supporters to rally in Seoul yesterday. In Seocho, in the south of the capital, Lee supporters gathered holding signs condemning Yoon's 'insurrection'. 'I believe the outcome of the presidential election is already decided,' said Lee Kyung-joon, a Lee supporter. 'I came to today's rally to help condemn the forces involved in the martial law attempt,' he added, referring to ex-president Yoon's political allies. Yoon is currently on trial for insurrection, and Kwon Oh-hyeok, one of the organisers of yesterday's rally, said a Lee victory in the June 3 vote was crucial to holding him accountable. 'Isn't the People Power Party's decision to run in the snap election – triggered by Yoon's removal from office – an insult and a betrayal of the people?' Kwon told rally participants. 'Fellow citizens, we must win by a landslide to deliver the justice this moment demands.' On the other side of town, in Gwanghwamun Square, conservatives – including supporters of disgraced ex-leader Yoon – filled the streets holding signs that read 'Yoon Again' and 'Early voting is invalid!' Yoon's martial law attempt, which he claimed was necessary to 'root out' pro-North Korean, 'anti-state' forces, emboldened a wave of extreme supporters including far-right YouTubers and radical religious figures. Many have spread unverified content online, including allegations of Chinese espionage and fraud within South Korea's electoral system. That sentiment was on full display at yesterday's rally, where protesters called for the dissolution of the National Election Commission over a series of mishaps during the two-day early voting period this week. 'People believe the root of all these problems lies with the National Election Commission, and that it should be held accountable,' said conservative protester Rhee Kang-san. Both frontrunner Lee of the liberal Democratic Party and conservative challenger Kim have cast the race as a battle for the soul of the country. More than a third of those eligible cast their ballots in early voting last Thursday and Friday, according to the election commission. Overseas voting reached a record high, with nearly four-fifths of the 1.97 million eligible voters casting their ballots last week. Experts say that regardless of who wins, South Korea's polarisation is likely to deepen. If Lee wins, the conservatives 'will do whatever it takes to undermine him and his government, whether their logic makes sense or not', said political analyst Park Sang-byung. 'Unless the PPP distances itself from Yoon's extremist base, it could turn to misinformation – such as unfounded claims of election fraud – to mobilise the right against Lee. That's a troubling prospect,' he said. Whoever succeeds Yoon will also have to grapple with a worsening economic downturn, one of the world's lowest birth rates, the soaring cost of living and bellicose neighbour North Korea. He will also have to navigate a mounting superpower standoff between the United States, South Korea's traditional security guarantor, and China, its largest trade partner. — AFP
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
South Koreans rally for presidential hopefuls days before vote
Photo: AP SEOUL: Thousands of supporters of South Korea's two leading presidential candidates rallied on Saturday in Seoul, days before a vote triggered by the ex-leader's disastrous declaration of martial law. Tuesday's election caps months of political turmoil sparked by Yoon Suk Yeol's brief suspension of civilian rule in December, for which he was impeached and removed from office. All major polls have placed liberal Lee Jae-myung well ahead in the presidential race, with a recent Gallup survey showing 49 percent of respondents viewed him as the best candidate. Kim Moon-soo, from the conservative People Power Party (PPP) that Yoon left this month, trailed behind at 35 percent. Organisers from both camps told police they expected tens of thousands of supporters to rally in Seoul on Saturday. In Seocho, in the south of the capital, Lee supporters gathered holding signs condemning Yoon's "insurrection". "I believe the outcome of the presidential election is already decided," Lee Kyung-joon, a Lee supporter, told AFP. "I came to today's rally to help condemn the forces involved in the martial law attempt," he added, referring to ex-president Yoon's political allies. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Yoon is currently on trial for insurrection, and Kwon Oh-hyeok, one of the organisers of Saturday's rally, said a Lee victory in the June 3 vote was crucial to holding him accountable. "Isn't the People Power Party's decision to run in the snap election -- triggered by Yoon's removal from office -- an insult and a betrayal of the people?" Kwon told rally participants. "Fellow citizens, we must win by a landslide to deliver the justice this moment demands." On the other side of town, in Gwanghwamun Square, conservatives -- including supporters of disgraced ex-leader Yoon -- filled the streets holding signs that read "Yoon Again" and "Early voting is invalid!" Yoon's martial law attempt, which he claimed was necessary to "root out" pro-North Korean, "anti-state" forces, emboldened a wave of extreme supporters including far-right YouTubers and radical religious figures. Many have spread unverified content online, including allegations of Chinese espionage and fraud within South Korea's electoral system. That sentiment was on full display at Saturday's rally, where protesters called for the dissolution of the National Election Commission over a series of mishaps during the two-day early voting period this week. "People believe the root of all these problems lies with the National Election Commission, and that it should be held accountable," conservative protester Rhee Kang-san told AFP. Deepening polarisation Both frontrunner Lee of the liberal Democratic Party and conservative challenger Kim have cast the race as a battle for the soul of the country. More than a third of those eligible cast their ballots in early voting on Thursday and Friday, according to the election commission. Overseas voting reached a record high, with nearly four-fifths of the 1.97 million eligible voters casting their ballots last week. Experts say that regardless of who wins, South Korea's polarisation is likely to deepen. If Lee wins, the conservatives "will do whatever it takes to undermine him and his government, whether their logic makes sense or not", political analyst Park Sang-byung told AFP. "Unless the PPP distances itself from Yoon's extremist base, it could turn to misinformation -- such as unfounded claims of election fraud -- to mobilise the right against Lee. That's a troubling prospect," he said. Whoever succeeds Yoon will also have to grapple with a worsening economic downturn, one of the world's lowest birth rates, the soaring cost of living and bellicose neighbour North Korea. He will also have to navigate a mounting superpower standoff between the United States, South Korea's traditional security guarantor, and China, its largest trade partner.
Japan Forward
5 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Chosen Soren Drifts from North Korea and Into Obscurity
As the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan ( Chosen Soren in Japanese) marks its 70th anniversary, the once-powerful pro-North Korean organization is facing a steep and possibly irreversible decline. From dwindling school subsidies and shrinking membership to growing disillusionment within its ranks and signs of neglect from Pyongyang, Chosen Soren's relevance in both Japan and North Korea is being openly questioned. Founded in 1955, Chosen Soren once served as a critical bridge between North Korea and its diaspora in Japan. The organization oversaw a vast network of Korean schools, credit unions, hospitals, and cultural associations. All were rooted in loyalty to the Kim regime and its guiding Juche (self-reliance) ideology. Article 1 of Chosen Soren's charter declares its mission as uniting all Koreans in Japan around the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. In its heyday during the 1970s and '80s, Chosen Soren reportedly had up to 500,000 members and channeled tens of billions of Japanese yen (millions of USD) to North Korea. It also operated elite "Learning Groups" ( gakushu-gumi ), whose members were reportedly involved in supporting South Korean anti-government movements. They were also possibly engaged in espionage operations in Japan. During Japan's economic bubble, the group served as a financial lifeline for Pyongyang. But that power has steadily eroded. Its decline has been particularly noticeable since 2002, when then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il admitted to the abduction of Japanese citizens. Chosen Soren had long denied this claim as fabrication. The confession shocked members, triggered internal backlash, and led to mass defections. Many left the organization entirely, joined the pro-South Korea Mindan, or naturalized as Japanese citizens. The Japanese government responded with a series of sanctions following North Korea's 2006 missile launches and nuclear tests. These included bans on North Korean ships, import restrictions, and limits on remittances. Many of those had been funneled through Chogin credit unions tied to Chosen Soren. Between 1997 and 2002, those credit unions collapsed under the weight of defaulted loans tied to North Korean remittances. Annual transfers, once measured in the billions of yen, have since fallen to just a few million (few thousand USD). Portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il displayed on the wall of a classroom at a Korean school. March 2010, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. Recent years have seen the organization's decline deepen. The Japanese Ministry of Education reported that some 93 municipalities still provided Korean schools with subsidies as of fiscal 2022. However, the total amount had dropped to ¥230.64 million ($1.47 million), a reflection of both declining enrollment and increasing political scrutiny. Korean schools operated by Chosen Soren are officially categorized as "miscellaneous schools" rather than regular educational institutions under Japanese law. Therefore, they are excluded from the national tuition waiver program. Local governments remain divided. In 2010, then-Governor Shintaro Ishihara froze subsidies in Tokyo, citing anti-Japanese education and suspected ties to the abductions. Osaka followed suit the same year after then-Governor Toru Hashimoto demanded that the Osaka Korean School Foundation prove it had severed ties with Chosen Soren. Receiving no response, the city halted its ¥87 million ($554,140) subsidy and has not resumed funding. In contrast, Hyogo Prefecture continues to provide over ¥40 million ($254,780) annually. Governor Motohiko Saito defended the policy on the grounds that "children's education should be treated separately." Chosen Soren's symbolic decline was made even more apparent in January 2025 when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un failed to send his customary New Year's message to Chosen Soren chairman Ho Jong-man. The annual letter traditionally served as a directive from Pyongyang and a reaffirmation of Chosen Soren's place within the North Korean sphere. Its absence has caused confusion and unrest within the organization, especially as it marks its 70th anniversary. Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea of North Korea. May 9, at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang (Korean Central News Agency via Kyodo News) Further signs of estrangement have appeared. Chosen Soren officials were reportedly disinvited from the Pyongyang International Marathon in April. As well, planned visits to North Korea were canceled. Kim did send a brief letter on May 25, encouraging overseas Koreans in Japan to visit the homeland. Insiders, however, say it lacked the political weight of the usual New Year's message and appeared aimed more at pacifying discontent than affirming ties. The rift appears to center on North Korea's abandonment of its reunification policy. In a 2024 speech to the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim declared South Korea "our principal and absolute enemy," effectively ending decades of rhetoric around peaceful unification. Chosen Soren, whose founding purpose included promoting "the independent and peaceful reunification of the homeland," found itself ideologically adrift. In response, Chosen Soren issued internal guidelines banning the use of phrases like "independent reunification" and "one people" in schools and materials. That served to further deepen member disillusionment. Educators reported no official instructions on textbook revisions from Pyongyang, leaving many confused about how to proceed. Despite these tensions, a Chosen Soren delegation led by Jeong Seong-han, head of the Hokkaido chapter, is currently visiting Pyongyang. North Korean media reported that the group paid homage at statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and visited the alleged birthplace of Kim Il Sung. In Japan, the organization has launched a 70-day campaign of commemorative events, including rallies, performances, and lectures. The celebration culminated in an art performance in Tokyo's Kita Ward on May 27. Still, these gestures do little to dispel the growing sense that Chosen Soren is being quietly sidelined by the very regime it has long served. Tsutomu Nishioka, chairman of the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea and a professor at Reitaku University, stated it well. "If Chosen Soren continues to praise the oppressive Kim regime, there is no path forward," he said. "Its only chance of survival is to adapt to Japanese society and begin speaking critically, and truthfully, on behalf of North Korean people." (Read a related article in Japanese .) Author: The Sankei Shimbun
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Police seek journalist arrest over martial law ‘fake report'
POLICE here said they have requested an arrest warrant for a journalist over a false report related to former president Yoon Suk-yeol's brief imposition of martial law. A reporter for local news outlet Sky eDaily wrote in January in a purportedly 'exclusive' report that 99 Chinese spies had been arrested by South Korean troops on the day Yoon suspended civilian rule in December. Citing unnamed US military intelligence sources, the report claimed the spies were transferred to US military custody in Japan's Okinawa, after being arrested at a facility affiliated with South Korea's National Election Commission (NEC). The Seoul Metropolitan Police said that it has filed an arrest warrant request for the reporter, on charges of 'obstruction of official duties' of the NEC. The journalist, who has not been named by the police, is accused of publishing a 'false article that disrupted' the NEC's operations, its spokesperson added, saying they expect to receive the court's decision later today. AFP digital verification reporters have previously debunked the journalist's report and related content. Both the NEC and the US Forces Korea had refuted the 'Chinese spy' report when approached by AFP's Fact Check. Yoon's martial law declaration – which he claimed was necessary to break legislative gridlock and 'root out' pro-North Korean 'anti-state' forces – garnered support from extreme religious figures and right-wing YouTubers. It has also fuelled a surge in misinformation and conspiracy theories online, with unverified content spreading unproven claims of electoral fraud and Chinese espionage. Pro-Yoon rallies turned violent in January when extremist supporters stormed a Seoul courthouse. At least four of them were handed jail terms, with their charges including vandalising the property and physically attacking members of the press and police officers. — AFP
