Where are all the feminists protesting the female president of South Korea's impeachment? Remember the female president of Brazil, not a peep.
2
I always have problems with a single female president who does not have relationship with guys and kids. Former South Korea president is no exception. On the surface, they tend to appear very gentle, polite, soft spoken, and low profile. But beneath the surface, they have wider dreams, power hunger, and very stubborn. Due to their isolation, they tend to be influenced by close friends and supporters who are around her 24-hour a day. They are blinded by rumors and false statements in her ears. Tragedy sooner or later will happen.
2
This is not a happy moment in South Korea. This Choi Sun Sil gate was created and revealed by Ko Young Tae. He needed to drag down Choi Sun Sil in order to become himself a chairman in a company. He made a scenario and caused this uproar in South Korea. However, he has not been arrested til now and the prosecution protects him as a whistle-blower even though his recorded phone conversation, which was revealed a month ago, approves that he made this happening ill-intentionally. Moreover, a media kept distorting information against the President Park. The media and an opposition party encouraged people to demonstrate against the President Park. The opposition party even gave money to people who participated in a demonstration. This impeachment was largely influenced by a public opinion and a media. They wanted this country settled by making a person step down from a position. I agree that the President Park committed wrong by supporting Choi Sun Sil, who abused her power by using her connection with the President Park. However, this cannot be a cause of impeachment. I hope history re-evaluates this situation in the future.
6
What's missing in this article is the proper account to how the legislative impeachment vote was done. Out of 300s of congress(or national assembly) members, 2/3 of votes were needed. 234 out of 299 votes sent the case to the judges. Who were the congress members? Voted by none other than Koreans to represent themselves. If majority of the members were the ruling party, the impeachment couldn't even have been initiated. What anti-impeachment opinion holders have been kept propagandize about the whole process was that the impeachment was drived by groundless rumors without proof. But what they didn't know is that there actually was a proof in the form of Samsung Tablet owned by Choi and it was taken as evidence because pro-Park Congressman Jin-Tae Kim initiated the law for 'digital documents to be taken as evidence if proven as genuine' which was formerly impossible.( Yes, it was initiated by very JT Kim who has been leading and rabble-rousing the anti impeachment protest.) And prosecutors have concluded that Choi's tablet is indeed genuine. This was before the impeachment vote.
4
To make such a big deal about Ms. Park being the first female Leader in South Korea is wasted space. That part of the world has had many women in charge including, in addition to South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Bangladesh, India. Also Europe has Germany and UK with top ladies, not even including its female royalties in the UK and Netherlands. When the US gets it act together and a woman finally is in charge, even after the FBI is caught kicking below the belt, that certainly should be headlined.
5
It is nice to see an article on another country and region besides the Middle East, Israeli priorities and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the NYT.
The US, like its selective and skewed influences in Latin America, South America and Eastern Europe, cared more about "beating and dominating the "Commies" in East Asia, than learning about the culture, the people and the unity of Koreans.
America did practice "divide and conquer policy" in the Korean peninsula. And like the old guards of Korea, from whose military institutions and patriarchal dictatorial parenting Ms Park comes from, the US old guards want the status quo in Korea to continue. Demonstrations on both sides reveal that.
The US missionaries played dirty in Korea...linking "Christianity with Capitalism and Americanism". Many Koreans in the US are ultra Conservative Christians with high levels of domestic violence, alcoholism, depression, schizophrenia and corporeal punishment in their families. But Koreans who are more in harmony with Asian culture, and spiritual traditions besides Christianity, are better adjusted and balanced.
US should try to unite divided and warring brothers...not divide them further. US has played dirty in Korea and Japan...lets not deny that.
And evidence was clear that Ms Park had violated her oath of office. Impeachment was the right thing to do with such over whelming evidence. She has accepted the verdict and will leave without too much drama.
Why is CNN reporting otherwise?
The US, like its selective and skewed influences in Latin America, South America and Eastern Europe, cared more about "beating and dominating the "Commies" in East Asia, than learning about the culture, the people and the unity of Koreans.
America did practice "divide and conquer policy" in the Korean peninsula. And like the old guards of Korea, from whose military institutions and patriarchal dictatorial parenting Ms Park comes from, the US old guards want the status quo in Korea to continue. Demonstrations on both sides reveal that.
The US missionaries played dirty in Korea...linking "Christianity with Capitalism and Americanism". Many Koreans in the US are ultra Conservative Christians with high levels of domestic violence, alcoholism, depression, schizophrenia and corporeal punishment in their families. But Koreans who are more in harmony with Asian culture, and spiritual traditions besides Christianity, are better adjusted and balanced.
US should try to unite divided and warring brothers...not divide them further. US has played dirty in Korea and Japan...lets not deny that.
And evidence was clear that Ms Park had violated her oath of office. Impeachment was the right thing to do with such over whelming evidence. She has accepted the verdict and will leave without too much drama.
Why is CNN reporting otherwise?
8
I look forward to South Korea's export of this process to end reign of the most corrupt leader in American history.
T-Rex, the Corrupt, Venal, Criminal must go.
T-Rex, the Corrupt, Venal, Criminal must go.
10
Good-bye and good riddance!
2
While it is hard to say that President Park should have been kept in power, this development will hardly help South Korea. There is a reason why Mr. Moon did not win the last election. His brand of politics returns to the past instead of looking to the future.
South Korea faces a lot of issues with North Korea and with China. North Korea remains the most bizarre country in the world, with a government led by a crazy man who has no firm grip on reality. Barack Obama was right that North Korea is the biggest trouble spot in the world for the United States.
At least the United States will continue its firm support for South Korea. There's no reason for Donald Trump to change our position there. Let's hope that the United States, Japan and even China can find common ground to work out some way to stabilize North Korea and get it to join the rest of humanity in the real world.
South Korea faces a lot of issues with North Korea and with China. North Korea remains the most bizarre country in the world, with a government led by a crazy man who has no firm grip on reality. Barack Obama was right that North Korea is the biggest trouble spot in the world for the United States.
At least the United States will continue its firm support for South Korea. There's no reason for Donald Trump to change our position there. Let's hope that the United States, Japan and even China can find common ground to work out some way to stabilize North Korea and get it to join the rest of humanity in the real world.
1
We'll see. Chaebol driven politics is pretty deeply embedded into South Korean public life. Despite recent events, history has shown that corporate aristocracy is hard to get rid of.
4
I hope the new SK leader will at least try to deal with NK and their aggressions instead of just relying on America to send military support all the time. I wish Korea will be unified in my lifetime but that requires leaders in the South side who can stand up to and talk to the North. And the South Korean citizens should want leaders that will actually lead the country and their citizens. They have to keep being interested in their own politics if they don't want the whole county to be filled with corrupted officials.
4
I rather not question her motives or intentions, based on my own personal observation I don’t think she personally was looking to benefit from the scandal. Regardless, the evidence of scandal was concrete and it’s only right for her to bear responsibility. I was pleased to see the counter measure for corruption at work and regardless how damaging the result is, it can only benefit Korea’s future.
Even with all the back ground noise, it was very refreshing to see a functioning justice system undeterred by external pressure. This definitely was a big milestone and a good example for up and coming politician to see even the absolute power is no longer absolute. Kudos for peaceful protesters showing your message can resonate without the violence and surely a good news for people of Korea.
Even with all the back ground noise, it was very refreshing to see a functioning justice system undeterred by external pressure. This definitely was a big milestone and a good example for up and coming politician to see even the absolute power is no longer absolute. Kudos for peaceful protesters showing your message can resonate without the violence and surely a good news for people of Korea.
6
Incidents like this make it even clearer that democracy does not work, and is not suited for Asia (or anyone else for that matter). The South Koreans have slavishly emulated a failed system, for no reason other than a fear of inequality.
It is now the Korean's duty to elect a more nationalistic leader, who spends his time investigating leftists within the Korean government, even if that means colluding with large corporations. If he performs well, he will undo democratic norms in Korea, and save the nation from a gradual decline into mediocrity.
It is now the Korean's duty to elect a more nationalistic leader, who spends his time investigating leftists within the Korean government, even if that means colluding with large corporations. If he performs well, he will undo democratic norms in Korea, and save the nation from a gradual decline into mediocrity.
1
You clearly lack any knowledge of Korean people and its history. There is a country that meets your description of nationalistic leader. Just look north of South Korea. If anything, this whole incident demonstrated why democracy is the way to go.
11
I'm a Korean American, a Korea watcher. As a conservative who believes in the rule of law, I believe Pres. Park was justly ousted from her position according to the Korean law. However, there are problems with Korean law about impeachment. In particular, that the congress could quarantine a president and replace her with an acting president without the final ruling of the constitutional court. It only took two months to remove her from her official powers in the midst of wild speculation about what she did and did not do, another three mos to remove her from office. Congress pell mell rushed to take a vote for impeachment fearing the public sentiment; no one chose to deliberate and discuss about the vote on impeachment. Pres Park was not found guilty of receiving any personal bribery as the NYTImes suggests. Out of the five major charges only one was upheld and that was that she delegated many of her political decisions to someone who was not elected and unappointed by her government and this amounted to negligence, misgovernance and betrayal of public faith in her office. Yes, this individual was completely corrupt. It appears that she did not know the extent of the corruption. Pres Park was, at best, incompetent to allow such a person to "run" her government. Korean law is vulnerable to rule of the mob.
3
While Korean law isn't nowhere near good. I firmly believe there is no problem with the congress or national assembly being able to impeach a president with 2/3 of votes. Because the members are fairly elected by Korean people at general election and it's safe to say they represent the people. It's a matter of whether representative democracy is working properly or not. And general public agreed that it is when the impeachment got 234 votes. It is definitely not easy to do so and things would have been a lot different if the ruling party won the last general election, which they didn't.
3
And amid all this turmoil T rump wishes to dis-engage. Our influence, already on the wane, will become nil, and a new order in the area, championed by China, will become the norm. Myopia can only see so far and, in this case, T rump can only see himself --- again.
3
"Eight justices of the Constitutional Court unanimously decided to unseat Ms. Park for committing “acts that violated the Constitution and laws” throughout her time in office, Acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi said in a ruling that was nationally broadcast."
Majority of Koreans elected her, and eight selected judges throw her out. It's a travesty of democratic process! The charges were dicey at best. And the person accused of involvement with her heads Samsung- a company that contributes to 20% of Korean economy. Something smells. I hope that an independent commission investigates the allegations and the verdict, and perhaps reinstate her.
Majority of Koreans elected her, and eight selected judges throw her out. It's a travesty of democratic process! The charges were dicey at best. And the person accused of involvement with her heads Samsung- a company that contributes to 20% of Korean economy. Something smells. I hope that an independent commission investigates the allegations and the verdict, and perhaps reinstate her.
5
Yes, something really smelled when she won the popular vote in the first place. Total of 30,721,459 people voted and her win was confirmed when 93.2% of votes were counted in which she won by 1,060,054 votes. The number was 30,726,775 which exceeds 5,316 votes already. That makes total of 2,247,177 extra votes when 100% counted. Where did that extra votes came from?
1
Before the eight selected judges can even judge the case, they needed at least 200 votes by members of the national assembly who were also voted by majority of Koreans at 2016 general elections. 2016 general elections were the proof that Koreans had enough of ruling party and Park already.
2
This has nothing to do with her being elected in the first place. More than 75% of Korean people wanted her out since the news of her scandal broke. The investigation is still on-going but what have been proven so far is just unreal. The constitutional court was right to fire her based on that she had no regard for law and constitution which she sworn to uphold and protect.
As a matter of fact, I'm very surprised to see this outcome. Historically, three levels of Korean government would look after each other, not holding each other accountable. This time they actually did their job.
As a matter of fact, I'm very surprised to see this outcome. Historically, three levels of Korean government would look after each other, not holding each other accountable. This time they actually did their job.
2
This is a good news for sure. But I wonder why is NY times and CNN keep mentioning about her as south korea''s 1st 'female' president? There's absolutely no point of her being removed and her gender is related. I've never seen any news talk about the 1st male president or anything like that.
4
To influence American voters that you can vote a woman to the higher office....president of a country that is.
The spectacle of a witch hunting began with some dubious media reports on a trivial corruption charge involving a friend of President Park. The Korean news outlets just followed the old journalism adage, “if it bleed, it leads” and “make it bleed, if it doesn’t.” They knew how to incite people through “hate.” The false report and rampant fake news were exactly what the Koreans needed in venting their anger and frustration whatever it might have been. They behaved like “frogs in a small pond” without seeing the current world affairs. The National Assembly, under the pressure of the ensuing mass protests on the street, proceeded with the impeachment process. It was a very convenient course of action for the spineless politicians to do. And remember that there are always opposition parties with great interest in nation-wide unrest. The justices of Constitutional Court simply did not understand what the Constitution stipulates. The scholars of law have tried to convey to the Court and disseminate to the public numerous absurdities. Here are two examples. First, the court held the hearing with just eight justices instead of the full nine. The second “crime” was that they arbitrarily set the duration of impeachment hearing thereby preventing the defense lawyers from presenting relevant evidence and calling for key witnesses. In summary, the impeachment of President Park will be remembered as a major blemish in Korean history.
3
First, the constitutional court made it clear that they only required 6 judges to give a verdict. And all 8 judges voted for impeachment. Second, there is a separate prosecution and investigation going on. The constitutional court had enough evidence to make the decision.
Go watch public hearings about this case. There is enough evidence to link Choi and Park together for corruption and breaking law.
Go watch public hearings about this case. There is enough evidence to link Choi and Park together for corruption and breaking law.
2
People wishing that we can remove Trump: We could remove our president if it was the will of the people. You can't logically elect ONE person and think that you voted the US into a safe future. If we are going to run off the rails, the groundwork was laid for it LONG ago friends. This government has so many moving parts and layers of secrecy, along with the checks and balances to make sure that no one person can ever really take charge and make real changes. I say let this happen like it is supposed to. If we are not satisfied with them we will vote them out. I mean come on. There is never going to be some power grab by another political party or the military. We are Trump tight for the next few years.
2
Female leaders are singled out all over the world for suppression. When will women hate end?
1
Until women back each other ..... more women voted for trump that Hilary .
1
Women like Ms Park were unqualified for the job they took on or were given in a patriarchal system that prefers wives, daughters, sisters and mistresses of men in power...even dictators. Or..it likes women in pant-suit who behave just like their corporate masters, with plenty of other women doing the slave work. Women rarely succeed in the system created and expanded by the patriarchy. They merely sustain. There was no woman hate in this...Ms Park proved herself to be incompetent, careless and in terrible violation of the law.
In the US these days it appears only those in violation of the tax codes, the law and in corporate hands can run for office and/or win. Their courts had the guts to impeach her for serious violation of the law.Our US courts puts innocent people in jail, including poor drug addicts who need treatment (not jail). But people in the US think their system is superior to everything.
I am so glad Trump is showing it is not so!
In the US these days it appears only those in violation of the tax codes, the law and in corporate hands can run for office and/or win. Their courts had the guts to impeach her for serious violation of the law.Our US courts puts innocent people in jail, including poor drug addicts who need treatment (not jail). But people in the US think their system is superior to everything.
I am so glad Trump is showing it is not so!
2
Ms. Park has a degree in electrical engineering and physics from a leading Korean university, and she received straight A's. She is far more intelligent than you give her credit and is certainly not incompetent. As President, she has accomplished many things her male predecessors could not even attempt. I can easily count two dozen accomplishments. She stood up to North Korea and dismantled a extremist left wing party (for which she made many mortal enemies). She strengthened military alliance with the U.S. and reached agreements with Japan. Korea's credit ratings soared to the highest level in history. She reformed entitlement programs for public servants (which again made many enemies) and introduced anti-corruption laws. She outlawed an extremist pro-North Korean, anti-U.S. teachers union and has made efforts to correct some of the rampant distortions in Korean history books, which have portrayed South Korea and U.S. in unflattering, negative lights, while being sympathetic to North Korea.
There are no obvious laws she has broken. Consulting a civilian friend about Presidential speeches may be inappropriate but is not a crime.
There are no obvious laws she has broken. Consulting a civilian friend about Presidential speeches may be inappropriate but is not a crime.
1
Look at the poor older South Korean generation brainwashed by military dictators and their collaborators for a long time. Fortunately, their highly educated young generations truly recognize what democracy means and whether something is right or wrong. South Korea is absolutely on the right track, and now it is a great time to eradicate the deep-rooted evils in their society. The starting point is this ousting the eccentric and deified figure Park Geun-hye.
12
I am hopeful that this is not a global flashpoint. Far from this importance is the backstory that President Park was a believer in a form of witchcraft that believes humans can talk to the dead. People who believe this are manipulated by fakers, and their motives can be sincere or criminal. I would like this part of this potentially horrid story to come out. My own family, sadly, has such a person, and she is quick to offer help to the recent victims of the death of loved ones. There is real global risk when leaders fall under this fakery.
3
The impeachment of president Park symbolizes the rebuild of Korean democracy without corruption. The impeachment was clearly supported by the majority of South Korean citizens under valid and adequate reasons. The uptrend of South Korean economy has flinched for the first time since the IMF, which was in 1997 for Korea. The corruption Park and her friend Choi has been carrying is not just a matter of money, which approx is more than $100M, it's the matter of tore apart Korean democracy. The fact it has been likely for a long time, however, open to public for nearly the first time, it gave Koreans confusion whether our nation is under true democracy, even if any country in the world yet, has a true democracy. As one of the Korean citizen who truly supports the impeachment, believes Korea has made one hard step in order to reach for the true democratic nation.
5
S Korea moves left as the US moves harder right determined to confront China in the So China Sea and No. Korea's missiles. Sounds if if both our countries, disunited in our aims, have their work cut out for themselves, and disunited will not succeed as well.
If we think appeasement will work with No. Korea, we are simply mistaken. It's plan are long range missiles, and selling that nuclear technology abroad to our enemies to destabilize the West and get needed cash. It is purely rogue, a mafia state that executes at whim and in public seeing no one can stop it, and that's the least of its crimes.
It is not negotiating for its safety but stalling for time. China needs to step forward and confront the monster it created. When one condones such a regime, to destabilize that peninsula, pretending it can be truly controlled is not reality. China is as inept as the US in foreign policy.
Yet more vestiges of post WWII stability are crumbling, and faster, and unless a new stasis is reached we are all at risk of a blunder into serious war.
War, regret, detente-peace, forgetting the horror of war as the old generation dies off, resentment at the costs of that stable peace, anger, then war.
Standard cycle: we're at the resentment anger phase. Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it, Mr. Trump.
If we think appeasement will work with No. Korea, we are simply mistaken. It's plan are long range missiles, and selling that nuclear technology abroad to our enemies to destabilize the West and get needed cash. It is purely rogue, a mafia state that executes at whim and in public seeing no one can stop it, and that's the least of its crimes.
It is not negotiating for its safety but stalling for time. China needs to step forward and confront the monster it created. When one condones such a regime, to destabilize that peninsula, pretending it can be truly controlled is not reality. China is as inept as the US in foreign policy.
Yet more vestiges of post WWII stability are crumbling, and faster, and unless a new stasis is reached we are all at risk of a blunder into serious war.
War, regret, detente-peace, forgetting the horror of war as the old generation dies off, resentment at the costs of that stable peace, anger, then war.
Standard cycle: we're at the resentment anger phase. Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it, Mr. Trump.
2
Koreans had 19 times of huge protest gatherings to impeach president Park. The first protest started with thirty thousand people. Then the 3rd protest continued with a million people, and the number of protesters grew up to two million as of the 6th protest. The two largest protests were the 6th and the 11th protest with two millions of protesters. The accumulated number of protesters from the 1st to the 19th is 16 million people. That said, the total population of Korea is 51,712,221 and 16 million people participated from 1st to 19th protest.
4
I'm Korean people.
But i think Park's not Korean. This is the truth.
But i think Park's not Korean. This is the truth.
2
At this juncture what the American government can do and should do is to halt the installation of THAAD missile defense system. The need for the THAAD was never fully discussed by the Korean public and its parliament. The decision to install it was hastily made by Park and her political party. Therefore the installation needs to be re-negotiated by the next administration under the approval of the Korean public.
As reported, the current installation agreement is now ruining the Korean economy.
As reported, the current installation agreement is now ruining the Korean economy.
7
JY Lee: Full discussion by Korean public and Parliament is a fine idea. But the current problem is not installation of the anti missile system; the problem is the missiles being fired by North Korea and the tolerance by China for that North Korean aggression. That much should be pretty obvious. Furthermore, as the Times has reported, the Chinese boycott of Korean products is just a small part of the decline in Chinese purchases due to China's own manufactures having replaced the imports it used to take from South Korea.
1
One thing interests and puzzles me. Many South Korean commentors congratulated themselves on doing a wonderful thing and even setting a good example for America. Such responses are understandable, if one knows the unique Korean mentality that blends sense of inferiority and superiority.
In this case, they assume democracy is good. If you are more democratic, then you are better. But democracy does not mean the rule by people literally, but only means the legitimization of conflicting views and interests in legal and peaceful ways. You can hardly expect a honest and uncorrupt man or woman to become a politician. I suspect that the impeachment was a result of powerful struggle. Unfortunately, very few commentators shed light on this. Maybe Koreans are too good for or too naive about democracy.
In this case, they assume democracy is good. If you are more democratic, then you are better. But democracy does not mean the rule by people literally, but only means the legitimization of conflicting views and interests in legal and peaceful ways. You can hardly expect a honest and uncorrupt man or woman to become a politician. I suspect that the impeachment was a result of powerful struggle. Unfortunately, very few commentators shed light on this. Maybe Koreans are too good for or too naive about democracy.
4
Good observation. Personally I'm glad Park is gone. She was the most imcompetent ruler ever, worse than Dubya. But the whole impreachment process was handled like a mob rule in a banana republic. The national assembly and the prosecutor, vowing to the public sentiment whipped up by the opposition media, throw kitchen sink at her to find real legal reasons to charge her only after the impeachment.
8
Except that Korean people noded to the opposition parties at 2016 general election, which ultimately made it possible to get the 234 votes out of the 300 national assembly members voted by Korean people itself. It's called representative democracy. It was all done according to our law and our system.
2
Sounds like good news to me, it's nice to see a balancing effect going on between us and South Korea here. Just as we install a corrupt, backward-looking, not too competent president, South Korea gets rid of one.
Of course President Park was nowhere near as bad as Trump, didn't tweet out nonsense and lies all the time, didn't attack people randomly every day, didn't go through three marriages with trophy wives decades younger, and wasn't entirely idiotic.
Still, it's an improvement for South Korea, and I wish that nation well, and hope they know that they can't rely on America during the infantile Trump's regime. I think they'll do fine without us though.
Of course President Park was nowhere near as bad as Trump, didn't tweet out nonsense and lies all the time, didn't attack people randomly every day, didn't go through three marriages with trophy wives decades younger, and wasn't entirely idiotic.
Still, it's an improvement for South Korea, and I wish that nation well, and hope they know that they can't rely on America during the infantile Trump's regime. I think they'll do fine without us though.
5
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the well wishes for South Korea. I am from South Korea now living in NYC as a naturalized citizen of the U.S. I agree with your comments mostly except one thing, President Park used to lie all the time (although she doesn't tweet, yes, you're right). First, she said she would fully cooperate with the special prosecution's investigation into her wrongdoings but she never did. She had been hiding in the Blue Roof House (Korean equivalent of the White House) without any explanation. Also, she never fully came forward on what she did for the crucial hours when the Sewol ship was sinking. There are only allegations (that she was under some kind of cosmetic procedure during the time) while the victims' families don't have any answers let alone closures.. so, I think she is as bad as Trump or even worse. I do hope the Sewol victims' families can have their long deserved closures after the impeachment.
Thank you for the well wishes for South Korea. I am from South Korea now living in NYC as a naturalized citizen of the U.S. I agree with your comments mostly except one thing, President Park used to lie all the time (although she doesn't tweet, yes, you're right). First, she said she would fully cooperate with the special prosecution's investigation into her wrongdoings but she never did. She had been hiding in the Blue Roof House (Korean equivalent of the White House) without any explanation. Also, she never fully came forward on what she did for the crucial hours when the Sewol ship was sinking. There are only allegations (that she was under some kind of cosmetic procedure during the time) while the victims' families don't have any answers let alone closures.. so, I think she is as bad as Trump or even worse. I do hope the Sewol victims' families can have their long deserved closures after the impeachment.
13
Thanks for the reply Celine, and for the background information. Hard to conceive of someone being worse than Trump but I guess it's technically possible. Best of luck to you and here's to a bright future for South Korea!
When Trump is impeached, we should follow South Korea's example and hold another election.
9
I've haven't read so many such hopeful comments here in a long time.
2
The U.S. could learn a lot from South Korean court - impeaching their President!Our entire U.S. Congress needs to take some lessons from this, before Trump destroys (through lies, corruption, Russian connections, etc.) our country!
10
I have no doubt the beloved leader up North is thrilled with this development. I hope the folks who live down South will be happy too. Be careful what you wish for.
1
Because?
1
Aside from her right or left politics, and purely in formal terms this sounds a bit like Dilma Rouseff's impeachment/coup by the opposition--apparently a new "trend" in politics in the third world. Perhaps this way of defeating the opposition constitutes a pyrrhic victory regardless of the side that wins. (Except in the case of Dilma she was not involved in any personal corruption scandal).
Democracy in action it was. But so was the election of Trump. Korean politics fractured by region and ideology has been swinging wildly between left and right, leaving no chance for moderate and competent people in the middle. Now they are ready to swing back to the far left, thanks to Park's incompetence and corruption, ready to elect another moron in the form of Moon, the most incompetent and ideological person in the unusually incompetent administration of the former president Roh. The future does not bode well for Korea.
2
TK,
Before Trump there was an option of moderation.
That option has vanished and only honesty and real democracy can fill the void.
Before Trump there was an option of moderation.
That option has vanished and only honesty and real democracy can fill the void.
3
480,000 from U.S.A, 56,000 from U.K, 3,421 from France, 8,407 from Australia, 3,794 from New Zealand, 25,687 from Canada, 5,322 from Netherlands, 7,420 from Philippine, 14,936 from Turkey, 5,100 from Colombia, 3,498 from Belgium. 6,326 from Thai, 4,992 from Greece, 3,518 from Ethiopia, 826 from Republic of South Africa, 83 from Luxembourg, 623 from Norway, 128 from Italy, 1,124 from Sweden, 630 from Denmark, 627 from India came to this country 67 years ago and fought for our freedom and democracy we have today. Thank you Korean war veterans.
4
Lives lost, lives wasted and for what?
No thanks.
No thanks.
1
At the very least, I'm not living under kim family as a slave. And it is indeed all thanks to war vets and I am very grateful from the bottom of my heart.
1
Dangerous indeed (to civilization, which by definition excludes the White House).
Looks like the Bannonites will have to destroy S. Korea before they can destroy N. Korea. Military contracts! Line up at the door.
Looks like the Bannonites will have to destroy S. Korea before they can destroy N. Korea. Military contracts! Line up at the door.
1
When the Times reported on te Chinese reaction to THAAD a couple of days ago - they failed to take into account the coming impeachment as well as the protests by South Koreans against it. Most analysts know that is why this system is being rushed through now... While we pontificate and rattle our swords many South Koreans want better relations with China and even with North Korea. Why? It's mostly their blood that would be spilled - not ours. South Korean businesses also make loads of money in China as China is their largest trading partner. Just as with the impeachment - we should let them sort it out instead of meddling and support the "Hawks". It usually backfires when we do.
5
Just like Europe, maybe its time the South Koreans take care of their own defense and not the US taxpayers! If a liberal government comes to power and wants a reduction of US Forces fine, the liberals can dance with the North Koreans without the us.
4
'S blood, there is something in this more than natural, if philosophy could find it out. —Hamlet
While I suspect every day in Seoul, the knives of rivalry are flashing, I also suspect there was indeed corruption festering.
Along with a sharp international turn to the right, there seems to be more corruption in government across the globe than I can remember—unless modern media so permeate and diffuse through all matter to such a degree that we are simply more aware than ever.
Still. Outrage over corruption can't be a bad thing. And outrage is so much more active in Romania and Ukraine and South Korea for so much less than the massive wealth theft, collusion and conflict of interest, nepotism, perjury, and constitutional violation we are living under here.
Good for the citizens of South Korea.
While I suspect every day in Seoul, the knives of rivalry are flashing, I also suspect there was indeed corruption festering.
Along with a sharp international turn to the right, there seems to be more corruption in government across the globe than I can remember—unless modern media so permeate and diffuse through all matter to such a degree that we are simply more aware than ever.
Still. Outrage over corruption can't be a bad thing. And outrage is so much more active in Romania and Ukraine and South Korea for so much less than the massive wealth theft, collusion and conflict of interest, nepotism, perjury, and constitutional violation we are living under here.
Good for the citizens of South Korea.
8
I think former SK president Park has put ideology ahead of practicality. She accepted SAAD missile system in the name of defending hypothetical NK's missile attack. But in fact, it is a powerful radar system of monitoring neighboring China's civil traffic and military exercises. She was quite aware of the consequence of hostile diplomatic relationship and commercial implications with China. And she is still go ahead and did it. She cannot think reasonably and has lost her mind.
6
What do you suppose Steve Bannon has in mind with North Korea and the "young leader"? WE can be sure of one thing - it has nothing to do with making America or the world a better place.
7
So good people can stand together a remove a corrupt President. This is good to know.
3
Is there a South Korean equivalent to Donald J. Trump? If so, that person should be the President of South Korea. Thank you.
2
Yes, the president who just got thrown out of office. That person is the equivalent. Corrupt, self-serving, inherited wealth and power, attacked or undermined critics from the arts (Meryl Streep). The former Korean president and Trump are the same. The storyline is not that a Trump like figure will replace her. It's that a Trump-like figure was toppled, and Americans who don't like pocket-lining, willfully uninformed autocrats profiting from public office have a little glow in their hearts now. South Korea has shown the way.
3
Then they should keep'er.
If Americans are as smart as Koreans, they will remove Trump in a similar manner Koreans removed Park.
7
All the time Korea has exported lots of news even though it' s been so little country in the world.
This time Korea makes so many ordinary people happy with extraordinary news.
This time Korea makes so many ordinary people happy with extraordinary news.
3
Stay strong, America, there's hope for you yet!
4
It appears that South Korea handles corrupt presidents much better than we do.
5
I have a different perspective on this.
During my visit to South Korea, which occurred around the time of the ferry sinking that killed hundreds of South Korean students, some people in Seoul were protesting Park's handing of the tragedy. My local guide in Seoul told me that people were enraged at how little Park Geun-hye had done with respect to engaging with the families of the victims and with respect to directing a full-throated investigation of the tragedy. What I got out of the whole thing was that Park's handling of the tragedy was without a doubt inept, but that the response to her ineptness -- endless and growing protests as time went by -- was overblown. Park, after all, did not cause the ferry to sink.
When you read about the bribery, extortion and abuse of power allegations against her, they seem very mushy and tenuous indeed from a legal perspective. While it is obviously true that the Constitutional Court decided to unseat Park (rather than letting her resign, as she offered to do), the decision seemed motivated by the rising tide of popular protests against her that began with the ferry disaster and continued to fester and grow as time went on. Park had sky high approval ratings prior to 2014, when the ferry disaster occurred, but never recovered after that. Women are "supposed" to be empathetic. Park, apparently, wasn't empathetic enough, and that seemed to cause her eventual downfall.
During my visit to South Korea, which occurred around the time of the ferry sinking that killed hundreds of South Korean students, some people in Seoul were protesting Park's handing of the tragedy. My local guide in Seoul told me that people were enraged at how little Park Geun-hye had done with respect to engaging with the families of the victims and with respect to directing a full-throated investigation of the tragedy. What I got out of the whole thing was that Park's handling of the tragedy was without a doubt inept, but that the response to her ineptness -- endless and growing protests as time went by -- was overblown. Park, after all, did not cause the ferry to sink.
When you read about the bribery, extortion and abuse of power allegations against her, they seem very mushy and tenuous indeed from a legal perspective. While it is obviously true that the Constitutional Court decided to unseat Park (rather than letting her resign, as she offered to do), the decision seemed motivated by the rising tide of popular protests against her that began with the ferry disaster and continued to fester and grow as time went on. Park had sky high approval ratings prior to 2014, when the ferry disaster occurred, but never recovered after that. Women are "supposed" to be empathetic. Park, apparently, wasn't empathetic enough, and that seemed to cause her eventual downfall.
2
As a Korean woman, who has protested against our first female president together with other women(including my mom, which was awesome), I must say it was not about gender, although Park wanted to make it a gender issue to get away with the scandal. The head of the constitutional court, Lee (also female!) stated that Park's inept action at the ferry disaster was very much regretful but it was not the reason why the court unseated her. And no, she was offered lots of options, including a resignation, but she decided not to. Instead she used our intelligence service and chaebols to finance pro-Park rallies against the peaceful protestors. Woman or not, I don't want this person as my president.
7
Plus, this so called pro-Park-later-found-to-be-government-organized protesters mocked and insulted the ferry victims families right in front of their faces. That definitely enraged many people.
Not sure how long your visit was, but people in my boundary mentioned little about your point. It is not a matter of having a female president with a less-empathetic heart but rather of how unsecured the people feel to put their future on to a government that had not given any active order to rescue those students sinking in the sea. In that way, the Sewol tragedy is very symbolic and alarming, giving a sense that people would not be protected as a citizen even if they were in a great danger.
Sure wish we could "remove" our President.
5
We could remove our president if it was the will of the people. Give this administration a chance. He is OUR employee. He is not our ruler or king. Let him do what he promised or send him back home. All presidents say after the first 4 years that they are just getting started and need more time... Well i think this time there better be some RESULTS or we will make a change. Let this play out. At least lets add to the conversation without perpetually thinking the President is going to save us. You cant logically elect ONE person and think you voted the US into a safe future. If we are going to run off the rails, the groundwork was laid for it LONG ago friend. This government has so many moving parts and layers of secrecy, along with checks and balances to make sure that no one person can ever really take charge and make a difference. Its built into the plan that no one can change course.
1
The only attribute Trump has is that he is not Clinton. Period
The U.S. doesn't have a kangaroo Supreme Court so it's a little more difficult.
2 issues in Korean life are ubiquitous cheating/bribes and the low social status of women. Park's case has both. Park's father had been S Korea's dictator, was a ruthless murderer and in the end got what he gave. It is oddly fitting that Park's cheating would undo Koreans big chance at gender equality. People unable to get out of their own way.
2
We can only hope the same will happen with Donald Trump
6
South Korea has the right to defend itself from Nutter North Korea. (Recall just last month how they assassinated Kim's half-brother at the Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia with chemical nerve agent). North Korea is a pariah pursuing nuclear weapons program (as well as chemical warfare). Seoul, a metropolis of 12 million people, only 30 miles from the North Korea's border, would be devastated if one missile hits its target. Thaad must be installed. The opposition party wants to cozy up to North Korea, going back to the "Sunshine" Policy, which failed to stop North's aggression and its nuclear ambition. The whole nation's singular focus to oust President Park Geunhye has distracted the country from real danger- Kin Jungun. And China thinks only of its interest- keeping North and South separated and keeping US out. Their bullying way is revolting and only shows that they are really in it for themselves. They are to be blamed for not doing enough to reign in North Korea. They are to be blamed for entering Korean War and dividing the country. Do Koreans forget how horrible the Korean War was and how many of their people died and Alled nations' soldiers sacrificed their lives to protect democracy?
2
Scarcely a word in these comments about a certain neighbor just a little North of South Korea. Hereditary Communist Dictatorship (that's an innovative twist), a unique official Marxist ideology that features self-reliance and miracle births,
very peculiar haircuts, cruel and unusual punishments of brothers and uncles, and nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons. Plus an ability to boldly issue bare-faced lies that shames Trump on even his 3-5 million voter days.
Best of luck to the next S. Korean president.
very peculiar haircuts, cruel and unusual punishments of brothers and uncles, and nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons. Plus an ability to boldly issue bare-faced lies that shames Trump on even his 3-5 million voter days.
Best of luck to the next S. Korean president.
3
Korean War Casualties*
36,914 US Military
113,248 Republic of Korea Military
2,768 Other Allied Military
316,579 North Korean Military
460,000 Chinese Military
547,000 South Korean Civilians
1,185,000 North Korean Civilians
*figures from Korean War Memorial @ The Presidio, San Francisco
36,914 US Military
113,248 Republic of Korea Military
2,768 Other Allied Military
316,579 North Korean Military
460,000 Chinese Military
547,000 South Korean Civilians
1,185,000 North Korean Civilians
*figures from Korean War Memorial @ The Presidio, San Francisco
9
4908 United Kingdom soldiers too.
3
So, the question is whether the US and its allies would have intervened in this Korean civil war if they knew it was going to cost 40,000 lives of their own, not to mention the death of two million Koreans (10 percent of the population at the time) and still end up in a stalemate? And that was even after dropping more bombs on that tiny peninsula than all the bombs ever dropped in the World War II by all warring parties? Whom were they trying to help? This US' decision was one of the greatest follies of the 20th century and the lessons may not have been learned. So would the history repeat itself?
2
Remember things could have been much worse. McArthur wanted to use atomic weapons to send a clear message to China and Russia. Fortunately, for the Koreans and the wider world saner more humane minds prevailed in Washington.
1
North Korea should tread lightly. President Trump is watching. He will to be cowed from acting like Obama was when Russia attacked the Ukraine.There will be no fake obama red line like he drew in Syria. There will be no cut and run like he did in middle east. There will be no squandering of the peace like he did in Iraq. North Korea must understand Trump has the nuke codes and he will not hesitate to launch an attack if he is backed into a corner. We have a new sheriff in tow., North Korea was on the ballot. Trump won.Elections have consequences. Buckle up. The crazies in North Korea are on notice. We can reduce them to a rubble pit in seconds.
1
I don't think people in general have a clue of what democracy means. That is the scary reason it is losing.
But there are places and hope elsewhere, just not in america. Great job South Korea showing the world how a democracy works.
But there are places and hope elsewhere, just not in america. Great job South Korea showing the world how a democracy works.
7
I applaud the South Korean people for going to the streets in order to demand justice (true justice, not formal, full of technicalities, facade justice that always absolves the rich and condems the poor that is so common in Western Democracies).
Most importantly, I applaud them for not falling for cheap tricks the South Korean State did in order to demobilize the movement: they stood by their feet and continued to fill the streets even after the Parliament approved the impeachment motion.
But the South Korean people should not think this is the end. Although the heir of Samsung was arrested, the chaebols (for the Americans that don't know what they are: during the dicatorship time, the dictator gave some chosen families monopolies of the economy, as long as they only bought and produced with national content - they are the South Korean equivalent of the Japanese Zaibatsu) are going nowhere. Corruption will continue.
Most importantly, I applaud them for not falling for cheap tricks the South Korean State did in order to demobilize the movement: they stood by their feet and continued to fill the streets even after the Parliament approved the impeachment motion.
But the South Korean people should not think this is the end. Although the heir of Samsung was arrested, the chaebols (for the Americans that don't know what they are: during the dicatorship time, the dictator gave some chosen families monopolies of the economy, as long as they only bought and produced with national content - they are the South Korean equivalent of the Japanese Zaibatsu) are going nowhere. Corruption will continue.
4
I agree. And I know my following statement is egocentric, but your point sounds eerily familiar to the US
. . .the South Korean 'opp-o-sit-ion' is taking a page right out of Neville Chamberlain's Political Masterpiece Book, entitled:
'OBSEQUIOUSNESS AS A FOREIGN POLICY'!
They want the South Korean People to close their eyes. . .and just pass the Kimci!
'OBSEQUIOUSNESS AS A FOREIGN POLICY'!
They want the South Korean People to close their eyes. . .and just pass the Kimci!
1
Trump: this is tremendous @SouthKorea. S Koreans are great peoole, the best. They always stay at my hotels.
4
We can do it !
1
From an international perspective, this will be the real test for Trump. How will he handle N.Korea, China, and Japan now that S.Korea is playing it from both ends.
3
Too bad he cleared out the nonpartisan career diplomats in the state dept who could have shared their wisdom.
3
Looking forward to when a court removes our "president".
9
So Betsy de Vos gets to be Education Secretary with no relevant experience after giving $200 million to the GOP, and this lady has to resign ?
4
Whooah! So, with the possibility of a 'less confrontational' leadership in S. Korea, does that mean my country can remove the nearly 30,000 troops stationed there? I can certainly get behind that. Yes indeed, and no doubt the new president---whoever he or she is---will have their hands full trying to 'normalize' relations with the mercurial, given-to-killing-his-relatives Kim Jong-un. Between the latter and NK's sponsor China, I'm sure it will be an 'interesting time' for South Korea.
1
How come as a regular Times reader I did not have any understanding of the issues in S Korea? I recall the kooky "adviser" who was getting bribes, but not all the right-wing politics issues that this lady and the controversy represented. I am glad for clarity now, but what gives?
4
I would suggest that you don't get all of your news from the NYT. There were plenty of articles from other sources that covered this story. It's out there if you care to look.
Park Geun-hye, as the daughter of one of the first, and long-time Presidents, Park Chung-hee, I believe that she grew-up believing in a hard-line approach to the North. North Korea has, in turn, always taken a hard-line, as well. Its kind of like two schooled bullies, where neither wants to admit defeat, even though it might be in each of their best interest.
The North certainly can benefit from a better way of life, just like East Germany ere-unified with the West. At the same time, familial ties go back much, much longer than the 70 year War, and embracing Peace—for most Koreans, for the first time—would be a benefit which the whole peninsula should embrace.
At the same time, the insane neurotic Kim Jong-Un, acts like one-man Dictatorship is his birthright. If not re-unification, at least some form of peaceful co-existence would be wonderful improvement; but, any sort pop common grounds would relieve Mr. Kim of his whole raison d’être.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The North certainly can benefit from a better way of life, just like East Germany ere-unified with the West. At the same time, familial ties go back much, much longer than the 70 year War, and embracing Peace—for most Koreans, for the first time—would be a benefit which the whole peninsula should embrace.
At the same time, the insane neurotic Kim Jong-Un, acts like one-man Dictatorship is his birthright. If not re-unification, at least some form of peaceful co-existence would be wonderful improvement; but, any sort pop common grounds would relieve Mr. Kim of his whole raison d’être.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
2
Sure hope Trump is paying attention - not because of impeachment but because there is a forced leadership change in the country N Korea hates the most and could see this as an entre to some dumb move that we'll have to respond to. Praying any such decisions are made in the sit room and not the kitchen.
3
Would you vote for Pence?
Really?
Really?
I am grateful to the Korean readers who shared their thoughts on this article.
4
Dear reader,
The western Pacific is on notice the US will understandably withdraw from this region consistent with policies of isolationism.
There is a new narcissism in the US inward looking and slightly arrogant.
The emasculation of the middle class is a situation wide in western nations.
The lack of business acumen by the US in strategic matters led Australia to buy French submarines.
Prior to December 7 1941 Australia was on its own after two years at war in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
A similar pattern occurred in 1917 until the sinking of the Luistania and the Zimmerman telegram after three years of war..
Mr Hockey our Australian Ambassador I understand has never had published a peer reviewed article concerning Australian foreign policy.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Personally Australians are concerned that inept political mates can be close to the nuclear button of Trump.
(Mr Hockey, a former Treasurer exemplifies the cynicism of voters in Australia)
The Australian
The western Pacific is on notice the US will understandably withdraw from this region consistent with policies of isolationism.
There is a new narcissism in the US inward looking and slightly arrogant.
The emasculation of the middle class is a situation wide in western nations.
The lack of business acumen by the US in strategic matters led Australia to buy French submarines.
Prior to December 7 1941 Australia was on its own after two years at war in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
A similar pattern occurred in 1917 until the sinking of the Luistania and the Zimmerman telegram after three years of war..
Mr Hockey our Australian Ambassador I understand has never had published a peer reviewed article concerning Australian foreign policy.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Personally Australians are concerned that inept political mates can be close to the nuclear button of Trump.
(Mr Hockey, a former Treasurer exemplifies the cynicism of voters in Australia)
The Australian
2
I hope this puts to rest the fiction that just because someone is male or female in a leadership position that's necessarily a good or bad thing.
It's the individual that matters. Democrats would be wise to remember that before pushing for a candidate partly because she was a woman.
It's the individual that matters. Democrats would be wise to remember that before pushing for a candidate partly because she was a woman.
7
Park's fall from power doesn't put it to rest. If anything, it makes it harder for the next woman, especially in a society as patriarchal as South Korea.
While corruption was most certainly there, I don't doubt that she faced opposition solely based on her gender, followed by paying for the sins of her father.
There was little forgiveness shown toward her for crimes that lesser men have committed in their government.
While corruption was most certainly there, I don't doubt that she faced opposition solely based on her gender, followed by paying for the sins of her father.
There was little forgiveness shown toward her for crimes that lesser men have committed in their government.
2
In actuality you have absolutely no idea why she was removed from office. You are shoehorning the situation into your preconceived narrative.
Bravo, South Korea. You show us how it's done. Are you paying attention, America?
17
Now let's remove our so-called President for the scandals surrounding his administration and his misconduct.
12
Finally some tangible benefits of the Trump presidency. Forget about walls, how about a dome? It is 50 years since Expo 67 how about an impenetrable biosphere over the USA.
1
I think she was treated little bit too harshly, and hope she would be left alone. She has suffered more than she deserves.
On the other hand, I do not think it would be a good idea to leave a country in the hands of a woman or a man, who has suffered so much in her or his life. In her case, both her parents were assassinated, and she was bitter and miserable after that. She was never married, and did not even have close relations with her siblings. A person like her would be lonely and helpless. So she would be subject to improper influence. Taiwan's Tsai Ying-wen should be the next person to watch.
On the other hand, I do not think it would be a good idea to leave a country in the hands of a woman or a man, who has suffered so much in her or his life. In her case, both her parents were assassinated, and she was bitter and miserable after that. She was never married, and did not even have close relations with her siblings. A person like her would be lonely and helpless. So she would be subject to improper influence. Taiwan's Tsai Ying-wen should be the next person to watch.
2
Make nice to Kim jong-un in order to draw him back to the negotiating table? Unless all the news about this man we've seen since he came into power has been a lie he will not negotiate. He is the neighborhood bully and that isn't likely to change.
1
And we have a bully in our neighborhood as well. God help our world when the Chinese sound like the most rational diplomats in the discussion.
1
An Asian bully meets an American bully. This isn't good for anyone.
This is great news for Korean democracy! Perhaps it will lead to a withdrawal of US THAAD missiles which will lead to a safer world. Let Kim Jung Un shoot his missiles into the sea. Who cares? Of course if one should go too far, that would be the end of him.
4
Another South Korean model to import.
7
Will the "Sunshine Policy" be resurrected by the new Administration? How will the President approach the Six Party talks given the recent missile tests? A dangeous time for instability in the Blue House.
1
"In a sign of how far South Korea’s young democracy has evolved, Ms. Park was removed without any violence..."
And yet, an earlier paragraph stated that two pro-Park protestors had "died" during the demonstration.
Violence?
And yet, an earlier paragraph stated that two pro-Park protestors had "died" during the demonstration.
Violence?
2
They were elderly pro-Park supporters who grappled with police. Apparently one died from injuries sustained when he fell off the roof of a police bus which he had climbed onto.
1
Actually, one of pro-Park supporters stole the bus and drove it to crash into another bus. A speaker that was placed on top of the bus fell during the crash and landed on another supporter who died from head injury...
When Park Guen-hye was elected in 2012 people believed she would not be part of the corrupt elites that rule South Korea, because she has no children. But her dependence on Choi Soon-sil - Korea's "female Rasputin" - proved her undoing. And Choi’s late father was a dubious religious preacher called Choi Tae-min, who was married six times, had multiple pseudonyms and set up his own cult-like group. Park believed in his hocus-pocus. But then he came into her life when she was traumatised after the 1974 assassination of her mother - whom he said had appeared to him in a dream. He became her mentor and let his daughter form a close bond with the future president this persisted until the scandal became public.
8
please read: with the future president THAT persisted ......
Is South Korea governable? It has veered from dictatorship to left-wing loony (the idea that North Korea is ready to jump into their arms, which of course is never going to happen). There have been mass upheavals mainly to protest against the behavior of ALLIES (cf. the never-ending “comfort woman” issue vis a vis Japan; and the Yangju Highway incident of 2002 where a US military vehicle ran over 2 schoolgirls, causing near mass hysteria & protests, which only ended when the Bush administration intimated that the US might withdraw its military).
What principles are vindicated by the impeachment of Pres. Park? Isn’t it just more evidence of an unstable and unrealistic political psychology? Something which can veer out of control, if one is not careful.
What principles are vindicated by the impeachment of Pres. Park? Isn’t it just more evidence of an unstable and unrealistic political psychology? Something which can veer out of control, if one is not careful.
4
The name of the leader of Liberty Korea Party is In Myung-jin. His last name is "In". The i should be capitalized.
As a Korean American, I have to mention this situation, or a new political milestone, should be seen as a landmark case. And the rest of the world need to remember this victory.
This country only has a history of democracy of 30 years, at the longest.
But they've been able to remove the incumbent president who was involved in some serious crimes through the process of
1) Civic Protest(participation) against the corrupt 'elected' authorities- millions of people on the street for 4-5 months (including winter days),
2) robust parliamentary function which fulfills their legislative duties and representational functions, and
3) independent, healthy judiciary which upheld the spirit of the Constitution- "All power comes from[is derived from] the people"
We also need to remember this process and the catch-phrase on their protest "All Power Comes From The People"
This country only has a history of democracy of 30 years, at the longest.
But they've been able to remove the incumbent president who was involved in some serious crimes through the process of
1) Civic Protest(participation) against the corrupt 'elected' authorities- millions of people on the street for 4-5 months (including winter days),
2) robust parliamentary function which fulfills their legislative duties and representational functions, and
3) independent, healthy judiciary which upheld the spirit of the Constitution- "All power comes from[is derived from] the people"
We also need to remember this process and the catch-phrase on their protest "All Power Comes From The People"
15
NK is playing fire which she thinks will only hurt other countries involved, and China and SK unfortunately fall victims. SK and US badly underestimate NK's nuclear deterrent capacity and Kim's adventurous inclination.
I believe no reasonable S Koreans or Chinese would approve a war that will do no good to both and even US.
Sunny policy will be in favor of Korea and her unification.
I believe no reasonable S Koreans or Chinese would approve a war that will do no good to both and even US.
Sunny policy will be in favor of Korea and her unification.
2
It is a historic moment for Korea. A daughter of a dictator who who came to power only because of her father's achievement of modernizing Korea which only came through brutal oppression of common people and violating their basic human rights forcing laborers to work 16 + hours a day. Her father came to power through the military coup d'etat and after 18 years of dictatorship was assassinated by the head of Korean CIA. She grew up as a modern day princess and never embraced the value of democracy. The end of her presidency marks the end of her father's false legacy.
10
Her father is who made Korea what it is today, a vibrant economic powerhouse. Yes he had to rule with iron fist but we were under constant threat from the north and we were much more vulnerable then. Yes people had to work long hours but that's how Korea changed from an impoverished war-torn country to practically an advanced economy in one generation. Why is it that the people old enough have lived under him remember him fondly with reverence? He was truly a hero who did not even enrich himself while he was in power for 18 years.
7
Congratulations S.Korea. Well done indeed.
That 'expanding American military footprint' complaint sounds familiar---whether from Osama bin Laden or Putin or China, we know how to make lasting enemies.
That matters more now that we'll have few diplomats and bulked up military plus an ADD tweeter-in-chief slumming it in the WH.
We're protesting too, SK. But our police may just mow us down, knowing most of US is armed to the teeth. Non-violent doesn't work here in the land of over the top, all the time. Our .1% call it culling the herd.
Hope you can keep your democracy SK. Any representative democracy we had is quite taken over by oligarch-kleptocrats and for them it's working well.
That 'expanding American military footprint' complaint sounds familiar---whether from Osama bin Laden or Putin or China, we know how to make lasting enemies.
That matters more now that we'll have few diplomats and bulked up military plus an ADD tweeter-in-chief slumming it in the WH.
We're protesting too, SK. But our police may just mow us down, knowing most of US is armed to the teeth. Non-violent doesn't work here in the land of over the top, all the time. Our .1% call it culling the herd.
Hope you can keep your democracy SK. Any representative democracy we had is quite taken over by oligarch-kleptocrats and for them it's working well.
10
Awesome for the people and democracy of South Korea!
However if they want to free trade with China and the US. The US should start pulling our troops from the country. SK is the 8th largest economy in the world. No reason for US tax payers to be paying for their defense.
However if they want to free trade with China and the US. The US should start pulling our troops from the country. SK is the 8th largest economy in the world. No reason for US tax payers to be paying for their defense.
2
I think if the US pulls its troops out - Kim would be ousted in the North - since that's the only reason China has allowed the regime to survive. Time to demilitarize the Korean Peninsula.
2
Perhaps it might be a good idea for an American delegation to go to Korea and take notes on how to impeach and remove an incompetent, corrupt President. The U.S. is in worse need of doing that than the Koreans, by far.
11
Since the Korean war, South Koreans have demonstrated amazing intellect, resourcefulness and courage. The U.S. is lucky to have them for allies. But South Korea is now in a very very tight spot.
3
Yeah, it would great if we had an experienced, very skillful diplomat as Secretary of Sta...
Never mind.
Never mind.
1
How did Korea's political thinkers do what America should have done with Barack the Ideologue so many times after so many insults to the U.S.?
And her ears aren't NEARLY as large as his!!
And her ears aren't NEARLY as large as his!!
1
Can we borrow the Korean Court to get rid of Trump? He is the worst "so called President ever.
2
Will a new government be able to stand up against US domination? The test is on the US missile deployment which Trump is desperately trying to install before May. Most Koreans, Chinese and Russians fear the US will intimidate any new elected adminisitration on this crucial issue.
3
Great to see "the left", that would be the reasonable people concerned with the average person's welfare, poised to return to power in South Korea. Looking forward to them pouring more cold water on the US military industrial complex's push to militarise Asia. The vast majority of South Koreans want nothing to do with the THAAD missile system and/or being a pawn of big power geopolitics. South Koreans want good relationships with both China and the US. They undertand a trusting positive relationship between China and South Korea is essential to a resolution of the North Korea threat. Sabre rattling and increasing tensions with China is the exact opposite of what has to happen if South Korea is to achieve its goal of reunification with the North.
8
As President Donald Trump and the US military prepares to get us involved in another Korean War remember this is the same Park Geun-hye backed by The Heritage Foundation and admired by U.S. politicians!
"Having long extolled the importance of free-market principles, principled conservatism, and a strong alliance with the United States, Park is admired by U.S. policymakers. Of particular importance to the U.S., she will pursue a firm policy toward North Korea, bereft of the naïve unconditional engagement of her progressive predecessors. Park has already advocated a stronger South Korean military contribution to the U.S.–South Korea alliance, particularly in response to recent North Korean attacks and provocations."
by The Heritage Foundation
"Having long extolled the importance of free-market principles, principled conservatism, and a strong alliance with the United States, Park is admired by U.S. policymakers. Of particular importance to the U.S., she will pursue a firm policy toward North Korea, bereft of the naïve unconditional engagement of her progressive predecessors. Park has already advocated a stronger South Korean military contribution to the U.S.–South Korea alliance, particularly in response to recent North Korean attacks and provocations."
by The Heritage Foundation
2
Well so much for the overly romanticized view of impeachment that so many disgruntled progressives have embraced lately. True, their political system is way different from ours. Once Ms Park was impeached the acting president promptly declared a national emergency and put the army on a state of military readiness. To the progressives who have been shrieking for Donald Trump's head on a plate I ask is this what you want here?? Tanks in the streets? Curfews?? The National Guard everywhere with orders to shoot first and ask questions later?
I know the novel "It Can't Happen Here" is enjoying a new dazzling run of popularity. The answer is of course it can happen here because the fantasy progressive utopia failed to materialize.
I know the novel "It Can't Happen Here" is enjoying a new dazzling run of popularity. The answer is of course it can happen here because the fantasy progressive utopia failed to materialize.
rediculous to think that just because they handle an impeachment that way that we would. now you are just being a fear monger. yes I still want him impeached for many reasons. show me one time in history an impeachment happened that we declared martial law in this country.
where are you getting your information? I am combing through Korean news sites and don't see any news about national emergency.
Your description is rather hysterical. The U.S. is not S. Korea.
The analysis is perhaps accurate but is nonetheless crazy.
Park was not strategically significant.
The Evil One is not Park but is up north. Duh.
The model democracy was hard earned and would never ever ever exist but for the US commitment of US blood for over 65 years. But for China support of blood sucking northeren dictators Korea would be united.
China demands kowtowing as its due. The South Korean left as described here is eager to kowtow. More balanced policy? Get a grip on reality.
I await the South Korean opposition and the analysis that describes the American national interest in supporting a kowtowing South Korea while the US is under nuclear threat from a crazy man. Taiwan and Vietnam and even Singapore are more reliable and useful. A kowtowing South Korea is just a needless expense.
And I await the South Korean opposition and analysis that explains how kowtowing will advance South Korean interests.
American foreign policy gets enormously easier if it tells South Korea, "you are on your own now and that if North Korea decides to level South Korea when the US takes out North Korean nukes, talk to China about a defense." China is the nation holding South Koreans hostage for sixty five years. So kowtow away leave the US out of it and good luck with the crazy northern chaebol that makes the South Korean chaebols seem like saints.
Park was not strategically significant.
The Evil One is not Park but is up north. Duh.
The model democracy was hard earned and would never ever ever exist but for the US commitment of US blood for over 65 years. But for China support of blood sucking northeren dictators Korea would be united.
China demands kowtowing as its due. The South Korean left as described here is eager to kowtow. More balanced policy? Get a grip on reality.
I await the South Korean opposition and the analysis that describes the American national interest in supporting a kowtowing South Korea while the US is under nuclear threat from a crazy man. Taiwan and Vietnam and even Singapore are more reliable and useful. A kowtowing South Korea is just a needless expense.
And I await the South Korean opposition and analysis that explains how kowtowing will advance South Korean interests.
American foreign policy gets enormously easier if it tells South Korea, "you are on your own now and that if North Korea decides to level South Korea when the US takes out North Korean nukes, talk to China about a defense." China is the nation holding South Koreans hostage for sixty five years. So kowtow away leave the US out of it and good luck with the crazy northern chaebol that makes the South Korean chaebols seem like saints.
4
Let's examine this... In case you missed it - South Koreas's transformation to an economic power happened under a dictator (who would readily use force)... So it wasn't that after the Korean War they suddenly have the government they do now. It was a Cold War game - we supported many "strong men" around the world as long as they were against "communism"... In any event - our support is militarily (part of our military industrial complex) - while economically it is China - not the United States who is South Korea's largest trading partner... But most importantly we seem to have an arrogance about us that democracy means you must agree with us - the United States. You begrudge the South Koreans for voting for a party that wants closer ties to its neighbors in China and its "brothers" on the other side of the demilitarized zone...? That sounds imperialistic of you in my humble opinion.
2
If the North collapses suddenly, In deed, those who are in a position to liquidate and profit will certainly do so—including the sale of all nuclear materials. There are so manny who would pay well for it. China, also, is not in favor of a unified Korea which would give the US access to a common border with them.
We have to give the North a way to survive to keep their nuclear capacity off the market. This cannot happen without dialogue. South Korea might be slightly more informed of this relationship than we are. Consider.
We have to give the North a way to survive to keep their nuclear capacity off the market. This cannot happen without dialogue. South Korea might be slightly more informed of this relationship than we are. Consider.
1
My South Korean born wife cried with joy when the verdict was handed down. Koreans deserve to be rid of that corrupt president.
Speaking of Donald Trump, here's hoping that you, NY Times, and all of the other free press get to the bottom of the corruption and the cesspool that is the Trump presidency, and that my fellow citizens get out en masse to protest and march every weekend until Trump is forcibly removed from office. If our South Korean friends can do it, so can we!
Speaking of Donald Trump, here's hoping that you, NY Times, and all of the other free press get to the bottom of the corruption and the cesspool that is the Trump presidency, and that my fellow citizens get out en masse to protest and march every weekend until Trump is forcibly removed from office. If our South Korean friends can do it, so can we!
2
Large peaceful protests toppled a corrupt leader. Hmm. Anyone else thinking what I am thinking?
1
This is just the sort of complex situation that the so-called president has zero intellectual capacity to wrap his head around. And if he could get ahold of it it wouldn't matter anyway because with him everything is filtered through "good" or "bad" for his ratings with his fan-base. He recently reiterated on national tv that it's fine with him if the completely US withdraws from South Korea and even fine with him if they get their own nuclear weapons. His criteria is, as usual, them "disrespecting" us by not paying "100%" of our military expenses there. If they don't pay up they can just do it themselves. As if thee are not other alliances to be made or any reasons at all we might want to have a guiding hand in matters next to North Korea. Every country on earth, large and small, is busy calculating how they can take advantage of a severely weakened and chaotic American administration with an unstable, know-zero president backed by a completely bizarre "strategist" who has spent the last two decades making weird agit-prop films promoting his global civilizational war fantasy.
I hope the NYT is planning a constant flow of hard news articles about how the rest of the world is reacting to the present "administration", so-called.
I hope the NYT is planning a constant flow of hard news articles about how the rest of the world is reacting to the present "administration", so-called.
1
Let's hope our country can be as true to democratic principles as South Korea is.
2
This is a real opportunity for the Chinese because they know Trump will be totally clueless when it comes to responding
2
Can we not also remove our President for "violating our constitution and laws"?
5
I'm not going to try to speculate on the meanings of this, except to say that it will be interesting. Will the North Koreans react to it in a constructive way? I really don't think so, but we shall all have to see how they do react, and how the Americans (Trump) react to that reaction, as well as the Russians and Chinese and Japanese.
I see a lot of the comments relate more to getting rid of Trump than to the story itself.
I see a lot of the comments relate more to getting rid of Trump than to the story itself.
1
North Korea is in favor of the impeachment. They have been stating this in official newspapers for some time, since before the process itself begun.
See, for example:
http://rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2017-0... ("Impeachment of Traitor Park Is Demand of Public", 03/10/2017)
http://rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2017-0... ("Loneliness of Park Geun Hye Is Deserved Outcome: CPRC Policy Department Spokesman", 03/06/2017)
Western media has been silent on the case because the evidence of rampant corruption - which includes a blacklist of more than 150 South Korean artists - are plenty and beyond reasonable doubt.
That's why pro-Park protesters have been associating the pro-impeachment South Koreans as closeted Juche ideologues (i.e. infiltrated North Koreans), traitors and/or outright communists (see the France Presse article released today). Two protesters have already died today (yesterday, Korean time) in the clashes that followed the decision, on March 10th, 11a.m. Seul time.
Pro-Park protesters, waving USA, South Korean and Israeli flags have already stated there will be revenge. China and North Korea are sorta on the side of the anti-Park, while the USA is on the side of pro-Park. The fear is that the impeachment process, originally an anti-corruption movement, descends into an anti and pro-North Korea clash that could ultimately fracture South Korean society.
See, for example:
http://rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2017-0... ("Impeachment of Traitor Park Is Demand of Public", 03/10/2017)
http://rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2017-0... ("Loneliness of Park Geun Hye Is Deserved Outcome: CPRC Policy Department Spokesman", 03/06/2017)
Western media has been silent on the case because the evidence of rampant corruption - which includes a blacklist of more than 150 South Korean artists - are plenty and beyond reasonable doubt.
That's why pro-Park protesters have been associating the pro-impeachment South Koreans as closeted Juche ideologues (i.e. infiltrated North Koreans), traitors and/or outright communists (see the France Presse article released today). Two protesters have already died today (yesterday, Korean time) in the clashes that followed the decision, on March 10th, 11a.m. Seul time.
Pro-Park protesters, waving USA, South Korean and Israeli flags have already stated there will be revenge. China and North Korea are sorta on the side of the anti-Park, while the USA is on the side of pro-Park. The fear is that the impeachment process, originally an anti-corruption movement, descends into an anti and pro-North Korea clash that could ultimately fracture South Korean society.
1
"I see a lot of the comments relate more to getting rid of Trump than to the story itself."
That's because most people don't know enough to say anything about the situation in Korea. US media has not been covering it in details.
That's because most people don't know enough to say anything about the situation in Korea. US media has not been covering it in details.
So that's how it's done. Are you paying attention, America? Not likely.
Nota bene: the people of South Korea were aided by both the judicial and legislative branches of their government, who found it in their interests to protect their Constitution--modeled after our own, btw.
In South Korea, these institutions have honor, dignity--spines, even. In this country it's more about self-interest, short-term gain, who's "in power" and how to keep it that way. Make no mistake, the ruling class has only one concern--how to remain the ruling class. Being human, they will usually look for the easiest solution--in the case of governments, violence. Yes, governments are comprised of humans, and as such, should be considered at least as dangerous.
The courage of South Koreans and their most public of servants stands in sharp contrast to the cowardice, disingenuity, and blatant authoritarian capitulation of all Republicans in this country, who would rather have their lives dictated by a Russian mass murderer and his installed puppet than live free in a country where their fellow citizens matter.
You need an Other, America--an existential threat to you and your family? There it is, right there--Trump, Bannon, Miller, Pruitt, Tillerson, De Vos, Sessions--the Fourth Reich. Okay, they're hardly clever enough to be lumped in with the Nazis, but their sheer contempt for humanity warrants better than just honorable mention, don't you think?
Nota bene: the people of South Korea were aided by both the judicial and legislative branches of their government, who found it in their interests to protect their Constitution--modeled after our own, btw.
In South Korea, these institutions have honor, dignity--spines, even. In this country it's more about self-interest, short-term gain, who's "in power" and how to keep it that way. Make no mistake, the ruling class has only one concern--how to remain the ruling class. Being human, they will usually look for the easiest solution--in the case of governments, violence. Yes, governments are comprised of humans, and as such, should be considered at least as dangerous.
The courage of South Koreans and their most public of servants stands in sharp contrast to the cowardice, disingenuity, and blatant authoritarian capitulation of all Republicans in this country, who would rather have their lives dictated by a Russian mass murderer and his installed puppet than live free in a country where their fellow citizens matter.
You need an Other, America--an existential threat to you and your family? There it is, right there--Trump, Bannon, Miller, Pruitt, Tillerson, De Vos, Sessions--the Fourth Reich. Okay, they're hardly clever enough to be lumped in with the Nazis, but their sheer contempt for humanity warrants better than just honorable mention, don't you think?
6
In the larger scope of history, this corruption scandal will pale in comparison to the fate of South Korea vis a vis North Korea's and China's territorial ambitions. If Mr. Moon halts the installation of the THAAD, the U.S. must make it clear to South Korea that the terms of our defense treaty may no longer be upheld.
South Korea must stand alongside the United States and Japan in forcefully demanding a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. If they will not stand with us now, we cannot stand with them when the DMZ is breached and they are crying about their cruel fate under Kim Jong Un. South Korea's choices need to be made very clear to them. We ought not to be risking American lives over what seems like a victory for democracy in the short view, but in the long view, regarding their northern neighbor, may manifest as weak-willed caprice.
Americans, South Koreans, Japanese, and all peace-loving citizens of the world should convince China to disarm North Korea before it's too late to intervene. https://www.change.org/p/president-xi-jinping-convince-china-to-disarm-n...
South Korea must stand alongside the United States and Japan in forcefully demanding a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. If they will not stand with us now, we cannot stand with them when the DMZ is breached and they are crying about their cruel fate under Kim Jong Un. South Korea's choices need to be made very clear to them. We ought not to be risking American lives over what seems like a victory for democracy in the short view, but in the long view, regarding their northern neighbor, may manifest as weak-willed caprice.
Americans, South Koreans, Japanese, and all peace-loving citizens of the world should convince China to disarm North Korea before it's too late to intervene. https://www.change.org/p/president-xi-jinping-convince-china-to-disarm-n...
3
yeah they removed a president because her best friend was involved in her business and meanwhile in US... we have his daughter, his son in law, his best friend Steve Bannon, and all other shadowed friends making decisions and American people seem to fine with it. Sad!
8
Korea has arrived!
With dignity and courage people have toppled the last vestiges of the Park Dynasty. They spoke out loud and clear against the fear-mongering and saw Park Guen-hye for what she is, a corrupt and petty occupant of the Blue House, not much improved upon her father, Park Jung-hee, the brutal military dictator. This day should be celebrated and remembered for generations to come for the modern Korea's civility and enlightenment and for the repudiation of tyranny of the state and corruption of chaebols, the outsized family owned business conglomerates.
Parks have finally been relegated to the dustbin of history, but what a long nightmare it has been, since 1961! The Parks have only served the interest of the few relying on American backing. And who could forget that the elder Park was a servant of Japan? Using a Japanese pseudonym, Okamoto Minoru, Park rendered his service to the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II in catching Korean independence fighters in Manchuria. How this traitor to his own people ever came to power and terrorized his countrymen for so long is a great paradox of the modern Korean history and the subject that Korean scholars should delve into.
With dignity and courage people have toppled the last vestiges of the Park Dynasty. They spoke out loud and clear against the fear-mongering and saw Park Guen-hye for what she is, a corrupt and petty occupant of the Blue House, not much improved upon her father, Park Jung-hee, the brutal military dictator. This day should be celebrated and remembered for generations to come for the modern Korea's civility and enlightenment and for the repudiation of tyranny of the state and corruption of chaebols, the outsized family owned business conglomerates.
Parks have finally been relegated to the dustbin of history, but what a long nightmare it has been, since 1961! The Parks have only served the interest of the few relying on American backing. And who could forget that the elder Park was a servant of Japan? Using a Japanese pseudonym, Okamoto Minoru, Park rendered his service to the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II in catching Korean independence fighters in Manchuria. How this traitor to his own people ever came to power and terrorized his countrymen for so long is a great paradox of the modern Korean history and the subject that Korean scholars should delve into.
5
Many of korean sang a song together "Do you hear people sing" the famous number of Le miserables.
just a song could be the big helps to the people in the street want their country to be "right", not the political side, again.
we had a just song
but you americans already have a precedent.
I wish your country great again.
just a song could be the big helps to the people in the street want their country to be "right", not the political side, again.
we had a just song
but you americans already have a precedent.
I wish your country great again.
3
Park made a number of serious errors, but nothing worthy of being forcibly removed from office. South Korea is a politically backwards country despite being a sophisticated democracy on the surface. Korean journalists routinely exaggerate, distort, and report unconfirmed rumors as fact. Sometimes they even fabricate. A few years ago, a left wing Korean media outlet reported that the U.S. was deliberately selling Korea beef from cows infected with the mad cow disease; the whole nation went into a frenzy for several months, and almost brought the President down. This time, another left wing Korean media used a fabricated tablet computer as "evidence" to "expose" that a close personal friend of the President has been acting as the real President, and deciding important affairs of the state. This sent the whole country into another frenzy. The President has been impeached for using her power to "enrich" her friend, but without any hard evidence. The Korean Judiciary is a farce, as are the Korean Parliament and the so-called media.
2
The prosecutor has already clear out the rumor of PC being a sham. They proved that the tablet computer was owned and used by Choi, the president's friend in question. Even Choi's nephew handed in an additional PC as an evidence. There are too many evidences and testimonies that confirm Park's crimes against the constitution.
Yes, there are some politicians agitating people in their favor without sufficient evidence, but they can be from either side. It is Park herself that brought about her impeachment this time.
Yes, there are some politicians agitating people in their favor without sufficient evidence, but they can be from either side. It is Park herself that brought about her impeachment this time.
1
I am sorry, but you are wrong. There are only a few left wing Korean medias left and they are relatively really weak. Most of the big media is right wing (Three major Korean news papers - Chosun, Joong-ang and Dong-a are all conservative) and even they criticized the ex-president Park Geun-hye. JTBC News which played a big part on revealing Park and Choi's relationship, is Joong-ang newspaper's broadcasting channel.
2
I don't know where people are getting the idea that South Korea is left-wing dominated country. Media is mostly right-wing dominated. Your so-called "fabricated evidences" were legit and the media couldn't just ignore the truth.
I was actually shocked to see this outcome. I didn't think this was possible in Korea but they did it. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new era.
I was actually shocked to see this outcome. I didn't think this was possible in Korea but they did it. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new era.
I saw the word "impeached" emblazoned across some newspaper headlines and got excited... but, alas, it's a leader a few thousand miles too far to the West......
4
The citizens of S. Korea have it right: rather than heighten tensions with a nuclear N. Korea by accepting Donald's deployment of missile defenses to S. Korea, they wish to pursue diplomacy and engagement with North. Korea to reduce tensions in the region- I think it is the most rational approach among all other options being considered.
22
I agree... But it (THAAD) was actually proposed under Obama. The South Koreans took to the streets to protest it. You can't blame it all on Trump.
I'm in awe and have the highest regard for the citizens of S. Korea organizing and protesting in vast numbers against a corrupt executive. the people's anger over conflicts of interest in the executive for extortion schemes has its counterpart in Donald's administration over obvious major conflicts of interests between personal business empires and the threat this poses to shaping foreign policy. American citizens have much to learn from citizens in S. Korea in how they organize on a grass-rout level that motivates millions of citizens to register their anger over their government by massive protests- something that is desperately needed in this country.
54
What is the truth of the corruption scandal? It's not right or wrong problem. It's more political problem. Left vs Right.
And about NK we were nice enough to NK. but they didn't change. you'll negotiate with Kim Jong-eun after he completed to develop the nuclear weapon??
And about NK we were nice enough to NK. but they didn't change. you'll negotiate with Kim Jong-eun after he completed to develop the nuclear weapon??
Don't make this left vs right. This was about getting rid of corruption that shadowed Korean government for over 60 years.
Such a power shift in Seoul might herald the beginning of an end of the US influence in Asia with China filling the vacuum left by the former. But at the same time it might result into a new dawn of stability in the Korean peninsula as also a pause to the strained ties between the two Koreas, where China could play an arbiter.
21
Prof. Sharma,
While I would agree with you, almost completely, with your Comment - I would NOT trust China, or the Chinese Communist Party, to be a decent arbitrator to anything - except to sustain their own land grabs and power-plays.
From the creation of phony "Islands" in the South China Sea, to claiming parts of Northern Japan, their greed is endless. Tiannamen Square. Hong Kong. And, in 1959, China took the entire Nation of Tibet, at gunpoint, right next to your border.
It is a dangerous, and more-than-too-crazy World out there, Professor. While I applaud the South Korean People "throwing a bum out", I hope they can be strong AND Democratic enough to rule themselves, BY themselves and FOR themselves, without the Chinese Communist Party's boot-heel on their necks.
While I would agree with you, almost completely, with your Comment - I would NOT trust China, or the Chinese Communist Party, to be a decent arbitrator to anything - except to sustain their own land grabs and power-plays.
From the creation of phony "Islands" in the South China Sea, to claiming parts of Northern Japan, their greed is endless. Tiannamen Square. Hong Kong. And, in 1959, China took the entire Nation of Tibet, at gunpoint, right next to your border.
It is a dangerous, and more-than-too-crazy World out there, Professor. While I applaud the South Korean People "throwing a bum out", I hope they can be strong AND Democratic enough to rule themselves, BY themselves and FOR themselves, without the Chinese Communist Party's boot-heel on their necks.
4
W. Wolfe, I completely agree with your opinion, and share your apprehensions about China, while wishing a true independent national democratic identity for South Korea. Thanks.
And, assuming that conclusion to be true, it would also herald the end of any American assistance in the Western Pacific Rim. The American military (28K+) would be removed from South Korea. The burgeoning US trade imbalance with South Korea, not to mention Red China, Japan and Taiwan, would be finally dealt with. (Trade restrictions, from the United States, would be immediately implemented. The American H1-B program, primarily for the Asia region, would be discontinued, including India. As of April 3, 2017, it will purportedly be temporarily suspended.) Military conflict would most likely be the end result. Obvious flashpoints are in the Korean peninsula and surrounding area. However, greatest threat to the Western Pacific Rim is the Strait of Malacca. There is where energy is transported from the Persian Gulf for the entire region. Chinese economic intrusion into Malaysia and Indonesia is always met with reticence. Indonesia, on a regular basis, has outbreaks of discrimination against its Chinese minority. China, very likely, is incapable of assuming the diplomatic role outlined in the comment from India.
2
Park was a horrible president, but still we have many problems to figure out. I hope it just the starting point to remove corruptions.
14
Look yourself first before you criticize her. What makes you think she's a horrible?
Last time we Koreans removed an illegitimate leader from power, it was through assassination (any other method probably wouldn't have worked, with Park Chung-hee violently cracking down on opposition). Now, almost four decades later, we have achieved impeachment through peaceful and legal means and I have never been prouder of my country.
41
How the heck is Park an illegitimate leader when she was elected by a direct popular vote? Anyone you don't like is an illegitimate leader?
1
Let's be clear. The head of Korea Central Intelligence Agency, not the people, killed former dictator president Park Chung-hee, father of outsted lady president, at late night party in safety house on Oct 26, 1979. We should not say Korean people or root grass assassinated him.
1
those violent union members? pretending peaceful? using immature young people thinking that old people are useless?
Korean War veterans came to the combined forces command in Seoul to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of armistice in 2003. I was one of the enlisted from the Korean counterpart serving there in the joint unit. General LaPorte, the commander of the US Forces in Korea back then, lined up with many other high ranking officers to welcome them as they're unloaded from the bus. The capital city, although it had been developed pretty awfully after the turmoil of the war, it was probably in a much better shape than that they had seen while fighting. Some of them looked proud of what they had helped to achieve. Rightly so. Some got emotional. It is one of the moments of my life I occasionally think about.
Probably not many would think about those veterans when seeing this news. But I'd like to believe that they would be even more proud of themselves when they see the signs of progress from an immature democracy. Economic achievement that Korean people have made is astonishing, but the veterans fought for something more. And this event shows some aspects of it.
Probably not many would think about those veterans when seeing this news. But I'd like to believe that they would be even more proud of themselves when they see the signs of progress from an immature democracy. Economic achievement that Korean people have made is astonishing, but the veterans fought for something more. And this event shows some aspects of it.
52
The war veterans' blood shed on this land was the fertile soil on which freedom and democracy flourish. Appreciate it from the heart.
You are so right. We the Koreans owe Korean War veterans our freedom and democracy. You deserve today's victory with us. You won't be fotgotten. Thank you.
2
Dear Sir,
Korea was a wicked and nasty war.
I commend your courage posting your comments.
It was worth a fight.
Respect.
When I was younger I saw many men walking in suits with a neatly folded trouser leg pinned up and using a stick to get around.
Sir,
Thank you for your comment.
I remember an uncle, a huge, tall man gassed in WW1 who found it hard to breathe.
Australians and Yanks have a close bond despite our politicians.
After Darwin was bombed American pilots in the Top End would hop into their planes naked to defend my country.
Darwin is a bloody hot steamy place in summer.
Sir,
Rest assured that Australia would defend the US "To our last man and last penny".
May God Bless you and your fallen mates.
An Australian
Korea was a wicked and nasty war.
I commend your courage posting your comments.
It was worth a fight.
Respect.
When I was younger I saw many men walking in suits with a neatly folded trouser leg pinned up and using a stick to get around.
Sir,
Thank you for your comment.
I remember an uncle, a huge, tall man gassed in WW1 who found it hard to breathe.
Australians and Yanks have a close bond despite our politicians.
After Darwin was bombed American pilots in the Top End would hop into their planes naked to defend my country.
Darwin is a bloody hot steamy place in summer.
Sir,
Rest assured that Australia would defend the US "To our last man and last penny".
May God Bless you and your fallen mates.
An Australian
2
It is a surreal moment for South Korea as a historic impeachment of the President just happened. I thought of South Korea as a laboratory for practicing hyper-capitalism. Meanwhile, South Korea has a National Health Care for its citizens and a genuine desire for a strong democracy. Bravo to South Korea for adopting and testing out democracy in your own terms. At the present time, some of the Americans (60 million) take democracy for granted. But not for a long, I hope.
42
bravo to the So. Korean people for the democratic process and rule of law that eventually won out over privilege and cultural norms... this bodes well for a nation that lies next door to a nuclear-tipped madman and will be facing extreme pressures in the coming months and years
23
Rock on South Korea. So many protests for so many many years. Some one finally listened and said enough's enough. How much effort it takes for the mighty and corrupt to fall to the power of truth though.
28
South Korea has show the world that democracy is alive and well and that their country is stable. A new government can begin to reorient SK toward a more "Asian" posture-instead of appearing as a outpost of America. Living beside the constant threat from a deranged dictator has not been an ideal situation but SK has persevered and is a truly modern, strong and economically capable country. While one cannot deny the utility of the US nuclear umbrella over the years as a contributing factor, SK is a model state in Asia in many ways. When NK implodes-and it may not be far in the future-SK will need to be a stalwart bulwark against outside interference.
22
South Korea has shown the US commitment is a boon and North Korea has shown China commitment is a bane. Asian posture? Kowtowing is sooo Maoist. Telling lies to serve the powerful is soooo revolutionary.
Here in the States, we are also "Living beside the constant threat from a deranged dictator."
2
What is the world democracy? Kim Jong-eun and China would be very happy now cause the impeached president tried to deploy THAAD. Moon and his political party would try to get along well with North Korea and China, NOT USA. It's whole political thing not ethical thing.
A great majority of Koreans are glad that such a feckless leader has been rejected. South Korea is also lucky to have more than one worthy contenders in the next presidential election who will focus upon the needs to the country in a responsible manner and hopefully will avoid the cronyism and corruption that has plagued this last administration.
It is unfortunate that America does not have as much improvement to look forward to as South Korea does at this time!
It is unfortunate that America does not have as much improvement to look forward to as South Korea does at this time!
51
I would choose America over any country in the east.
1
Still another great majority of Koreans feel anger and sad.
We will see at the coming presidential election if left-wings live more in South Korea.
We will see at the coming presidential election if left-wings live more in South Korea.
Since when 1/4 is considered majority? You are only looking at these matters as left vs right. That's what communist countries like to do running propaganda and trying to put fear into its people.
And by your logic, there were more right-wing people when Park was elected. What happened to them?
And by your logic, there were more right-wing people when Park was elected. What happened to them?
The ousting of Park is a giant step in the right direction in institutionalizing sustainable democracy in South Korea. Its people, however, must be vigilant in safeguarding its hard-earned democracy because the remnants of the old order in market, politics and judiciary are still lurking, awaiting their comeback in opportune time. Recently, history has witnessed even the established democracies both in Europe and North America slid back to electing demagogues that resembled fascist leaders of the past. As for the relationship with the US and China, leaders of Korean Peninsula must remember its long and painful history. Superpowers never act on behalf of the weak, but only to serve their own interests. Stay informed, engage in multilateral talks, build its own strength, and act only on behalf of its own people and state. It’s good to hear something good about Korea other than its IT gadgets, and K Pops. Achieving democracy is difficult, but keeping it may prove to be even more demanding.
95
In Egypt, after Mubarak was removed, the 1% put a strange hold on the economy to squeeze the People, discredit the new president, and pave the way for a military coup, tacitly spurrred by the US.
Please South Korea, don't fall for the same tactics. The global corporations lined so closely to the conservatives and Washington will not give up easily, and they will not put country above profit while they flex their political and economic muscle to get their power back.
Please South Korea, don't fall for the same tactics. The global corporations lined so closely to the conservatives and Washington will not give up easily, and they will not put country above profit while they flex their political and economic muscle to get their power back.
The impeachment of a President will cheer many in the US, whose major political goal now is to do the same.
However, there is one big difference. "They were also rebelling against a political order that had held South Korea together for decades but is now fracturing under pressures both at home and abroad."
A rebellion against a political order in the US happened in the last primary elections. The primaries were all about rebellion in both parties. The rebellion was a success in the Republican Party, and was put down in the Democratic Party, but it was the same rebellion against established political answers.
The general election was about more than just that, but the primaries are a long wild rebellion in both parties.
In the US impeachment is sought to return to power the political order that lost, not to remove an old order than hung on.
The US voter rebellion ultimately produced the manifold problems of Trump, but one must not therefore lose sight of the fact that is was rebellion.
The new power in Korea is reported here to be leftish, against the US confrontational course with NK and China. If we got a new power in the US by impeachment, it would be in favor of that confrontation, and many more confrontations too, and much else that has been tried and is now a problem among voters. Here, impeachment would be restoration, of sanity, but also of the established political order.
It is not the same at all. In many ways, it is the opposite.
However, there is one big difference. "They were also rebelling against a political order that had held South Korea together for decades but is now fracturing under pressures both at home and abroad."
A rebellion against a political order in the US happened in the last primary elections. The primaries were all about rebellion in both parties. The rebellion was a success in the Republican Party, and was put down in the Democratic Party, but it was the same rebellion against established political answers.
The general election was about more than just that, but the primaries are a long wild rebellion in both parties.
In the US impeachment is sought to return to power the political order that lost, not to remove an old order than hung on.
The US voter rebellion ultimately produced the manifold problems of Trump, but one must not therefore lose sight of the fact that is was rebellion.
The new power in Korea is reported here to be leftish, against the US confrontational course with NK and China. If we got a new power in the US by impeachment, it would be in favor of that confrontation, and many more confrontations too, and much else that has been tried and is now a problem among voters. Here, impeachment would be restoration, of sanity, but also of the established political order.
It is not the same at all. In many ways, it is the opposite.
16
Yes, I concur with you on one variable. There were people in the US who wanted to vote for a change. No doubt about that. No dynasty likes of Bushes nor Clintons. But, the others who voted for Trump were used by Trump-Bannon team because they were misled. Easy pickings, if you ask me. Too transparent for what they wanted. Me, me, and me. Whose fault is that? As a society, it is our fault. And we need to fix that.
16
Those "others who voted for Trump" are always there. There's a party. It has a base. They formed it of some discreditable ideas sold by a selfish greedy elite to a credulous voter group.
However, they were not enough. A balance was needed to make a win. That balance came from rebellion.
That the only rebellion that was on offer was Trump is the fault of Democrats who did not offer a better, even though it was in their power to do so. They struggled hard not to offer it.
There is a parallel in that with South Korea. No doubt the party in power had plenty of people of skill and insight who knew they were asking for this trouble. They did it anyway. It was the easy way for them, a road to influence and office behind a flawed candidate.
However, they were not enough. A balance was needed to make a win. That balance came from rebellion.
That the only rebellion that was on offer was Trump is the fault of Democrats who did not offer a better, even though it was in their power to do so. They struggled hard not to offer it.
There is a parallel in that with South Korea. No doubt the party in power had plenty of people of skill and insight who knew they were asking for this trouble. They did it anyway. It was the easy way for them, a road to influence and office behind a flawed candidate.
8
Whatever. Flynn was a foreign agent who conveniently forget to tell people he was receiving bags of cash to lobby for an Islamic state with ISIS militants and unchecked terrorists all over the place.
"South Korea Removes President."
Our turn! Our turn!
Our turn! Our turn!
149
HRC that is why I, for the first time I voted for a republican, after 50 years. It was like throwing a bomb at a corrupt system. Did not like him at all but what was the choice?
1
From the impeachment vote to outed,
All Korean citizens have wanted that is make a new country.
Now, we showed our peaceful power for democracy. I believe that we have grown up as young democracy nation.
Thankful for Korean citizens !
All Korean citizens have wanted that is make a new country.
Now, we showed our peaceful power for democracy. I believe that we have grown up as young democracy nation.
Thankful for Korean citizens !
32
All Korean citizens? Who do you mean? Left-wings in favor of North Korea and China?
Let's see if left-wings live more in South Korea. We will know this soon at the coming presidential election.
Yes. I am very surprised that we have many immature, stupid and young people in South Korea.
Let's see if left-wings live more in South Korea. We will know this soon at the coming presidential election.
Yes. I am very surprised that we have many immature, stupid and young people in South Korea.
It's curious to me that the two Koreas have each been governed (North still is) by family dynasties throughout my 70+ years. And to have fodder for neo-Shakespearian historic dramas.
Lastly (and it won't be the last), I await President Trump's Friday morning "tweet" about the implications to your foreign policy and diplomacy regarding the Koreas, China, and Japan.
Lastly (and it won't be the last), I await President Trump's Friday morning "tweet" about the implications to your foreign policy and diplomacy regarding the Koreas, China, and Japan.
6
China and Japan both have politics in which a few families have outsized roles.
In the US, we narrowly missed having Bush III vs Clinton II, again family ties to money and influential supporters were to be leveraged into office.
There is a deeper problem in democracy as a system, in which linkages of money and power persist for generations.
It is possible and desirable to have politics open to more people, more ideas, more competition among the shadowy groups behind the nominations.
It comes down to money in politics overwhelming ideas. We are better off the other way.
Electing a blowhard billionaire is not escape from money or promoting ideas over money. However, it is an escape from an ingrown system of power via family Rolodex.
In the US, we narrowly missed having Bush III vs Clinton II, again family ties to money and influential supporters were to be leveraged into office.
There is a deeper problem in democracy as a system, in which linkages of money and power persist for generations.
It is possible and desirable to have politics open to more people, more ideas, more competition among the shadowy groups behind the nominations.
It comes down to money in politics overwhelming ideas. We are better off the other way.
Electing a blowhard billionaire is not escape from money or promoting ideas over money. However, it is an escape from an ingrown system of power via family Rolodex.
10
While South Korea continued to suffer under a series of dictatorial administrations since the Korean war, none of its leaders were related to each other by blood except for Park Chung-hee and Park Geun-hye (Unless you meant family-run conglomerates when you said "family dynasties," which would be true to an extent). In any case, South Korea's political power never had much to do with politicians' familial ties.
4
I wouldn't exactly call South Korea a "family dynasty" -- would you consider the U.S. as such since Bush Sr. and Jr. have been presidents?
6
I particularly appreciated the honesty regarding "the growing American military footprint in Asia." When we report the world as it is, rather than as we would like it to be, we are better able to make appropriate decisions regarding our future actions. Endlessly parading America as the innocent defender of human right around the world serves neither America's interests nor those of the world.
41
I am particularly appalled when once again a democracy that would not exist but for the US military footprint and blood in 1950 after a commie invasion automatically has some useful idiot giving the imperial feudal Chinese line in China's attempt to return Korea to a vassal state along with most of Asia and the new frontier of Africa. China's handiwork is up north.
I am so happy for that democracy has happened in my country. It means a lot for the people in Korea. Majority of Korean believe the impeachment of the "former" president would contribute to build a real democratic society in Korea, although there are more steps we need to fight for .
On the other hand, I want to say that this article seems vague by the writer's subjective perspective. The impeachment of Park Geun-hye does not mean that the next president will push the amicable policy toward North Korea. Park's expulsion was from her illegal acts, negligence of duties, and her lies. I also do not understand why the writer focuses on her father's history and his polices not on the reasons of impeachment. Attaching what the chief justice said at ruling would help the readers knowing the truths. This is not a fight between the republicans and the democrats. It is about right and wrong. Please do not seduce people saying North Korea.
Anyway, I am extremely grateful to Korean that showed the mature protests for months in the severe winter. You made a change!
On the other hand, I want to say that this article seems vague by the writer's subjective perspective. The impeachment of Park Geun-hye does not mean that the next president will push the amicable policy toward North Korea. Park's expulsion was from her illegal acts, negligence of duties, and her lies. I also do not understand why the writer focuses on her father's history and his polices not on the reasons of impeachment. Attaching what the chief justice said at ruling would help the readers knowing the truths. This is not a fight between the republicans and the democrats. It is about right and wrong. Please do not seduce people saying North Korea.
Anyway, I am extremely grateful to Korean that showed the mature protests for months in the severe winter. You made a change!
43
The odds has become a reality.
Park is now the first president ever in Korean history to be removed from office by the constitution. The South Korean court's ruling for impeachment weighs heavy on Park's unwillingness to uphold and protect the constitution - a clear demonstration of upholding the "rule of law," which Korea has proclaimed ever since but not visibly achieved to my perspective.
However, this minor achievement should only be the beginning. As Moon says, the Democratic Party should continue to "purge" Korean politics; and this should take complete effort - even after taking power on the May election- starting with convictions of bribery from Samsung.
Today is definitely a triumph for Korean politics. But many Koreans will not be satisfied until they see Park and remnants from the dictatorial regime get the punishment they deserve.
Park is now the first president ever in Korean history to be removed from office by the constitution. The South Korean court's ruling for impeachment weighs heavy on Park's unwillingness to uphold and protect the constitution - a clear demonstration of upholding the "rule of law," which Korea has proclaimed ever since but not visibly achieved to my perspective.
However, this minor achievement should only be the beginning. As Moon says, the Democratic Party should continue to "purge" Korean politics; and this should take complete effort - even after taking power on the May election- starting with convictions of bribery from Samsung.
Today is definitely a triumph for Korean politics. But many Koreans will not be satisfied until they see Park and remnants from the dictatorial regime get the punishment they deserve.
41
I don't understand this comment, it's grammatically vague, and vague in general--what exactly does "protect constitution" mean?
I admire you, South Korea. While you are hard at work strengthening your democratic institutions, we are hard at work dismantling ours. We hope to rejoin you soon. Love, America.
213
While SK deserves some credit, I think that they fail to understand what politics is. Politics cannot be clean as prostitutes cannot be prudish.
Look at the fate of their presidents. Lee went into exile in Hawaii; Park was assassinated; Chun and Roh were imprisoned; Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung were involved in their family's corruption scandal. Roh committed suicide by jumping off a cliff after his family was found guilty of corruption. Only Lee seemed to have come through dirty and corrupt politics unscathed, although nobody remember if he did anything. Now the first female president was ousted and might be jailed.
Is it possible that South Koreans do not understand the nature of politics, leadership or democracy?
This view may not be popular, but it is time for South Koreans to think about this phenomenon.
Look at the fate of their presidents. Lee went into exile in Hawaii; Park was assassinated; Chun and Roh were imprisoned; Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung were involved in their family's corruption scandal. Roh committed suicide by jumping off a cliff after his family was found guilty of corruption. Only Lee seemed to have come through dirty and corrupt politics unscathed, although nobody remember if he did anything. Now the first female president was ousted and might be jailed.
Is it possible that South Koreans do not understand the nature of politics, leadership or democracy?
This view may not be popular, but it is time for South Koreans to think about this phenomenon.
6
You need to study on S. Korean history before spreading such false statements. Lee Myung Bak is not corrupt? Search about BBK and 747, canal ourage, Yongsan disaster first.
in fact, accusations on Kim DaeJung and Roh MooHyun were baseless and weilded by conservative(and also selling national interest to Japan, decendents of Japanese collaborators) power. Especially for Roh, every single accusations which driven him to suicide was total false. Just like your own president accusing Obama for tapping Trump tower.
Study. Fact is there. Ignore false news. Resist.
in fact, accusations on Kim DaeJung and Roh MooHyun were baseless and weilded by conservative(and also selling national interest to Japan, decendents of Japanese collaborators) power. Especially for Roh, every single accusations which driven him to suicide was total false. Just like your own president accusing Obama for tapping Trump tower.
Study. Fact is there. Ignore false news. Resist.
2
Yes. It's early to judge if this is good or not. We will know this later.
Please don't let SK fall to China axis. It will be terrible if China do anything it wants. China disregards others that against its policy. There are no room for negotiation.
What's next? Maybe Indonesia will be target for China... I am truly afraid.
What's next? Maybe Indonesia will be target for China... I am truly afraid.
13
As Indonesia is a former colony of ours and we still have very warm diplomatic ties with that country I am sure (as a former Senior Militairy Officer with a fair amount of Indonesian blood running through my veins) that my country will support Indonesia if China makes any threaths to it. And because my country is also a NATO member I hope the rest of NATO will do the same as I have done in numerous wars around the globe (starting with Lebanon in the 70ties and ending with Bosnia) and stand beside us.
This is a result of the 4th estate's diligent investigation.
JTBC, a cable news channel which could've been completely annihilated by the gov't along with channel's president, Son Suk-hee, should the impeachment didn't get upheld, found damning evidence that started this democratic revolution to happen in Korea.
American people. Take heed.
CNN, NYTimes, and other media aren't fake news.
Yes, they do make mistakes like all human institutions.
But these are the institutions that will fight for you against the government and find the government accountable.
Fight along with them.
JTBC, a cable news channel which could've been completely annihilated by the gov't along with channel's president, Son Suk-hee, should the impeachment didn't get upheld, found damning evidence that started this democratic revolution to happen in Korea.
American people. Take heed.
CNN, NYTimes, and other media aren't fake news.
Yes, they do make mistakes like all human institutions.
But these are the institutions that will fight for you against the government and find the government accountable.
Fight along with them.
165
Michael of tristate says "CNN, NYTimes, and other media aren't fake news.
Yes, they do make mistakes like all human institutions.
But these are the institutions that will fight for you against the government and find the government accountable." Michael, I am very sorry to inform you that CNN, NYTimes and all of the other mainstream media in the U.S. are corporate-owned and they do their owners' bidding. The Washington Post is owned by one of the most powerful oligarchs in the entire world, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. These media are not a 4th estate; they are owned by corporations that have bought and paid for our "democratic" government. All branches of government, both political parties, and the so-called 4th estate, work for the same people -- and it ain't "us."
Yes, they do make mistakes like all human institutions.
But these are the institutions that will fight for you against the government and find the government accountable." Michael, I am very sorry to inform you that CNN, NYTimes and all of the other mainstream media in the U.S. are corporate-owned and they do their owners' bidding. The Washington Post is owned by one of the most powerful oligarchs in the entire world, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. These media are not a 4th estate; they are owned by corporations that have bought and paid for our "democratic" government. All branches of government, both political parties, and the so-called 4th estate, work for the same people -- and it ain't "us."
1
You forgot to add the Rachel Maddow show. She is a formidable investigative journalist.
Yes I watched JTBC news. She reported that she got the tablet from the desk. But she didn't show any photo of the tablet placed in or on the desk. only photo of desk? What kind of report is it? Who would make just a presentation without clear evidence???
Just try to imagine the following scenario taking place in the US, or any other first world nations.
A ferry carrying 476 passengers (mostly high school students) is capsized.
The president cannot be reached for the next 7 hours after being first notified of the accident.
President finally shows up to an emergency cabinet meeting after 7 hours, and looks dazed and is oblivious of the details.
The people of Korea have demanded to know what the president had been doing during the crucial 7 whopping hours as the ferry sank with 300 students trapped.
The blue house press secretary states that they are not obligated to disclose such information because the nation must respect Park Geun-hye's "privacy".
After suspension of her powers, investigations revealed a glimpse into those 7 hours.
For 90 minutes, she had her stylist do her hair.
The remaining 5 and half hours is still a mystery, but major evidence points to Park having undergone her regular cosmetic procedures (botox injection to the face).
How would the US handle such scenario? I'm genuinely curious.
A ferry carrying 476 passengers (mostly high school students) is capsized.
The president cannot be reached for the next 7 hours after being first notified of the accident.
President finally shows up to an emergency cabinet meeting after 7 hours, and looks dazed and is oblivious of the details.
The people of Korea have demanded to know what the president had been doing during the crucial 7 whopping hours as the ferry sank with 300 students trapped.
The blue house press secretary states that they are not obligated to disclose such information because the nation must respect Park Geun-hye's "privacy".
After suspension of her powers, investigations revealed a glimpse into those 7 hours.
For 90 minutes, she had her stylist do her hair.
The remaining 5 and half hours is still a mystery, but major evidence points to Park having undergone her regular cosmetic procedures (botox injection to the face).
How would the US handle such scenario? I'm genuinely curious.
144
Actually I don't think we would be all that outraged. Partisans would defend/attack based on who was in power and the general populace really wouldn't care. Bush was generally given poor marks for his immediate handling of 911 and Katrina. (After he found out the second plane hit he read "my pet goat" to some elementary school kids) Yet he was reelected.
13
Actually, it has been publicly announced on multiple occasions that the President was working at her residence, received a dozen reports about the incident from various cabinet officials during that time, and also issued half a dozen orders to those in charge of the rescue operation. What is your "major evidence" pointing to that she was having her cosmetic procedures? It really puzzles me why you hate your President so much and will even go as far as writing lies on a foreign newspaper comments section. Fascinating.
Conway would say there was no ferry, Spicer would say the body of water didn't exist, and Trump would blame it on Clinton.
3
This is a huge victory for Korean, and global, democracy. While the Minjoo (the opposition) Party's stance on North Korea is deeply concerning, it cannot be denied that Park Geun-hye had to be removed from office. Mounting evidence shows that Park was a puppet - literally and figuratively- the elect the governing (conservative) party. Park was (and is) in the thrall of a scamming cult leader, on whom Park spent state funds, extorted bribes from private companies, and with whom she spent countless hours at the spa and taking recreational pharmaceuticals.
Park was, in fact, the weirdest, most out of touch, elected leader in the free world. Her removal now gives those roles to the already most dangerous, idiotic, and racist leader in the free world, Donald Trump. Her constitutional removal is a victory for the health of Korean democracy, and will hopefully serve as the beginning of a new chapter in the development of the Korean political system and civic society.
Park was, in fact, the weirdest, most out of touch, elected leader in the free world. Her removal now gives those roles to the already most dangerous, idiotic, and racist leader in the free world, Donald Trump. Her constitutional removal is a victory for the health of Korean democracy, and will hopefully serve as the beginning of a new chapter in the development of the Korean political system and civic society.
24
Good.....Now let the sunshine in. Pull all those American troops out of South Korea. After almost 70 years it's about time the South Korean people decide what they wish for their Nation going forward and at the very least, start to defend themselves.
9
Indeed - leave all of them in that region to their own devices.
This is a great victory by people's power. People on the streets pushed representatives at the National Assembly and judges at the Constitutional Court. Hooray!!!
14
Kudos to South Korea. It's democracy is more healthy than that in the U.S. Can anyone here imagine a U.S. president removed from power because of corruption? In the post-Reagan era? Can anyone here imagine one of the princes of American capitalism being put on trial for corruption.
Our packed Supreme Court has legalized this kind of behavior, serving the interests of the ruling oligarchy.
South Korea is evolving; the U.S. is devolving.
Our packed Supreme Court has legalized this kind of behavior, serving the interests of the ruling oligarchy.
South Korea is evolving; the U.S. is devolving.
102
It's a disgrace and humiliation for South Koreans, no doubt. However, it also shows the healthy condition of checks and balance of democratic institutions in the world's 11th largest economy. Will this happen to the United States under Donald Trump? I'm very much doubtful about such a possibility. I'm proud of South Korea as one of its citizens.
67
We'll see what happens here. Trump's only protection at this time is a Republican Congress more eager to pass their right wing legislative agenda than to do what is right in investigating our Russian puppet for a president. It may be a matter of time till our Congress finally stands up to Trump. Time will tell. Please pray for us!
1
Many people here in America already deeply despise Trump; the only people supporting him are white non college educated voters. If Trump's connection with Russia becomes more and more apparent expect a lot of people here calling for his impeachment. For now our useless Republican Congress is more concerned with passing their right wing legislation than investigating the president.
1
Youngho, thanks for sharing your views and Yes, we hope this happens with Donald Trump. At least the majority of Americans who are ashamed that our broken election system put this charlatan into our country's most sacred office.
1
This is a dangerous time for South Korea. While Xi Jinping has a firm grip on power in China and a clear strategic vision for the region, Donald Trump is jumping from one self-induced crisis after another. Given the political crisis in the United States, South Korea should avoid making long-term commitments with China that they may regret. South Korea-United States-Japan defense alliance has kept the peace and prosperity in East Asia for over 60 years. Any sign of turning back on this alliance-including reneging on THAAD deployment- will simply lead China to insert itself further into South Korean affairs. China is already wielding the economic sword against South Korea over THAAD, banning Korean cultural exports and stemming the flow of Chinese tourists. Giving China any influence over South Korean national security is to invite disaster. Ultimately, it is the Chinese Communist Party that controls China. CCP will never tolerate a united Korean peninsula with a thriving democracy. Instead, CCP will always choose to prop up a Communist North Korea, even if led by a madman, as long as it serves as a buffer zone that it can control.
107
Well, if we're talking about history, a China-led tributary system had kept the "peace and security" of the region for the better part of 2,000 years before Westerners went in. From a Chinese perspective, it's only natural for the region to return to some modified version of that old order.
On the other hand, to assume that a Communist China will always support a Communist North Korea is to repeat the costly foreign policy mistake of America made during Cold War. (I am convinced we would not have gone into Korea or Vietnam if we had realized earlier there was no such thing as a Communist monolith.) After all, Communist China has fought two of its Communist neighbors in the past, and would not hesitate to fight another if its interest dictates so.
On the other hand, to assume that a Communist China will always support a Communist North Korea is to repeat the costly foreign policy mistake of America made during Cold War. (I am convinced we would not have gone into Korea or Vietnam if we had realized earlier there was no such thing as a Communist monolith.) After all, Communist China has fought two of its Communist neighbors in the past, and would not hesitate to fight another if its interest dictates so.
2
Let's let the South Korean people decide what makes sense for them. Gone are the days of the US backed dictators whose power was dependent on their fealty to US geopolitical interests. South Korea is past the dicatator phase now. As a maturing democracy the South Korean people will decide whether they buy into escalating tensions and the THAAD system. And if current polls are accurate South Koreans aren't buying what the US military industrial complex is selling.
3
I appreciate your comment but this time around the Korean Penninsula is being used for the conflict of interests involving super powers (China-Japan-USA). Of course, China needs to be contained in the China Sea development. Japan has some interests in that region from the leftover WWII feast. North Korea has been doing the same thing for the last 60 without causing a major war. In my view, Japan is hyperventilating without costing them anything. China is punishing South Korea economically but not Japan for wanting THAAD in their backyard. And the US is hyperventilating for positional based negotiations. Trump is an expert at this. I have more money than you, therefore I can take you to court and win against his contractors. This time around it is not about North Korea. It is being framed and used. It is about China-Japan-USA and the military complex making the profits.
Despite this historic development, I highly doubt anything will really change. Politics and mega Corporations will always be in cahoots in Korea.
"Meet the new Boss. Same as the old boss."
"Meet the new Boss. Same as the old boss."
8
As long as I can still buy my excellent and relatively cheap Samsung television sets (and I am not forced to buy my own countries way to expensive Philips screens) I don't care.
What I do care about is that both Korea's will be able to sit around a table discussing how to work together. My grandfather fought in Korea, I did follow the family tradition and fought in wars for almost 40 years and still the conflict my grandfather fought in is not resolved. High time it will be.
What I do care about is that both Korea's will be able to sit around a table discussing how to work together. My grandfather fought in Korea, I did follow the family tradition and fought in wars for almost 40 years and still the conflict my grandfather fought in is not resolved. High time it will be.
Good for South Korea, what a sign for democracy there that the country pulled together to make this happen. The average citizen that was willing to go out there and protest for months on end. The enterprising free media who sought details and answers to shed light wherever the clues took them. The legal apparatus - lawyers, judges - who did their jobs exactly as the law prescribed. Their combined efforts were able to take down the most powerful forces in the country and oust their corrupt president in the process.
Korea's been a democracy for only 30 years. What is our excuse for inaction?
Korea's been a democracy for only 30 years. What is our excuse for inaction?
87
A cautionary lesson to the would-be oligarchs of the U.S., who similarly seek to collude with government to enrich their fortunes and try to stamp out people's right to collectively bargain to bring some parity to the workplace. There is no long-term future to this kind of political economy, as South Korea illustrates, and as Americans are slow to learn.
31
Another historic first. Americans find themselves asking, "Why can't we be more like South Korea?"
83
One thing that has to be correted. Rapid economic growth was not thanks to Park jung hee's policies or any other efforts. It was totally fake, full fantasy. Korea was at an early stage of development of capilarisam which was supposed to be shown rapid growth, and all nation's labor class was dedicated without being paid fairly, they didn't notice that though.
28
This is true!!
3
what other country do you know that has made the kind of progress S.Korea has made especially under a uniquely difficult circumstances- a country that had been colonized and divided in half and that just had a devastating war, having to deal with constant threat from N. Korea not just externally but internally as well. Why is it that people old enough to hav lived under President Park Chung Hee mostly think he is a true hero? He was a rare leader, a visionary who lifted S.Korea from am impoverished, war-torn country to an economic powerhouse it is today. It should also be noted that although he ruled for almost twenty years, he and his family had such a modest lifestyle and did not enrich themselves at all. I can name so many of his achievements that still amazes me. You simply have no idea what you are talking about.
2
I feel grateful for this uplifting closure, to people of Korea and its allies interested in normalizing the country's political process. No matter how you'd like to argue about this case, a big tumor has been removed, quite successfully.
15
Power, dominated by the people, the real host of the country has finally won.
Happy spring is coming!
Happy spring is coming!
11
Notwithstanding their removal of apparently corrupt president Park Geun-hye, how does the installation of a non-offensive "anti"-missile threaten China or North Korea? Should the U.S. withdraw it's troops and military support, will South Koreans feel safe from the likes of Kim Jong-un or even Chinas'
5
As a Korean citizen, I have felt such a shame when Park and her confidant Choi's state affairs had rised upon surface and thought maybe this country is really rotten from the top and would never get cured. But this decision enlightened me that we still have a chance to make this country right and the lights still win the darkness.
59
Great and wise unanimous decision by the judges.
Now we wait for the election.
Now we wait for the election.
8
Perhaps the American occupation of the Korean peninsula can now be terminated?
19
American military does not occupy South Korea; they are here on our invitation (we asked for their help during the Korea War which began by North Korean aggression supported by the Soviets).
Their presence is the singular reason South survived Communists onslaught and we, as a Korean nation, are and should be always, grateful for incredible sacrifices US soldiers made.
Their presence is the singular reason South survived Communists onslaught and we, as a Korean nation, are and should be always, grateful for incredible sacrifices US soldiers made.
35
I'm a Korean guy. I am really happy with impeachment. So far, fake conservatism and -ists has ruined my country. From now, we must consider to build a new nation and elect a new president responsible to people.
123
I agree we have been fighting for full democracy and this impeachment is very meaningful. However all our nation still need to fight and make sure Park geun hye receive criminal penalty and take responsible for Sewol fairy too. Political corruption like this must not happen again
7
How ironic! South Korea teaching the world how Democracy is suppose to work. Good for them!
124
Why ironic? It's South Korea, not North.
12
We'll see, Claudia. What does Steve Bannon have in mind with the N. Korean "young leader", who is much like The Con Don. I do not trust any of these, "take down the government" moves right now, especially when they are directed at women.
The Good People of the world need to open OUR eyes and look at the BIG money-masters picture. It does not bode well for any of us.
The Good People of the world need to open OUR eyes and look at the BIG money-masters picture. It does not bode well for any of us.
Goodbye to the George W. Bush of South Korea. Only reason Park got the job is because her father had served as dictator during a period of rapid economic growth in the country (1961-1979), and so many older Koreans who voted for Park in the 2012 presidential election were nostalgic and willing to overlook her essential unsuitability for the job. And unlike Bush the chickenhawk war criminal, now 70 years old and enjoying a protected lifestyle in the bubble of clueless affluenza that is the wealthy suburbs north of Dallas, Park got impeached and may now very well get arrested. No cushy retirement for her, it would appear.
Good job, South Koreans. You're doing a better job at politics than the people (Americans) who often tend to regard your country as little more than a protectorate of the U.S. armed forces. You are WAY more than that--a successful, thriving democracy for one thing.
Good job, South Koreans. You're doing a better job at politics than the people (Americans) who often tend to regard your country as little more than a protectorate of the U.S. armed forces. You are WAY more than that--a successful, thriving democracy for one thing.
237
Again showing that we should not nominate women candidates who are relicts of previous leaders....
No. She was elected cause most conservative old Koreans are scared of North Korea. and their partisans. They didn't want Moon to be elected as president.
Park has a lot of experience as politician. She was qualified enough more than anyone else. She's just too strict. That's why she had many enemies and finally there was nobody could help her. This is life. I feel very sorry for her tragedies.
Park has a lot of experience as politician. She was qualified enough more than anyone else. She's just too strict. That's why she had many enemies and finally there was nobody could help her. This is life. I feel very sorry for her tragedies.
1
How nice if South Korea also would become a democracy equal in military might to its aggressive, although much less populous or industrially developed, neighbor to the north. Then we could cease having to treat and regard South Korea as a military protectorate -- better for them, a blessing for us.
1
Thank you for showing us the way of peaceful protests as an effective method to remove sprawling corruption and conservative rot from 'elected' office, South Korea.
We are eternally grateful for your example, as Americans start to summon the nationwide strength to impeach our own national disgrace from high office.
Kamsa hamnida.
We are eternally grateful for your example, as Americans start to summon the nationwide strength to impeach our own national disgrace from high office.
Kamsa hamnida.
348
Lock her up! She makes Leona Helmsley look like Mother Theresa. It is refreshing, as Socrates notes, that after a long slog of peaceful protest, an incompetent, corrupt, vain, audacious and paranoid national leader can be removed. It's no surprise she had ties to Samsung, and probably many other business/Industrial fortunes. Not a hotel near the capitol, perhaps, but you get the picture. South Korea is not the only nation in need of a national cleanup, and a good dose of disinfectant to boot. I'm thinking Pine Sol, not Febreze. Who knows, maybe we'll see Park Geun-hye on Dancing with the Stars along with twinkletoes Trump? I hope Arnold is judging.
7
Yes. you only judge things reading those biased news. You don't know the reality what's happening in Korea. What you see superficially is probably not the truth.
1
2 people died in protests in S. Korea as of March 10th 2017
I do not see a reason to be grateful for this..
I do not see a reason to be grateful for this..
1