President Roh Moo-hyun Faces Challenges Amid Economic Doldrums and North Korean Nuclear Tensions

Strategic Insights -

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun is nearing the end of his single five-year term, and despite his efforts to introduce reform and decentralization, he faces significant challenges, particularly in addressing economic stagnation and escalating tensions with North Korea. Public surveys have identified the sluggish economy as the biggest policy failure under Roh's administration, with many respondents calling for more job creation, improved job security, and increased investment in infrastructure. The Roh government's record on economic policy has been mixed, with critics arguing that its pro-labor policies have dampened business sentiment and led to economic doldrums.

Key Takeaways:

  • A recent survey of 1,000 people by KBS found that 60.7% of respondents believed Roh did not do well in the past two years, while 37.5% responded positively.
  • The survey also showed that 85% of respondents wanted the government to do more to create jobs, enhance job security, and increase facility investment for early economic recovery.
  • Critics argue that Roh's pro-labor policies, such as the investment ceiling on chaebols and the voting rights limit for chaebol-owned financial institutions, have led to economic troubles.
  • Roh's approval rating hovers around 30% due to the sluggish economy and tensions over North Korea's nuclear programs.
  • The government has suffered from economic difficulties due to "structural and cyclic factors," according to Chief Policymaker Kim Byong-joon.
  • Roh has taken a progressive attitude to coax North Korea into the six-party talks on ending its nuclear weapons programs.
  • Despite Roh's efforts, North Korea escalated tensions over its nuclear programs, and opposition parties have described his North Korea policy as a failure.

Statistics:

  • 60.7% of respondents believed Roh did not do well in the past two years, while 37.5% responded positively.
  • 85% of respondents wanted the government to do more to create jobs, enhance job security, and increase facility investment for early economic recovery.
  • Roh's approval rating hovers around 30%.
  • 3,600 South Korean troops are stationed in Iraq as part of the US-led coalition.
  • The US has pledged to invest over $10 billion in a weapons system for the US troops in South Korea to compensate for the troop withdrawal.
  • Roh's term expires on Feb 25, 2008.

Sources:

  • KBS survey of 1,000 people
  • Yonhap news article
  • Asia Pulse news article
  • Interview with Professor Tom Plate of University of California, Los Angeles
  • Interview with Professor Yang Seung-ham of Yonsei University
  • GNP lawmaker survey of 121 lawmakers
  • Citizens Coalition for Better Government survey of 308 professors, businessmen, politicians, and artists.