Park Geun-hye

Definition

Park Geun-hye was the first female president of South Korea, serving from 2013 until her impeachment in 2016. Her presidency was marked by controversial domestic policies and a significant focus on national security and foreign relations, particularly concerning North Korea and the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Park Geun-hye's presidency focused on economic policies called 'creative economy', aiming to boost innovation and improve South Korea's global competitiveness.
2. Her administration faced significant public protests, especially related to her connection to the Choi Soon-sil scandal, where she was accused of allowing a close confidante to influence government decisions.
3. In December 2016, the Constitutional Court upheld her impeachment, resulting in her removal from office and making her the first democratically elected president in South Korea to be ousted.
4. Park's presidency also emphasized a hardline stance against North Korea, leading to increased military cooperation with the United States.
5. Following her removal, Park Geun-hye was convicted of corruption and abuse of power, receiving a lengthy prison sentence that sparked discussions about political accountability in South Korea.

Review Questions

• How did Park Geun-hye's policies regarding North Korea reflect broader themes in contemporary South Korean politics?
  • Park Geun-hye's approach to North Korea included a hardline stance, emphasizing national security through military readiness and alliances with the United States. This reflected broader themes in contemporary South Korean politics, where security concerns often drive policy decisions. Her administration also aimed to balance diplomatic engagement with deterrence, showcasing how national security issues remain at the forefront of political discourse in South Korea.
• Evaluate the impact of the Choi Soon-sil scandal on public perception of Park Geun-hye's administration and its implications for political accountability in South Korea.
  • The Choi Soon-sil scandal had a profound impact on public perception of Park Geun-hye's administration, leading to widespread protests and demands for accountability. The revelation that she had allowed a confidante to wield undue influence over government matters eroded trust in her leadership. This scandal sparked discussions on political accountability and corruption, ultimately leading to her impeachment and highlighting the need for transparency within South Korean politics.
• Critically analyze how Park Geun-hye’s presidency changed the landscape of South Korean politics and its relationship with North Korea.
  • Park Geun-hye’s presidency significantly shifted the landscape of South Korean politics by reinforcing a more militarized approach towards North Korea, aligning closely with U.S. policies. Her administration marked a departure from previous engagement strategies, favoring deterrence through enhanced military capabilities like THAAD. This change created a polarized political environment domestically while intensifying tensions with North Korea and complicating relations with China. The implications of her presidency continue to shape ongoing debates about security, diplomacy, and political integrity within South Korea.

Related terms

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be removed from office due to misconduct, which occurred for Park Geun-hye in 2016 over corruption allegations.

THAAD: The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, a U.S. missile defense system deployed in South Korea during Park's presidency, which heightened tensions with North Korea and China.

Saenuri Party: The political party that Park Geun-hye was a member of, which later rebranded as the Liberty Korea Party and faced significant backlash during her administration.