Location: The Heritage Foundation's Lehrman Auditorium
South Korea is on the cusp of a new future, but the form it will
take remains uncertain. There is collective indecision as to
the country's direction, its proper role in Asia, and the form of
its economy and society. The South Korean presidential
election of December 19, 2007 is a battle for the soul of the
nation and will set its strategic course for the next five
years.
Although polls show a seemingly insurmountable lead by
conservative candidate Lee Myung-bak, South Korean politics are
known for their volatility and unpredictability. Lingering
corruption allegations against Lee and the large number of
undecided votes provide the potential for sudden and dramatic
changes. Questions remain over the degree of difference in
the leading candidates' platforms and whether underlying political
and societal characteristics will constrain the degree to which a
new president can change South Korean policy.
Join us as our panelists address the issues and trends that have
affected the political landscape, discuss the likely election
outcome and determining factors, and assess the likely impact on
South Korea's economic strategy and its policies toward the United
States, North Korea, and Japan.
More About the Speakers
Kenneth Choi
Bureau Chief,
The Chosun Ilbo
Stephen Costello
President,
ProGlobal Incorporated
Paul Eckert
Asia Correspondent,
Reuters
Bruce Klingner
Senior Research Fellow,
Northeast Asia,
The Heritage Foundation
Hosted By
Walter Lohman
Director, Asian Studies Center
Read More