South Korean president needs conservative stronghold behind him, but paying homage to Park Chung-hee carries risks
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the birthplace of former South Korean leader Park Chung-hee on Wednesday. He paid respects by offering flowers and burning incense at Park’s memorial hall in Gumi, about 160 miles (260 km) southeast of Seoul, and wrote in the visitor’s book, “A great future led by a great leader. I, along with the people, will not forget and will continue the legacy.”
But this was not just a routine visit to pay homage. As observers familiar with ROK history will recognize, Yoon’s visit and words of praise were fraught with political significance.
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the birthplace of former South Korean leader Park Chung-hee on Wednesday. He paid respects by offering flowers and burning incense at Park’s memorial hall in Gumi, about 160 miles (260 km) southeast of Seoul, and wrote in the visitor’s book, “A great future led by a great leader. I, along with the people, will not forget and will continue the legacy.”
But this was not just a routine visit to pay homage. As observers familiar with ROK history will recognize, Yoon’s visit and words of praise were fraught with political significance.
Get your
KoreaPro
subscription today!
Unlock article access by becoming a KOREA PRO member today!
Unlock your access
to all our features.
Standard Annual plan includes:
-
Receive full archive access, full suite of newsletter products
-
Month in Review via email and the KOREA PRO website
-
Exclusive invites and priority access to member events
-
One year of access to NK News and NK News podcast
There are three plans available:
Lite, Standard and
Premium.
Explore which would be
the best one for you.
Explore membership options
© Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved.
No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for
commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk
Group.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
