{"id":2203264,"date":"2023-12-28T18:23:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T09:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203264"},"modified":"2023-12-29T16:23:36","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T07:23:36","slug":"expo-rout-and-diplomatic-gaffes-south-koreas-worst-blunders-of-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/12\/expo-rout-and-diplomatic-gaffes-south-koreas-worst-blunders-of-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Expo rout and diplomatic gaffes: South Korea\u2019s worst blunders of 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Korea has received praise from key diplomatic partners this year for improving relations with Japan and enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Japan and the U.S.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the South Korean government faced significant challenges and setbacks as well. These included diplomatic blunders, a wiretapping controversy and a botched bid to host a World Expo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Domestically, the political landscape in South Korea was also marked by increased political polarization and conflicts within both of the two main political parties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> presents the second half of a retrospective on 10 moments that exposed South Korea\u2019s deep-seated challenges and cast a shadow over the coming year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 1: Society, Culture & Economy<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. World Scout Jamboree fiasco<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Continuing politicization of the Itaewon tragedy<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Crime surge<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. \u2018Anti-state forces\u2019 and \u2018communist\u2019 freedom fighters?<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Inflation and \u2018populist\u2019 economic policies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Part 2: Foreign Policy & Politics<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. President Yoon\u2019s offhand remark about Iran<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. U.S. wiretapping of South Korea\u2019s presidential office\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Botched Busan World Expo 2030 bid<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. The main opposition Democratic Party\u2019s bid to protect its leader\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Casual racism in South Korean politics<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The selected events are not presented in any particular order.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

      \n

      6. \u2018The UAE\u2019s enemy\u2019: A presidential slip of the tongue<\/b><\/p>\n

      \"\"

      President Yoon Suk-yeol meets with ROK troops of Akh Unit in UAE, Jan. 15, 2023 | Image: Kim Yong Wii via Republic of Korea Flickr<\/a> (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0<\/a>)<\/p><\/div>\n

      What happened: <\/b>President Yoon Suk-yeol made multiple visits to Middle Eastern countries this year, primarily to promote South Korea\u2019s defense exports, construction projects and nuclear reactor deals. While these trade deals were among the administration\u2019s top achievements in 2023, the year began with a diplomatic gaffe by Yoon during his January visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).<\/span><\/p>\n

      Yoon compared Iran to North Korea by calling it the UAE\u2019s enemy, stating, \u201cThe enemy of our brother country is our enemy too.\u201d This comment led to a formal complaint from Iran, criticizing Yoon for his \u201cinappropriate\u201d remarks and a breach of diplomatic etiquette.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Implications:<\/b> This incident highlights a recurring issue with Yoon\u2019s off-the-cuff comments, which have included a controversial <\/span>hot mic incident<\/span><\/a> while visiting New York last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Given the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel since late 2023, South Korea needs to be particularly cautious about statements concerning Middle Eastern politics, a region where Korean politicians typically have less expertise compared to areas like East Asia or the U.S. Moreover, Yoon\u2019s tendency to make such remarks has been a factor in his low approval ratings, with \u201ccareless comments\u201d being cited as a <\/span>major reason for public disapproval<\/span><\/a> throughout the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n