In 2017, voters in South Korea will cast ballots in one of the nation’s most important national election contests since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948.
( Newswire.net — March 10, 2017) — The outcome of the ROK Presidential race could hold enormous consequences not only for South Korea, but for the international community as well.(1)
A divisive political corruption scandal forced President Park Geun-hye to step down. Now, several popular candidates hope to lead South Korea during a period of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The leading contenders disagree with one another about numerous issues, including the best way to maintain geopolitical stability within the region.
Moon Jae-in: Leadership in a Challenging Era
The current front runner in the race, Moon Jae-in, possesses extensive political experience. He served as the Chief of Staff to former President Roh Moo-hyun, a progressive who struggled to promote rapprochement and improved communications with Pyongyang.(2)
Moon Jae-in suggests maintaining engagement with North Korea in close consultation with South Korean allies holds the key to obtaining a diplomatic resolution of conflicts on the Korean Peninsula. He views a nuclear-free North Korea as essential for regional stability and prosperity.
Empathy With The Oppressed
Moon Jae-in has close personal reasons for desiring a permanent and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Korean Peninsula. His parents originally resided in North Korea. They fled for refuge in Busan in 1950. Moon Jae-in spent his childhood living in poverty in the aftermath of the war.
He eventually completed mandatory military service where he served in South Korea’s special forces.
