Stories about South Korea from December, 2012
South Korea: X-Mas Mass-Scale Speed-Dating
The first-ever mass speed-dating on the Christmas Eve in South Korea turns out to be a complete failure where 90% of participants were male. Reportedly over 20,000 people signed up and even the police was dispatched for possible sexual aggressions. One net user pointed [ko] the fact that it was basically the man's...
From Gangnam Style to Jailed Tweeter: Korea in 2012
Starting from North Korean leadership change, to Gangnam Style spreading over the world and finally the presidential election in December, 2012 has been a dramatic year in South Korea. Here are the top seven Korean stories of the year, which created major social media buzz.
Are Dynastic Politics Making a Comeback in East Asia?
First, Kin Jong-un took over North Korea after the death of his father. Then, Xi Jinping, the son of a communist politician veteran Xi Zhongxun, was announced the new leader of China. Last week, Park Guen-hye, daughter of South Korea’s longest-ruling dictator Park Chuang-Hee, was elected the new president.Chinese netizens...
Former Dictator's Daughter Elected As President of South Korea
On December 19, 2012, Park Geun-hye was elected as the next President of South Korea. She is from the ruling conservative Saenuri party and daughter of the former dictator Park Chung-hee. Despite Park's feat in being elected as the first woman president in a largely patriarchal society, young progressives and activists are strongly opposed to Park.
Korea: Tracking North Korean Satellite
North Korea Tech blog wrote a detailed post on the North Korean satellite which many news reports claim to have been put into space successfully. The blogger explains how to verify such claims by tracking the satellite and concludes that it is likely that something went wrong.
Review of South Korea's First Presidential Debate
South Korea's presidential election is just right around the corner and three top contenders had their first heated TV presidential debate. The Marmot's Hole blog wrote a review of the debate with some background information.
Signature Campaign Against the Revival of Oligarchic Politics in South Korea
South Korean NGO, National Association of Professors for Democracy (NAPD), initiated a signature campaign calling for the support of academics in Asia against the revival of oligarchic politics in South Korea and other Asian countries in times of economic crisis and regional political instabilities. The statement is in reaction to...
