ROK Confusion Goes On

Having received unprecedentedly broad anger from the public, President of Republic of Korea, Park Geun-hye, announced her intention of stepping down for the first time on Tuesday. Nevertheless, political conflict in South Korea does not show any sign of ceasefire, still struggling over impeachment of her. Prolonged confusion in South Korean politics makes Japanese governmental officials worried about implementation of accumulated bilateral agreements.

Prosecutors’ office in Seoul recognized conspiracy between Park and her long-time ally and indicted defendant, Choi Soon-sil, on handing confidential documents over or Choi’s coercive request of donation to a foundation. Park apologized on negative impact she put on politics in her press conference. “I agonized over what would be the right way every night. I would like to reveal my determination here today,” said Park.

However, South Korean politics was disappointed to her announced “determination.” Park told that she would follow the decision of Parliament on whether she should go or stay. “If the Parliament pave the way to contain confusion of politics of the nation in minimum and to hand my administration over stably, I will step down according to given schedule,” said Park.

The opposite parties in South Korea received her message as a strategy to avoid impeachment they were preparing. Doubting honesty of Park for resignation, three opposite parties keep on pushing the process to impeachment with some lawmakers against Park in leading Saenuri Party. Finding a sense of truth in the argument, the people in South Korea are still frustrated with Park’s handling of her scandal. It is unclear whether consecutive demonstration in Seoul will immediately be ceased.

Shinzo Abe administration in Japan is taking close look at South Korea. Japan is the chair country for trilateral summit meeting with South Korea and China scheduled on December 19^th and 20^th. While Abe has been designating the meeting as a springboard for his diplomatic policy, paralleling with the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin a few days before, it is not expectable for him to achieve any major progress in the trilateral relations.

Implementation of agreement on removing statue of comfort woman in front of Japanese Embassy in Seoul is also worried about. If Park steps down, the agreement will lose its greatest driving force. Japanese Minister on Foreign Affairs, Fumio Kishida, could say nothing but “Both government need to implement the substances of agreement.” Discussion over Agreement on Currency Swapping, implementation of General Security of Military Information Agreement or cooperation for standing against North Korea is also slowing down.