Break with the past: Kim tries to remake ruling party in his image

Article Abstract:

President Kim Young Sam is reinvigorating South Korea's growing democracy with calls for investigations of past rulers and corrupt government-business links, but he may imperil his own future. He joined the ruling Democratic Liberal Party in 1992, and critics say the very regime he now criticizes helped fund his successful campaign. Some also say the prosecution he now backs is politically selective, threatening only those aides to past presidents who did not do crucial work for him. The government is minimizing the probe's business disruption.

Investigations, Corruption investigation, Political corruption

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Stolen thunder: Kim's reforms marginalise the opposition

Article Abstract:

South Korean Pres Kim Young Sam's advocacy of reform during his first 100 days in office has weakened the Democratic Party, the chief opposition group, by taking away its main rallying point. Lee Ki Taek, the Democratic Party's current leader, has accused Kim of tailoring his anti-corruption campaign to deal more severely with his opponents than with his supporters. The Democratic Party hopes to restore its political fortunes by compelling Kim to renew the inquiry into the 1980 attack on pro-democracy demonstrators in Kwangju.

Cover Story, Korea, South, Lee Ki Taek

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Rice, relief, release: North takes rice, frees vessel, embarrasses South

Article Abstract:

North Korea has freed a S Korean vessel that brought rice to it and whose crewmembers were subsequently accused of spying. However, critics in S Korea say their govt's abject apology is embarassing, and that President Kim Young Sam is sacrificing citizens held by Pyongyang in hopes of starting talks with the north. The espionage charges may be in retaliation for making the north back down over a flagging incident, or could reflect tension in Pyongyang between pragmatists and ideologues over the rice shipments.

North Korea, North Korean foreign relations, South Korean foreign relations, Agricultural assistance, Foreign agricultural assistance

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