Lee Jae-yong, heir to Samsung who was found guilty of bribery and embezzlement in 2017, has received a special presidential pardon.
South Korea articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for better democracy in South Korea. South Korea is a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, "political pluralism is robust with multiple parties competing for power". Also check out our section on World Democracy or our articles on North Korea.
The Contentious State Of South Korean Democracy
Even after elections in March, South Korea’s politics will still feature three unchanging elements that weaken its democracy.
Hair Loss Treatment For Votes? South Korea’s Hairy Debate
The presidential candidate for South Korea’s ruling party started a debate this week over public healthcare insurance for hair loss.
South Korean Chip Companies Step Up US Lobbying Efforts
To ease tensions between the US and China for trade motives, South Korean chipmakers are increasing lobbying efforts in Washington.
Life in South Korea for North Korean defectors
Life in South Korea for North Korean defectors may not be as challenging as back home but they face major day-to-day hurdles.
New Musical Traces South Korea’s Democracy Uprising
“Gwangju” is a musical created in 2020 to remember a watershed moment that took place in Korea’s democracy uprising 40 years ago.
South Korea Promotes ‘Sports Diplomacy’ To Engage Pyongyang
To improve relations with the North, South Korea is trying to replicate the success of the “sports diplomacy” at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Can A Dictionary Bring Peace To The Korean Peninsula?
South Korea wants to push through with a unified dictionary of the Korean language to achieve peace but there is silence from the North.
South Korea: Scrap Bill Shielding North Korean Government
A new law in South Africa intends to stop residents in the South from sending materials to the North. HRW has urged that the bill be scrapped.
South Korea: Stop Intimidating North Korean Human Rights Groups
South Korea’s democratic system contrasts its northern neighbor’s repressive communist system yet it is intimidating North Korean rights groups.