SOUTH KOREA

International Relations Profile

[Nombre de Autores]

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF SOUTH
KOREA
ABSTRACT (CORRECTED)
The following work is an analysis of different aspects
of South Korea; it is possible to be begging with the
political structure of the country and its various
branches of power. For a more international panorama,
the diplomatic structure of this South Korea was
investigated and its relations with other countries.
Based on that and taking into account the various topics
during the development of the class in international
relations, various historical facts were taken into
analysis whit different points of view.
Also, the different aspects by which a country may
affect each other were taken into account, such as the
environment in which its inhabitants live, the country's
positions on terrorism and other aspects that may affect
them.
CONCLUSION 1-2
Korea has a system of pluralist, presidential, and
democratic government; the population over 20 years
chooses the president and this one has an unique
mandate that lasts five years.
An unicameral legislature constitutes the legislative
power. The constitutional court directs the judicial
power. The political structure of South Korea is
characterized by having a democratic system that is
governed by the constitution, the constitutional court
directs an unicameral and judicial legislative power.
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The Republic of Korea has established diplomatic
relations with 190 countries, with permanent embassies
in 114 countries.
CONCLUSION 3-4
The Korean War begins with the invasion of North
Korea to the territory of the South to implement
communism throughout the territory. In 1945, the
president of the United States approved a counterattack
toward North Korea and General MacArthur proposed
the use of nuclear weapons against North. Korea.
Soldiers, citizens and political groups (Trying to defend
the ideologies) that participated during the war
assumed the consequences, on the other hand, the
participation of the state on the part of the main
involved in the war was decisive, since, of these, the
troops. Those were sent for the attacks. Realism shows
the behavior of nations in international relations
explicitly; Liberalism looks for in some way to defend
what countries do to defend US support for South
Korea.
CONCLUSION 5-6
North Korea decides to implement an open economy,
promoting foreign investment, strengthening its
exports and importing its necessary products, while
South Korea has kept a strong relationship with the
country, which allowed economic growth. Most of the
military and security treaties that South Korea has done
have been with the United States; South Korea has
about 107 agreements on military and security issues.
The Republic of Korea has around 12 agreements that
refer to cooperation in cultural and educational fields,
institutions, sports, and youth. South Korea is part of
international organizations such as IMF, UNESCO,
APEC, among others.
CONCLUSION 7-8
Citizen participation shows how any citizen manifests
himself against the state or its rules. The voices of
ordinary people have intensified with globalization and
the communications revolution. Terrorism is one of the
most common attacks in the history of the country,
mainly because of the attacks perpetrated by North
Korea, attacks such as assassinations, kidnappings, and
sabotage against the government; South Korea has set
up a defense mechanism against conventional
terrorism.
CONCLUSION 9
The development of industry and business are affecting
the environment in South Korea; South Korean
government has implemented environmental laws,
which include restrictions on both green belts and
emissions that have improved Seoul's air quality. South
Korea is the fifth largest user of nuclear energy in the
world the shows how the industrialization of South
Korea has been the beginning of high pollution.
“MAKING OF MODERN WORLD”
The political structure of the country
"The System of government in Korea is a
pluralistic, democratic, and presidential system, the
popular vote elects the president every five years,
for one term only. The President Appoints the Prime
Minister” (QATAR EMBASSY IN, 2018).
In this country, every five years, citizens over 20
years can elect the president in a vote that takes
place all over the nation. Once the president gets
elected, it will last five years without the possibility
of re-release.
In the political structure. the president performs
different functions such as the defense of the
constitution, he is also the head of state, complying
with the government's ordinances, and representing
his country in front of the other nations of the
international arena. Likewise, the country's leader
carries out his executive functions through the
Council of State, which is composed of 15 to 30
members; the prime minister designates them.
However, the president is the only one who can be
held responsible for the most important government
policies. “The Prime Minister is appointed by the
President and approved by the National Assembly.
The members of the State Council, or the Cabinet,
lead and supervise their administrative ministries,
participate in the deliberation of major state affairs.”
(nations online, 2019)
“A unicameral legislature composes the
Legislative branch; the National Assembly of
South Korea has 299 representatives the majority
are elected via single-member constituencies
however 56 are voted by proportional
representation. Every member of the National
 Assembly serves for four years. The Judicial
branch is led by the Constitutional Court which
consists of 9 justices; 3 are recommended by the
president, three by the Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court, and three by the National
Assembly. The president appoints the President
of the Constitutional Court with the support of
the National Assembly. Constitutional reviews
and deciding impeachment cases are the main
responsibilities of the Constitution Court. The
Supreme Court oversees other judicial affairs,
which also serve as the final court of appeal for
all cases in South Korean law.” (Study Country,
s.f.).
representation of the State; of a unicameral
legislative power confirmed by the National
Assembly of Korea, which is composed by 299
representatives. The third power, the
judicial one that is directed by the Constitutional
Court is composed by nine judges; which three are
assigned by the president, three by the Assembly,
and three by the president of the Constitutional
Court (Cavanaugh, 2017).

Candidates for civil service positions face very

complicated and stressed exam. Although
traditionally the positions should be distributed on
the basis of seniority, the reformed ones carried out
since 1998 changed that system of choice “By 2017 Infographics: Heads of each country
more than 800,000 employees work in South Korea,
half of them employed by the central government,
while local governments employ only about
300,000” (New World Encyclopedia, 2017)
The political structure of South Korea is
characterized by having a democratic system that is
governed by the constitution and is composed by
three branches of power each of them with
distinctive against the obligations that each one has.
In this way, it distinguishes itself from other
neighboring countries that manage a non-
democratic political structure. Also, from the above, “DIPLOMACY”
it is possible to synthesize the political system of
South Korea is managed by a president, which "The diplomacy is a process between actors
functions as head of government in charge of the (diplomats, usually representing a state) who exist
within a system (international relations) and engage Permanent missions
in private and public dialogue (diplomacy) to pursue “A permanent diplomatic mission performs
their objectives peacefully." (McGlinchey, 2017).
the duties which are within the field of responsibility
Even when it can be like the term of foreign
of the Ministry and belong to the representative and
policy, the diplomacy could be considerate just as a
foreign-policy functions envisaged in international
part of this.
treaties and the diplomatic practice” (MINISTRY

Diplomatic structure of the country OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 2012). South Korea has
permanent missions in the United Nations, in 1951
There exist different types of missions of a
South Korea took part as an observer in the United
country in other; one of these is the embassy,
Nations, but in 1991 they finally became a full-
“diplomatic mission located in the capital city of
fledged Mission in the United Nations.
another country which generally offers a full range
“Ambassador Cho Tae-Yul currently heads the
of services, including consular services.” (diplomat,
Korean Mission, Permanent Representative of the
2019). South Korea currently have many embassies
Republic of Korea” (overseas, 2019).
around the world; in Africa, the country has 20
Also, in Genova and to ASEAN (Association of
embassies, it means, most of the African countries
Southeast Asian Nations) (Howe, 2013). The
have one. In America, the country has 21 embassies,
"Ministry of Foreign Affairs directs international
counting Colombia. In the Asian continent, South
relations of South Korea.”
Korea has 36 embassies; in North Korea, there is not
Having a significant relation with China due to
a South Korean embassy because they do not
its stimulations in exchanges and generating the
recognize them as a state. In the European continent,
growth of its shops. Besides that, in the issue of
there are 29 embassies.
North and South Korea relations, "China has tried to
“South Korea strives to promote friendly
mediate between North Korea and the United States;
and cooperative relations with other countries. As
and between North Korea and Japan and has
of July 2018, the Republic of Korea has secure
initiated and participated in three-party summits in
diplomatic relations with 190 countries,
Seoul, Washington, and Pyongyang.”
operating permanent embassies in 114 countries,
(WIKIPEDIA, 2019).
in addition to 45 consular offices and five
representative offices. Furthermore, there are 41 Bilateral relations

overseas Korean cultural centers and culture and
information officers in 31 countries across the
globe as part of efforts to promote Korean
culture.” (Korea, 2019).
The bilateral relations between South Korea and
China, (insular nation of China), started in 1992;
these relations are essential to South Korea because
Taiwan economy is also based on technological
aspects, allowing them to negotiate and generate
 essential exchanges. The economic development of
Taiwan is not as significant as the Korean one; for
that reason, an excellent bilateral relation could help
both countries to keep developing its technological
economy.
“ONE WORLD, MANY ACTORS”
Introduction
In this chapter, it is necessary to take in mind the
“Korean war” -the “first armed conflict of Cold
War"- to analyze it and find the relation,
consequences, and role of the different actors. In the
first part, there will be a summary about the event
and its history, and then, it will be analyzed the war
from the different levels (individual, group, state,
and system).
History
‘Korean War' was an armed conflict that occurred
between 1950 and 1953 in the Korean peninsula
which permanently divided the territory in North
Korea and South Korea introduce the history, in
1945, the peninsula was divided in tow and was
occupied by the "USSR in the North", and by "The
United States in South". In 1948, in the Cold War
process, the North established a ‘Popular republic,'
it means, a communist dictatorship led by Kim II
Sung, meanwhile, in South Syngman Rhee
established a pro-north American dictatorship; this
precedent promoted the "Korean War" based on the
differences of ideologies.
Korean War starts with the invasion of North
Korea to the South territory to implement
communism in the whole peninsula winning
territory. After this attack, the United States decided
to send armies to combat and to face the invasion.
Finally, in 1953, after three years, United States
threatened with using nuclear arms against North
Korea and China –which also sent armies to the
Korean war- if the war does not end and the
countries sign an agreement. In these terms, China
and North Korea surrender and the negotiations
start. Despite these negotiations, a peace agreement
has not still signed until the moment.
Individual level
In the first place, we can find the ‘individual
level,’ in which the individual actions represents
relation to the chosen event. In the Korean War,
Stalin, "Soviet leader who ruled the USSR since
1929" (Biografías y Vidas, 2012). Gave his
agreement with the target of recovery Asian
territories, authorizing the attack, which meant the
start of the armed conflict. Besides that, Kim II
Sung, leader of North Korea, acted sending his
troops to invade South Korea going through the 38°
parallel. These two individual actions can be
denominated as the causes of the start of the Korean
War.
Also, other two critical individual actions that
made part of the conflict were in the first place, the
role of Harry S. Truman, president of United States
(1945-1953), who approved the counterattack
towards North Korea, allowing the use of their Air
Force, establishing the development of the Korean
War. In the second place, the general MacArthur,
who proposed the use of nuclear arms against North
Korea; nevertheless, due to it proposes, the general
was replaced by the general Ridway in 1951
(Historias del Siglo XX, 2015).
Group level
In the second place, we can find the ‘group level,'
which means the actions of groups of individuals. In
this level, we can identify the soldiers, citizens, and
politic groups. The first ones, had an essential role
in the Korean War, because even when it was a
power war, the soldiers were the one that had to fight
and suffer the consequences; also, the citizens had
to endure the worst parts (death of 4 million people
in war) (Profe en Historia, 2018). (These groups had
relative importance because even when war affected
them directly, they were not the causes of this
conflict. The second group is the political groups
(communists and capitalists), both trying to defend
its ideologies and the first ones trying to impose in
the whole territory.
State level
The third level is identified as ‘the state level,",
which are the states as actors. In this level, it is
possible to identify what the central states involved
in the conflict made (North Korea and China, South
Korea and the United States), all sending armies to
fight against the ideologies. The United States
creating the ‘Special Operations Group Smith'
which first fought against North Korea invasion.
Besides that, at this level, it can also be identified as
the role of other involved states.
“President Laureano Gómez ordered
Colombian troops to support the United Nations
Command and United States forces in the Korean
War. Other Conservative Party leaders opposed
Colombian involvement in this war. The party
was already experiencing growing factionalism
and Gomez's decision to send troops to Korea
further galvanized growing internal opposition to
his rule.” (WIKIPEDIA, 2019).
System level
Finally, the ‘system level' which shows the
affectations in the global environment and the
sweeping panorama. Korean War finally caused a
million deaths, including foreign people which were
not directly involved. Besides that, "the peninsula
continued with a tension climate and established
border frictions which currently still exist" (Profe en
Historia, 2018). North Korea got the nationalization
of its economy, also getting crisis due to the closed
economy, while South Korea got an open economy,
having the support of the United States and the
foreign investment of Japan (Profe en Historia,
2018).
“INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THEORY”
International relations aim to try to explain the
interactions within the state and the way of behaving
towards other countries. In short, they seek to
explain the behavior of international actors between
them (DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE,
s.f.).
 Choice of theoretical debate
The main criteria to define the "Korean War" as
the historical event to consult, is given by the
significant differences presented by each of these;
since South Korea is a democratic country, under a
very marked capitalist system, with a culture
strongly influenced by the West. On the other hand,
North Korea is considered the entire hermetic state
in the world, which is managed under a supreme
leader, and with a socialist economic system.
The conflict changes the nature of how wars were
fought, but it also helped change the definition of
victory. Beginning with an attack by the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea” (North) on the
“Republic of Korea” (South) in June 1950, the war
lasted three years and cost the lives of millions of
persons. Seen by many as the first clash of the Cold
War, it was nevertheless a line drawn in the sand,
with the political and ideological positions of
nations placing them on one side or the other. The
Communist of North Korea formed a loose
collaboration with Russia. The Western bloc,
meanwhile, came forward actually to participate or
symbolically in the conflict. (Edwards, 2017)
Theoretical Debates
The choice of the theoretical debate is based
mainly on how international relations occurred
during the Korean War, and how they are lived
today. The theories of liberalism and realism are
chosen to try to define how states behave.
Realism
Origin
“Set of related theories of international relations
that emphasizes the role of the state, national
interest, and military power in world politics” (Bell,
2018). Realism seeks to show the behavior of states
based on their character predetermined on their
interests. Also, they show that international relations
are managed under tension and wars.
Historical Context
The "Korean War" (1950-53) was a powerful
confrontation between communist-system North
Korea and anti-Communist South Korea. This war
was quite controversial, as prolonged stagnation
marked it, and death by combatants and civilians.
Furthermore, what was called the "38th parallel",
marked an inflexible point in which the division
occurred; the peninsula is divided in two. Given the
confirmation of this dividing line began to generate
future conflicts. On the other hand, the Soviets
controlled and occupied the land located to the north
while the United States controlled the south side.
“This set the stage for the birth of two new states;
the pro-communist state of North Korea and the
anti-communist state of South Korea. Relations
between the two rivals continued to spoil and in
1950, the 38th parallel marked the crossing of some
75,000 troops into southern territory; an event that
sparked the beginning of the Korean War.”
(Cavanaugh, 2017).
 Realism is fundamental in the conflict between
both nations since it explicitly shows the behavior of
nations in international relations; since both Koreas
decided to opt for a way that is very close to
defending the national interest over others,
influenced by other countries such as the Soviet
Union and the United States.
Parties involved
South Korea: Principal affected, who acted under
the help of the United States in ideological defense
of capitalism (or against communism).
North Korea: Attack of the first and was
supported by the Soviet Union; between an internal
struggle to overcome ideologies.
United States: Occupied the territory of the South
until 1948; after the dominance of Japanese during
world security. This country sent about 90% of the
troops that arrived in South Korea to support them
in the Korean War. Influenced the capitalist system
directly in this part, and his action that left more than
37 thousand dead and hundreds of thousands of
wounded remained in the memory of the South
Koreans.
Soviet Union: Main support of North Korea
during the battle; in the struggle to overcome during
a tense cold war against the United States
United Nations: This was the first war in which
the UN played a fundamental role since, at the
request of South Korea, aid came from 16 countries
that sent armed troops (CNN Library, 2018).
Future perspective
The Korean War marks a milestone in
international relations; and leaves a future
perspective of confrontation that even today has not
waned since the peace process has not yet been
signed. It can be inferred that in some way the war
continues. Also, from realism, it becomes evident
that the tension, the formation of the military, the
border militarization, among others. Being a
phenomenon of evident realism; since fear is one of
the main engines of relationships.
Liberalism
Origin
“Liberalism based on the moral argument that
guaranteeing the right of an individual to life,
liberty, and property. Consequently, liberals
emphasize the welfare of the individual as the
fundamental part of a fair political system. A
political system characterized by unlimited
power, such as a monarchy or a dictatorship,
cannot protect the life and liberty of its citizens.
Therefore, the main concern of liberalism is to
build institutions that protect individual freedom
by limiting and controlling political power.
While these are domestic policy issues, the realm
of the RI is also important for liberals because the
activities of a state abroad can have a strong
influence on freedom in the country.” (MEISER,
2018).
Historical Context
In the framework of international relations, it is
sometimes difficult to determine the behavior and
intention of each state.
A premise of liberalism is centered on the support
of "liberal" countries, also called Democrats. For
this reason, from a more analytic point of view and
focused on the behavior of different states, it may be
thought that there are liberal behaviors within a
closer view of realism.
For example, if we analyze the historical context
of the moment in which there was a stronger
division of capitalism and socialism (communism)
it can be observed that liberal behavior is present in
the relationship of the United States with Korea;
since, although they supported the war, it did it to
defend the premise of democracy. Similarly, and
although contrary to the premise of "democracy," if
it can be said that there is cooperation between the
Soviet Union, China, and North Korea at that time.
Parties involved
South Korea, United States:
Mutual aid in defense of democracy.
China, the Soviet Union, and North Korea:
Defense of an idea; that act in a more accurate
way according to the behavior described by realism,
it is possible to find that there is cooperation, an
adequate defense in some points, and a way of
perceiving international relations different from the
countries called "democrats."
Future perspective
From liberalism, the perspectives of the 21st
century seek, in the midst of an increasingly
connected and communicated society, to handle
international relations with caution. And at least it
seems to take away from this point of inflection at
times. For example, the first meeting between
leaders of South Korea and North Korea, or the
meetings between the representants of "North Korea
and the United States."
Points of agreement
Origin
A point of agreement is found between the "way
it can be seen.", Before the international scope, both
act under behavior from the realistic theory.
However, both present liberalism factors, such as
these are on the one hand that due to respect for life
and the dignity of those involved, there must be a
military confrontation in order to be utilitarian, in
the sense of saving the as many hostilities as
possible on each side.
Future perspective
In the points of agreement of both theories, it can
be stated that both used military confrontation as a
means of survival and protection of interests.
However, as times have changed, organizations
have strengthened; and international relations have
sought a consensus. It can be said that relationships
today, although they are based on fear, there is a
certain non-armaments’ respect. Since both parties
understand that a confrontation would leave more
damage than good things.
Points of disagreement
Historical context
The main points of disagreement are two: The
realism in this war shows how the way to solve
problems and differences is through confrontation,
fear, and the search for domination. While
liberalism seeks in some way to defend what
countries do, in particular, defend US support for
South Korea; since within the theory, it is peculiar
that the liberal countries must protect each other.
Parties involved
South Korea and the United States with a
political and economic system very different from
that of North Korea; the systems show a clear point
that the parties involved have different thoughts, and
defend opposing ideas.
Story of the event my perspective
Origin realism
Realism in international relations explains the
behavior of states, mostly authoritarian or
dominating. In itself, realism is a behavior in which
states are concerned only in themselves, seek in any
way to achieve what they need, and use little
"worthy" means to achieve objectives.
Historical context realism
The event originates realistically, in search of the
domination of other states, and no respect for the
lives of others. Also, to have a dictatorial state like
that of North Korea influenced by countries that at
that time operated the same system as the Soviet
Union and China are. On the other hand, the defense
of the authoritarian United States hegemony with
devastating aims clearly shows its way of carrying
out the relations between both countries.
Parties involved
South Korea: Defend the capitalist system after
being liberated from Japan by the United States and
under a pro-American system. His way of acting
was also based on realism.
North Korea: The Soviet Union and China
influenced and supported this country. It decided to
incite communism in a violent way to the south side,
seeking to dominate and subjugate this part of the
territory.
United States: From the realistic point of view,
through the war, to defend the territory of South
Korea with clear objectives, in addition to veto
relations and commercially close North Korea.
Future perspective realism-liberalism
It is possible to find both; the realism marked in
the intimidation, the fear, or something similar to "a
cold war" that has not yet ended, since the States
continue to Armand, creating explosives and nuclear
bombs in case of "something." On the other hand, it
can be rescued that control organizations such as the
UN, NGOs, and the media that in some way seek to
manage liberally by seeking consensus, meetings,
among other ways than the use of threats, sanctions,
and hostile acts.
“INTERNATIONAL LAW”
International law is "the set of rules, agreements,
and treaties that are binding between countries.
When sovereign states enter into agreements that are
binding and enforceable, it is called international
law” (legal career path, 2014).
 Economical treaties Association (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and
Liechtenstein) Turkey and Vietnam”. In 2016 takes
Since time ago, South Korea has developed a
effect the FTA with Colombia, adding then to the
close relationship with the United States, which has
earlier list.
supported in many ways after the World War II in
Also, South Korea
the Separation of the Korean Peninsula; on March
“is a member of the World Trade
15th, 2012, The Republic of Korea and the United
Organization (WTO) and has signed subsidiary
States of America signed a "Free Trade Agreement."
agreements including TRIPs (Trade-Related
This is the largest FTA signed by the US since
Aspects of Intellectual Property) and the
NAFTA (Export.gov).
Government Procurement Agreement. Korea has
This agreement removes 95% of the customs fees
been a member of the Organization for Economic
until its duration (5 years) (Wikipedia, 2019).
Cooperation and Development (OECD) since
To the difference of North Korea, the Republic
December 1996.” (Department of Commerce,
of Korea decides to implement an open economy,
United States of America., 2019).
promoting foreign investment, getting strong its
Belong to these organizations also help the country
exportations and also importing their needed
in order to get financial resources, support in a crisis,
products. That ideology to keep international
and to keep their economy at a high level.
relations helped the economy to achieve its
development. Besides that, the sign of Free Trade Military and security treaties
Agreement means a vital door to establish its
The majority of military and security treaties that
products around the world, becoming in a developed
South Korea has were made with the United States.
economy of the world. Due to the United States
South Korea also has about 107 agreements among
supporting the World War II, South Korea has kept
different countries in the topic of military and
a strong relationship with the country, which
security. Military and security have always been an Commented [OD3]: Parrafo presentado como una sola idea, y
una idea no puede ser taaaan larga, un parrafo esta conformado por 3
allowed growth in the economy, (because the United o mas ideas.
essential factor for South Korea due to historical
States is one of the biggest hegemonies)
development and geographical position.
South Korea is also integrant of the Asia-Pacific
After World War II and the Korean War, the
Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum since 1989.
situation in international environmental turned
For the 2020 year, the forum has the objective of the
complicated, creating conflicts. For that reason,
establishment of a "Free Trade Area" among its
countries kept increasing the budget of military and
members. Besides that, the Republic of "Korea has
security. The complicated situation among North
free trade agreements with ASEA” (Association of
Korea and their partners (Russia, China), almost that
Southeast Asian Nations), with “Australia, Canada,
obligates to South Korea to invest in security and
Chile, China, India, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore”,
defense.
“The European Union, and the European Free Trade
 Education and culture treaties “International organizations are increasingly
important in helping us govern our world”
The Republic of Korea has about 12 education
(McGlinchey, 2017). The role of international
and cultural treaties: with Serbia and Montenegro,
organizations has been relevant since their
Taiwan, Nigeria, China, Egypt, Czech Republic,
appearance in order to achieve determined interests.
Lebanon, Bulgaria, Latvia, Armenia, and Spain; the
Besides, countries have also non-governmental
agreements are about cooperation in cultural ambits
organizations, multinational corporations, and
and education, institutions, sports, and young
hybrid organizations which are a mix of all the
people.
different categories" (McGlinchey, 2017).
Even when hegemonies surround and affect
directly South Korea with other conflicts, the IGO’S analysis
country can generate strategies in order to expand
An international governmental organization
influences. Nevertheless, South Korea has a big
(IGO), also referred to as an intergovernmental
problem; the intern policies do not help to
organization, is an organization with a membership
accomplish and influence their foreign policy.
of only states. The organization is usually founded
South Korean education is based on math and
upon a treaty, or a multilateral agreement, and
science and the development in technological
consists of more than two states. Member states
abilities, which impulse the knowledge for
determine how the organization is run, vote within
increasing innovation and economic development.
the organization, and provide its funding.
"The fundamentals of South Korea's foreign
(McGlinchey, 2017)
policy are sound, but the country must handle
South Korea is member of different international
practical limitations, including the National
organizations, such as UNESCO (The United
Assembly, bureaucratic interests, public opinion,
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
and the country's constitution, to present an effective
Organization), IMF (International Monetary Fund),
and united foreign policy" (Council of Foreign
APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), IAEA
Relations, 2018).
(International Atomic Energy Agency), ILO
Besides that, in 2016 was unleashed "the bribery
(International Labor Organization, WHO (World
and influence peddling scandal, generating the
Health Organization), UN (United Nations) in 1991,
destitution of the president Park Geun-Hye and a
OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation
lack of power and showing the weakness of intern
and Development) in 1996, and member of IOC
policies (Council of Foreign Relations, 2018).
(International Olympic Committee) since 1947.
(Korea.net, s.f.)
“INTERNATIONAL
South Korea has had three mandates to the World
ORGANIZATIONS” Heritage Committee, the first one in 1997 until
2003, the second one in 2005 until 2009, and the
third one in 203 until 2017. South Korea inscribed
12 cultural properties and one natural property.
In the sector of International Cooperation, South
Korea occupies an important role; taking “part in
programs designed to provide support for
impoverished countries through the World Bank, the
IMF, and the OECD. Recently, the country has also
joined worldwide efforts for peacekeeping, global
economic stabilization, environmental
conservation” (Korea.or, s.f.).
Also, South Korea “chaired the G2O Summit
held in Seoul in 2010” (korea.net), through the
observers, it got a good leader vision. Besides that,
the country participated in The Nuclear Security
Summit Seoul 2012. It is looking for world peace
and organization to international cooperation.
“South Korea is enhancing its status in the
international community by achieving important
results in the Green Growth sector. The country has
hosted the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is also
headquartered in Seoul. It is expected that the GGGI
will be able to contribute greatly to the development
of the international community as an example of
international cooperation” (Korea.net, s.f.).
South Korea has also created organizations in
order to implement foreign aid programs, such as the
International Cooperation Agency (KOICA);
established in 1991, was developed to provide
support for developing countries and to share the
country’s experience. This organism provides
US$400-500 million annually to advance countries
in Asia and Africa, investing in education, health,
public administration, agriculture, industrial energy,
forestry, and fisheries (Korea.net, s.f.).
South Korea is also contributing to world peace
and security through taking part in a wide variety of
UN peacekeeping acts and through the support to the
UN peacekeeping budget. Currently, South Korea
troops are stationed in eight states including
Lebanon, South Sudan, India, Pakistan, and West
Sahara, where they are tasked with the maintenance
of order, rehabilitation, medical services, and other
activities. (Korea.net, s.f.)
“VOICES OF PEOPLE”
In this part, the main actor is people, the voice of
people refers to those "citizens who want more say
in what their rulers do and are not content with
current political arrangements –even in the context
of an existing democracy” (McGlinchey). These
disagreements generate protests, a big issue in an
international context.
Historical event
A critical event in South Korea related with the
voice of people at the end of the 2016 year and the
beginning of 2017, where the people were protesting
the president Park Geun-Hye due to the political
scandal, asking for the renounce of the president.
Origin
The protests were originated by the close
relationship between the president and Choi Soon-
sil, a woman who did not have an official position
or security clearance, nevertheless, she had access to
confidential information of the presidency.
 The protests have the name of Park Geun-Hye
Resignment Nationwide Movement or Candlelight
Revolution. The first protests were in October 2016
with a small group of 20.000 participants; on
November, the number raised until 100.000
protestant counting with the adhesion of South
Korean high students taking the college entrance.
“On 3 December, 2.3 million people hit the streets
in a nationwide anti-president" (Wikipedia, 2019).
on December 24th there were 550.000 people
holding the Christmas Santa Rally while asking for
the destitution.
Development
On February 11th, protestant “took the streets
with a Conflicting grille between pro and anti-
impeachment groups” (Wikipedia, 2019). The vice-
chairman of Samsung, Lee Jae-Yong, was arrested
on charges of bribery in connection with the scandal.
Finally, in March, the Constitutional Court
restituted the president, after protests of around 1.2
million people in Seoul.
Although this kind of protests does not directly
affect the other states, it indirectly
consequences. In the first place, the demands against
corruption by a president are significant and prove a
low intern power; also, the destitution of Park Geun-
hye swerve the attention of international and
national vital issues.
Nevertheless, the protests did not generate
offensive conflicts using arms or force, which also
was a factor for the no intervention of other states
and international organizations. These protests
make part of individual human rights to express their
ideas and disapprovals. Finally, about a third part of
the country's populations protested.
Consequence
South Korea’s Candlelight Revolution was the
culmination of twenty successive Saturday night
rallies that brought out over 16 million people from
a population of 51 million. By this spring, Park’s
support had fallen to 4 percent, and even that
number might have been a statistical aberration. On
March 11, 2017, hundreds of thousands of Koreans
rejoiced in downtown Seoul after the country's
parliament and the constitutional court confirmed
the impeachment of President Park on bribery and
corruption charges. (Dudden, 2017)
To conclude, “in various parts of the world,
the voices of ordinary people – intensified and
encouraged by globalization and the attendant
communications revolution” (McGLINCHEY,
2017). – Challenged the status quo. In some cases,
this resulted in significant regime change; in others,
rulers were able to hang on to power
(McGLINCHEY, 2017).
sets
“TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM”
Globalization has brought a lot of good things for
international relations. Nevertheless, it has also
brought negative things, which are rarely named;
"one theme that is not explored in detail is how
terrorism has evolved in the era of globalization.”
South Korea security is stable, which means that
terrorism has not marked this country as a
significant number of countries in Asia.
Nevertheless, years ago, the Japanese empire made
a terrorist attack to South Korea. For that reason, this
part will develop the terrorism suffered by South
Korean in the XX century.
History
In 1932, “during the Japanese Emperor's birthday
celebrations at Hongkou Park (now Lu Xun Park) in
Shanghai, China, a Korean independence activist,
Yun Bond-girl threw a bottle containing an
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the direction
of a group of government official and military
officers” (Lee, 2016). The explosion caused the
death of 2 people. Also, after the World War II and
the independence of South Korea in 1949, a part of
the country was divided in rightists and leftists,
which used the terrorism to plant the fears, such as
it happened in 1948, when “a group of leftist officers
of the Korean army led an uprising in the Sooncheon
province” (Lee, 2016). Provoking the death of
innocent people, because the government also sent
troops to suppress terrorism.
After the Korean War, the conflicts did not end
because South Korea kept receiving terrorist attacks
from North Korea, average of the "assassination,
kidnapping, as well as sabotage against both
government personnel and civilian targets on more
than 470 occasions, which has led to at least 3,738
causalities” (Lee, 2016).
Status
The South Korean government stance is “that
terrorism must be eradicated as an inhuman crime
that cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
(Prensa Latina, 2019).
“THE ENVIRONMENT”
“Today, our planet carries over seven billion
people. Yet its capacity to provide for each one of
these individuals is that was pressured by the
population increase, the climate change,
deforestation, collapse of fisheries, desertification,
air pollution and scarcity of fresh water”
(McGlinchey, 2017). This issues do not only affect
one specific country or territory; these problems
affect the whole world, not only decreasing life
quality but also provoking deaths of animal species
and ecosystems.
Industries and companies affect the environment
in South Korea; in these decades, the environment
was not a priority such the economic development
of the country, so the country did not worry about it.
One of the most affected territories was Seoul.
One of the elements often forgotten is the
complicated relationship between human beings and
nature. “In the early years of the conversation
around environmental protection, some argued that
the planet’s resources” (McGlinchey, 2017).
"The South Korean government has passed
numerous environmental laws, which include
restrictions on both green belts and emission that
have dramatically improved Seoul's air quality"
(Smith, 2015). Despite these actions, South Korea is
still one of the most contaminated countries in the
quality of the air. Nevertheless, another issue is that
the country does not know if the it produces the
contamination or the neighbor countries bring it.
“South Korea is the world's fifth largest user of
nuclear power, and this reliance has created a need
for safe places to dispose of nuclear waste materials”
(Smith, 2015). Approximately 70% of South
Korea’s nuclear waste, which amounts to nearly
9,000 tones, according to a report from Reuters
(Smith, 2015).
Nevertheless, the country also presents a problem
of storage of nuclear waste.
To analyze the previous information, is essential
to highlight that even when South Korea can be
considered as a developed economy, it also suffered
the consequences of the ban use of resources, and no
care about the environment. It is important to say
that it does not work if an economy is advanced
when there is affectation to the environment. Every
development brings consequences too, in this case,
the industrialization of South Korea was also the
start of significant contamination.
Environmental policies:
In order to get better the quality of air, South
Korea has implemented different policies and plans,
such as "1st Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Control
Master Plan (2005-2014)" in 2005" (Smith, 2015).
This project and others implemented had the
objective to “reduce exhaust gas production from
vehicles, as well as the administration of emission
facilities and controls that were placed around
multiple energy utilities and cities around the
country” (Smith, 2015).
“One of the most prominent and controversial
water-focused environmental projects of South
Korea is the $18 billion Four Rivers Project. By
connecting four of South Korea most polluted and
largest rivers of which include the Han, Nakdong,
Geum, and Yeongsan, as well as hundreds of miles
of tributary streams, this project has several aims”
(Smith, 2015).
Due to the technological development of South
Korea, it has also implemented it.
“In 2010, Seoul invested $8.2 billion into a
2,500 MW wind farm. In 2011, the government
introduced a plan to produce 1.5 million jobs
from clean energy and grab 18% of the global
clean energy market by 2030. For 2030, South
Korea pretends to meet 20% of its total electricity
consumption with renewable resources.” (Smith,
2015).
The efforts of the implementation of policies and
laws in order to decrease air contamination have
helped the environment. Nevertheless, the efforts
have not been enough to avoid more contamination.
This problem relates to the situation in China, where
air contamination is the biggest in the world. If
South Korea does not implement more effective
policies, the country could have the same issues.