By Kang Seung-woo
President Park Geun-hye appears to be tugging the older generation's heart strings by doing things that prompt memories of her youth and her father, the late President Park Chung-hee.
Political pundits say that as she enters her third year in office, Park is trying to appeal to her staunch supporters who look back fondly on when her father led the nation.
The late Park is revered by sections of society, especially the older generations, for enabling "The Miracle on the Han River" ― the rapid economic growth and social changes that began in the early 1960s and laid the foundation for the nation's development.
On Wednesday, Park visited Olympic Park in Jamsil to mark "Culture Day," and played table tennis with former Olympic gold medalist Yoo Nam-kyu. The last Wednesday of every month has been designated as Culture Day to help foster more involvement in cultural activities and the arts.
To coincide with this, the National Archives of Korea released photos of Park playing table tennis at a family gathering in 1978.
"I was invited to Cheong Wa Dae in 1973 where I played a mixed-doubles match against former president Park and the first lady," said Rep. Lee Elisa of the ruling Saenuri Party. "I also had a chance to play against Park."
Lee was a member of the Korean women's team that won a gold medal in the team event at the 1973 World Championships.
Earlier this month, when President Park flew to Australia for the G-20 summit, the government billed it as her first visit to the country in nearly 50 years.
In 1968, President Park accompanied her father to Australia in what became the only overseas trip on which the young Park went with her parents during her father's tenure.
Hongik University professor Chung Goon-gi said Park's "nostalgia approach" was an effort to marshal support, after not achieving anything significant during her first two years.
"The president wants to put many difficulties behind her," Chung said.
Yoon Hee-woong, head of public opinion research firm Min Consulting, said it is time for Park to manage her support base.
"In the third year of a president's term, there is often a loss of base support, while political groups are also likely to unite against the leader," Yoon said.
"In this regard, Park is taking advantage of things linking her to her father, emotionally appealing to the people.
"This can have short-term effects, but it is not a long-term solution."
Recently, Park also tried to show her "soft" side to the public, targeting the young generation, which traditionally dislikes the ruling Saenuri Party. She played the guitar, did a robot dance and played games with high school students.
"Unlike in the early stage of her presidency, her efforts to appeal to young people are not likely to work," said Yoon.
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| President Park Geun-hye |
Political pundits say that as she enters her third year in office, Park is trying to appeal to her staunch supporters who look back fondly on when her father led the nation.
The late Park is revered by sections of society, especially the older generations, for enabling "The Miracle on the Han River" ― the rapid economic growth and social changes that began in the early 1960s and laid the foundation for the nation's development.
On Wednesday, Park visited Olympic Park in Jamsil to mark "Culture Day," and played table tennis with former Olympic gold medalist Yoo Nam-kyu. The last Wednesday of every month has been designated as Culture Day to help foster more involvement in cultural activities and the arts.
To coincide with this, the National Archives of Korea released photos of Park playing table tennis at a family gathering in 1978.
"I was invited to Cheong Wa Dae in 1973 where I played a mixed-doubles match against former president Park and the first lady," said Rep. Lee Elisa of the ruling Saenuri Party. "I also had a chance to play against Park."
Lee was a member of the Korean women's team that won a gold medal in the team event at the 1973 World Championships.
Earlier this month, when President Park flew to Australia for the G-20 summit, the government billed it as her first visit to the country in nearly 50 years.
In 1968, President Park accompanied her father to Australia in what became the only overseas trip on which the young Park went with her parents during her father's tenure.
Hongik University professor Chung Goon-gi said Park's "nostalgia approach" was an effort to marshal support, after not achieving anything significant during her first two years.
"The president wants to put many difficulties behind her," Chung said.
Yoon Hee-woong, head of public opinion research firm Min Consulting, said it is time for Park to manage her support base.
"In the third year of a president's term, there is often a loss of base support, while political groups are also likely to unite against the leader," Yoon said.
"In this regard, Park is taking advantage of things linking her to her father, emotionally appealing to the people.
"This can have short-term effects, but it is not a long-term solution."
Recently, Park also tried to show her "soft" side to the public, targeting the young generation, which traditionally dislikes the ruling Saenuri Party. She played the guitar, did a robot dance and played games with high school students.
"Unlike in the early stage of her presidency, her efforts to appeal to young people are not likely to work," said Yoon.
