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Wed, April 25, 2018 | 15:27

Opinion > Columnists > Michael Breen >

Why women not rallying around President Park

Foremost among the sounds which I have come to associate with the regular weekend protests against President Park Geun-hye are the amplified cries and chants of women protest leaders addressing the crowds.

Michael Breen | 2016-12-26 17:24

Can we respect the Constitutional Court?

Despite the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, the protests against her continue.

Michael Breen | 2016-12-12 17:12

Me and my liberal tribe

For most of my adult life, I have adhered to a broad pro-democracy, anti-racism and anti nasty things mentality, swinging back and forth between liberalism and conservatism depending on the issue and on the personalities in power.

Michael Breen | 2016-11-29 16:09

President Park and the beast of public sentiment

The peaceful and good-natured behavior of the crowds which have gathered these past few Saturdays in Seoul to demand the resignation of President Park Geun-hye is a welcome departure from the usual style of anti-government protest in Korea.

Michael Breen | 2016-11-28 17:33

Making Korea great again

Last week, as my taxi was waiting at a red light, a motorcyclist pulled alongside and started shouting at no-one in particular.

Michael Breen | 2016-11-14 15:48

Take care with any constitutional change

The proposal last week by President Park Geun-hye that Korea change its Constitution presents lawmakers with a long overdue chance to improve the country’s governance.

Michael Breen | 2016-10-31 17:36

Importance of respecting politicians

In a recent survey, university students chose firefighters and street sweepers as the people they respect most. Teachers and others were included, but not one of the 600 people polled said they respected politicians.

Michael Breen | 2016-10-17 17:02

The other part of ending corruption

Under a tough new law which went into effect last week, the public official who demands cash and benefits may be jailed for up to three years. Similarly, the person who requests a favor of a public official could be put away for two years.

Michael Breen | 2016-10-03 16:50

What's missing in peace talks with NK?

The two nuclear tests and several missile tests by North Korea so far this year have drawn a furious response from South Korea, the United States and the rest of the world. President Park Geun-hye called the latest explosion an act of “maniacal recklessness.” A faction in the South Korean ruling party said we should consider developing our own nuclear weapons. The United Nations is looking at further sanctions.

Michael Breen | 2016-09-19 17:04

What is wrong with the elite?

Last week a judge, a businessman, a journalist and a politician all found themselves in trouble. Prosecutors questioned the judge about bribes and the businessman about embezzlement. At the same time, the chief editorial writer of the Chosun Ilbo resigned over a 200,000-dollar junket and lawmakers grilled the nominee for minister of culture, sports and tourism about real estate speculation and excessive consumption.

Michael Breen | 2016-09-05 16:57

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Missile attack on Syria