(377) Saju: Misfortune of Korean presidents in history
By Janet Shin
Why do most Korean presidents end their term with tragedy? Looking back on our modern history, there is no position like Korean presidents who had to go through both extreme glory and tragedy.
The first Korean presidency started in 1948 with the election of President Rhee Syngman who served three consecutive terms until he stepped down in 1960 over the people's furious revolution against his fradulent elections. Then he went to Hawaii for asylum and stayed there for the rest of his life until 1965.
The fourth president, Yun Bo-seon was also removed from office by the May 16 military coup d'etat. The next four terms were led by Park Chung-hee. While Park has been eulogized for his contributions to the brilliant economic growth of modern Korea, his personal life was studded with sorrowful tradegy. His first lady Yuk Young-su was assassinated in 1974 and he was also shot by his intelligence chief in 1979. Unfortunately his ill fate went on to his daughter, Park Geun-hye whose presidency ended in jail.
The remaining presidents between the elder and younger Park could not escape disgraceful and deplorable endings. Some couldn't finish their tenure. Others were sent to prison for illegally accumulating wealth or family corruption scandals. One of them, Roh Moo-hyun, even committed suicide during an investigation into his family's irregularities.
I have relooked at the saju of all South Korea's presidents. Some manifestations such as the assassination, their temperaments and family backgrounds are shadowed by the elemental structure of their saju. However, it seems not only their saju that caused their downfalls. There is obviously something else influencing their fate.
What could be the motivatation then? Historians might ascribe it to the historical characteristics of Korea. Socialists might think the rapid development of modern Korea would have resulted in such unstable political situations. Some may even blame national traits of the Korean people.
It is certain that complicated factors have caused the national leaders' tragic endings. If we look back on the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom, only seven out of 27 crown princes, the eldest sons, succeeded to the throne. They died young or were dethroned for various reasons.
Scholars of feng shui have mentioned the location of Cheong Wa Dae, the Korean presidential residence and royal palace, sheds negative energy for the leaders of the nation.
Traditionally, a propitious site is determined by having a mountain in the back (north) surrounded by other mountains in the east and west and facing water in the front (south). Cheong Wa Dae is obviously located in front of Bugak Mountain. But their positions are not harmonized so Cheong Wa Dae cannot embrace the positive energy from the mountain but blocks its flow to the palaces. So they speculate this caused the misfortune of Korean kings and presidents of many generations and insist Korean presidents should move their residence to another place.
Moon Jae-in, the current president, pledged to work at an office in Gwanghwamun. Although this was determined for better communication with people, if he goes through with it we will see how it helps for a better finale.
Information : Are you interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese teachings, the “Four Pillars of Destiny” and oriental ways of fortune telling or fortune tellers? Janet teaches Saju for the public at Seoul National University of Education. For further information, visit Janet's website at
or her blog,
https://blog.naver.com/janet_shin
.You can also contact her at 010-5414-7461 or email janetshin.kor@gmail.com
The writer is the author of “Life's Secrets”.