I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
President Lee signs off on US trade pact
By Kang Hyun-kyung
President Lee Myung-bak signed off on the free trade agreement with the United States (KORUS FTA) Tuesday, completing all procedures needed for implementation of the pact.
Lee noted the world’s largest market will be fully opened to Korean companies once it goes into effect.
“It is said that prospects for growth next year are dim amid unfavorable conditions for exports,” presidential spokesman Park Jeong-ha quoted Lee as saying. “But we can work together to overcome this by making the most of the beneficial effects of the KORUS FTA.”
After signing the 14 FTA-related bills into law, President Lee directed Cabinet ministers to come up with measures to help those who will likely suffer damage from the deal such as farmers and small business owners.
The President called on these possible victims to look at the pact as an opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness.
During the Cabinet meeting held before his signing the measures, Lee ordered Cabinet ministers to beef up public relations efforts to stave off misunderstanding on the impact of the trade pact.
Lee’s direction came amid mushrooming rumors over the FTA.
The government will begin talks with the United States next month to reach agreement on the timing for effectuation of the treaty.
The U.S. government has already completed all the procedures for implementation.
The two sides hope the FTA will take effect Jan. 1 next year. But officials said the timing could be delayed, depending on the agreement.
Opposition lawmakers and some civic group activists have launched large-scale rallies against the free trade deal.
Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) called Lee’s signing an “act of throwing gasoline on the fire.”
Kim said Lee’s signing will aggravate the anger of some anti-FTA activists, which could go out of control.
Kim and 34 incumbent and ex-lawmakers held an anti-FTA protest near Cheong Wa Dae, Tuesday, urging President Lee to rethink his plan to sign the measures.
Some Democratic Labor Party lawmakers joined the rally.
At a news conference held after the protest, the lawmakers said that Lee’s signing of the trade pact will weaken his support base and thus “pave the way for the collapse of the government.”
They alleged that voters will judge the ruling party and the Lee government next year when National Assembly and presidential elections are held in April and December, respectively.
Opposition parties launched anti-FTA rallies after boycotting the Assembly following the ruling Grand National Party unilaterally passing the KORUS FTA motion last week.
The budget bill for next year, whose approval deadline falls on Dec. 2, is stalled amid the boycott.