President-elect pledges to build S.Korea as 'pivotal' global power

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol pledges to build South Korea into what he dubs a global 'pivotal' power that contributes to freedom, peace, and prosperity in the world based on sound diplomacy and security. 

The former top prosecutor also emphasized the need to strengthen Korea's strategic alliance with the United States. 

The 61-year-old elaborated, “We will rebuild the Seoul-Washington alliance through our shared core values that include liberal democracy, market economy, and human rights.”

The wording 'pivotal power' shows Yoon's willingness to play a more proactive role among its strategic partners, former Ambassador to Egypt Yoon Yeocheol explained to The Korea Economic Daily.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Korea watchers across the Pacific Ocean describe Yoon's stance as a sharp turnaround from that of the incumbent Moon Jae-in administration. 

Rob York, director for regional affairs at Honolulu-based The Pacific Forum, is one of them: “For the last five years President Moon has given the impression that he values inter-Korean reconciliation at the expense of other foreign policy priorities.”

York added that such efforts for reconciliation between the two Koreas did not lead to the desired outcome. The career academic also criticized what he dubs an “unsustainable hedging position” on China by the liberal administration. 

Here is what being a global middle power would entail.

“In the past, Seoul said all of the right things but its actions were focused on protecting its own economy. That might no longer be viable,” said Karl Friedhoff, Marshall M. Bouton Fellow for Asia Studies at Chicago Council on Global Affairs. 

Experts say there will be an expectation for South Korea to take on responsibilities commensurate to its economic prowess and cultural influence.

In the most recent example, when the US and European nations began announcing sanctions against Russia, Washington had expected Seoul to join in full force, which it did not. 

Yoon held his first phone call with US President Joe Biden Thursday morning local time. The two allies reaffirmed their bilateral alliance and promised to meet in person at an early date.

Prior to the call, a White House spokesperson said, “The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea – our economies and our people – is ironclad.”

On inter-Korean relations, the conservative candidate maintained a hawkish stance.

“We will construct powerful defense capabilities that could effectively counter any provocations to protect the people’s safety, property, as well as our land and sovereignty,” Yoon said. 

He added, “While we will deal with the North’s illegal and irrational behaviors with principle, the door to communications between the two Koreas will always be open.”

NEIGHBORLY TIES

On regional cooperation, Yoon said South Korea's relations with China will develop on the basis of mutual respect. 

In regards to Japan, the president-elect said he will pursue future-oriented policies.

“As with any other country, but especially when it comes to Korea-Japan relations, I believe it is important to seek what is beneficial to both countries and their people rather than rehashing the past,” said Yoon.

Earlier on Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida congratulated Yoon on his win. 

"I intend to work closely with the new president to improve Japan-South Korea ties," Kishida told reporters, underscoring the importance of the two neighbors’ alliance in maintaining regional security. 

The two countries' relationship hit its lowest level in decades under the Moon administration. 

“I am not sure if relations between South Korea and Japan can be improved with a top-down approach,” Lim Eun-jung, associate professor of international studies at Kongju National University said.

York of The Pacific Forum tends to agree. “As much as Yoon stressed improved bilateral relations, the disagreements between South Korea and Japan are much deeper than one person.”

Both experts agree, however, that there is growing public awareness about the strategic importance of a stronger alliance between South Korea and Japan. 

Lim forecasts that If Yoon and Kishida could hold a summit prior to Aug. 15, the meeting could lead to a significant improvement in relations between the two neighbors. Aug. 15 is the National Liberation Day of Korea, which marks the end of 35 years of Japanese colonial rule; and called the Memorial Day of the End of the War in Japan.

The main opposition People Power Party candidate won with 48.6% of the vote, edging out the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung by a margin of only 0.7 percentage points. 

This year’s election was the closest race in South Korea’s presidential election history.
   
Write to Jee Abbey Lee at jal@hankyung.com