korean unification studies

As suspected the Leaders Summit is coming under further scrutiny as a result of the delay. The Summit, originally due to occur 28-30 August will now take place 2-4 October after North Korea requested it be delayed due to flooding.

Commentators are now questioning whether the delay is an election ploy by the current administration to bolster support for a progressive presidential candidate. Kang Jae-sup, GNP chairman was quoted by the Joongang Daily as stating: “It will be better if the next administration takes over the summit issue, or at least let the president discuss it with the next president after he is elected”.

But this begets the question. Will a Summit really boost the popularity of the progressive camp in the run up to the presidential election?

No. Presidential elections are less about ploys and more about traditional politicking - and Lee Myung Bak seems to have his eye on the ball:

• He has stated that his priority is the economy, thus capturing the hearts of most South Koreans facing soaring house prices and business facing stiffer Chinese and Japanese competition.
• He has stated that he will move the GNP more towards the centre of South Korean politics, thus stealing votes from the loose and widely varying coalition of progressives.
• The GNP has even released a policy platform on North Korea that reflects the progressive aims of engagement. While this angered more conservative elements within the GNP, they will always vote GNP. The policy will however attract those wavering progressives, thus pushing the progressive camp further to the left.

If the delay in the Leaders Summit is an election ploy, it had better be one REALLY special summit to help the progressive camp in the presidential elections.

Update: Another interesting view over at ROK Drop.