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PacNet #25 – Frustration Defines the South Korean Electorate

For outsiders, ROK President Lee Myung-bak has had a good run. During his four and a half years in office, the South Korean economy weathered the Great Recession and rebounded to mark impressive growth. Seoul seized the international spotlight, hosting several global summits. The impressive reach of ROK corporations and the popularity of the “Hallyu Wave” have made “Global Korea” more than just a PR slogan. Yet, despite these impressive accomplishments, President Lee’s approval ratings continue to slide. Indeed, the key word in the upcoming elections – South Korea holds a parliamentary ballot April 11 – is “frustration.”