Lee Rethinks Policy

June 2008 | Risk Summary

Street protests against the resumption of beef imports from the US turned violent over the weekend of June 28 and 29, underlining the growing tensions within South Korean politics over the so-called KORUS free trade agreement with the US. More than 130 people were arrested and scores of protesters and police were injured after clashes in central Seoul, prompting prime minister Han Seung-soo to order the police to use 'all available instruments' to crack down on violent and illegal protests. Street protests and labour strikes against the free trade deal are likely to continue into July, keeping beleaguered president Lee Myung-bak under pressure.

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