Park Geun Hye
- Known for
- 11th president of South Korea, Daughter of Park Chung Hee
- Born in
- Daegu, South Korea
- Education
- Bachelor of Science in electronic engineering, Joseph Fourier University
Park Geun Hye was the 11th President of South Korea, serving from 2013 until her 2017 impeachment and subsequent imprisonment for corruption. As the daughter of former President Park Chung Hee, she became the first female head of state in South Korea and East Asia.
Her presidency was defined by her conservative ideology, a firm stance on North Korea Policy, and ultimately, a historic political downfall due to the Choi Soon-sil scandal.
Signature Positions
Park's key policy priorities during her tenure included economic and security initiatives:
- Creative Economy: Her primary economic vision aimed at job creation through innovation, contrasting with her earlier emphasis on deregulation.
- North Korea Policy: Advocated for the Korean Peninsula Trust-building Process, a phased approach to unification starting with peace and humanitarian aid.
- Foreign Policy: Maintained a strong alliance with the United States while also prioritizing engagement with China and Russia.
- Social Issues: Launched an initiative to eradicate the "Four Major Social Evils," including sexual and domestic violence.
- Sewol Ferry Disaster: Her administration announced the breakup of the Coast Guard following criticism over the disaster response.
Notable Tensions
Park's career was marked by significant political controversies and criticisms:
- Parentage controversy: She frequently defended her father, Park Chung-hee, arguing his 1961 coup was a necessary 'revolution to save the country,' a view contested by many.
- Communication Style: Critics labeled her a "No communication" (Bultong) leader due to her perceived closed-door style and preference for prepared statements over spontaneous interaction.
- Comfort Women agreement: The 2015 deal with Japan was heavily criticized by activists and later unilaterally terminated by her successor, Moon Jae-in.
- Election-meddling scandal: Allegations surfaced that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) ran an online smear campaign during the 2012 election to favor her victory.
Known as the "Queen of Elections" for her ability to deliver victories in critical parliamentary races, Park's influence within the conservative Saenuri Party was immense. However, her presidency ended prematurely when the Constitutional Court upheld her impeachment over abuse of power and corruption charges related to her confidante, Choi Soon-sil.