Ms. Park Geun Hye, South Korea's first female president, has taken the reins of a country beset by difficult problems — both domestic and international. South Korea faces a growing disparity between rich and poor, a low birthrate and a graying population — all byproducts of its rapid economic growth. Meanwhile, its neighbor, North Korea, carried out its third nuclear test Feb. 12, ratcheting up its security challenge. We hope that Ms. Park can use her ingenuity to help South Korea to overcome its domestic and foreign policy challenges.
Ms. Park is keenly aware of the importance of fairly distributing the fruits of economic growth. In her inauguration speech on Monday she said: "No matter how much the country advances, such gains would be meaningless if the lives of the people remained insecure. A genuine era of happiness is only possible when we aren't clouded by the uncertainties of aging and when bearing and raising children is truly considered a blessing." Her words could also apply to Japan. Politicians here as well should tackle these issues in earnest.
It is noteworthy that Ms. Park appears ready to deal with the problems caused by the domination of the chaebol or family-run conglomerates. She said, "By rooting out various unfair practices and rectifying the misguided habits of the past that have frustrated small business owners and small and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide active support to ensure that everyone can live up to their fullest potential, regardless of where they work or what they do for a living."