The 2012 South Korean Presidential Election

The two main candidates hailed from the two dominant political parties. 'Economic democratisation' and North Korea policy emerged as key issues. To what extent will Park curb the power of chaebols remains unclear. North Korea will present both a challenge and an opportunity to Park's presidency. Reconciliation, cooperation and peace in Northeast Asia are among Park's top priorities. Balancing between the US and China might pose a particular challenge. Voting patterns suggest that South Korea's familiar policies might be shaken up in the future.