| South Korea Republic of Korea Taehan-min'guk Joined United Nations: 17 September 1991 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/09/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Seoul
48,636,068 (July 2010 est.)
Lee Myung-bak
President since 25 February 2008
President since 25 February 2008
President elected by popular vote for a single five-year term;
election last held 19 December 2007
Next scheduled election: December 2012
election last held 19 December 2007
Next scheduled election: December 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Prime Minister appointed by president with consent of National
Assembly; Deputy Prime Ministers appointed by President on
Prime Minister's recommendation
Assembly; Deputy Prime Ministers appointed by President on
Prime Minister's recommendation
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Homogeneous Korean (except for about 20,000 Chinese)
| RELIGIONS |
Christian 26.3% (Protestant 19.7%, Roman Catholic 6.6%), Buddhist 23.2%, other or unknown 1.3%, none 49.3%
(1995 census)
(1995 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 7 metropolitan cities (gwangyoksi, singular and plural). Legal
system combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical
thought
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 19 December 2007 (next to be
held on December 2012); Prime Minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly; Deputy Prime
Ministers appointed by President on Prime Minister's recommendation
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (299 seats - members elected for four-year terms; 243 in
single-seat constituencies, 56 by proportional representation)
elections: last held 9 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (justices appointed by president with consent of National Assembly); Constitutional Court
(justices appointed by president based partly on nominations by National Assembly and Chief Justice of the court)
system combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical
thought
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 19 December 2007 (next to be
held on December 2012); Prime Minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly; Deputy Prime
Ministers appointed by President on Prime Minister's recommendation
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (299 seats - members elected for four-year terms; 243 in
single-seat constituencies, 56 by proportional representation)
elections: last held 9 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (justices appointed by president with consent of National Assembly); Constitutional Court
(justices appointed by president based partly on nominations by National Assembly and Chief Justice of the court)
| LANGUAGES |
Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high school
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The history of Korea stretches from Lower Paleolithic times to the present. The earliest known Korean pottery dates to
around 8000 BCE, and the Neolithic period began before 6000 BCE, followed by the Bronze Age around 2500 BCE.
According to legend, the Gojoseon(Old Joseon) kingdom was founded in 2333 BCE, eventually stretching from the
peninsula to much of Manchuria. By 3rd Century BCE, it disintegrated into many successor states. In the early
Common Era, the Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje) conquered other successor states of Gojoseon and
came to dominate the peninsula and much of Manchuria. During this period, Koreans played an important role as a
transmitter of cultural advances, aiding the formation of early Japanese culture and politics. Census records from early
Japan show that most Japanese aristocratic clans traced their lineage to the Korean peninsula. The current Japanese
Emperor stated that "it is recorded in the Chronicles of Japan that the mother of Emperor Kammu was of the line of
King Muryeong of Baekje," and "I believe it was fortunate to see such culture and skills transmitted from Korea to
Japan." The Korean kingdoms competed with each other both economically and militarily. While Goguryeo and Baekje
were more powerful for much of the era, defeating Chinese invasions several times, Silla's power gradually extended
across Korea and it eventually established the first unified state to cover most of Korean peninsula by 676. This period
is often called Unified Silla. Soon after the fall of Goguryeo however, former Goguryeo general Dae Joyeong led a
group of Koreans to eastern Manchuria and founded Balhae (698 AD - 926 AD) as the successor to Goguryeo. After
Balhae was defeated in 926, much of its people led by the Crown Prince was absorbed into Goryeo. Unified Silla itself
fell apart in the late 9th century, giving way to the tumultuous Later Three Kingdoms period (892-936), which ended
with the establishment of the Goryeo Dynasty. During the Goryeo period, laws were codified, a civil service system
was introduced, and Buddhism flourished. In 1238, the Mongolian Empire invaded and after nearly thirty years of war,
the two sides signed a peace treaty. In 1392, the general Yi Seong-gye established the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)
after a coup. King Sejong the Great (1418-1450) promulgated Hangul, the Korean alphabet, as an alternative to
Chinese characters which were previously the only system of writing. This period saw various other cultural and
technological advances. Between 1592-1598, Japan invaded Korea, but was eventually repelled with the efforts by the
Navy led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, resistance armies, and Chinese aid. In the 1620s and 1630s, Joseon suffered
invasions by the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Beginning in the 1870s, Japan began to force Korea out of China's sphere of
influence into its own. In 1895, Empress Myeongseong of Korea was assassinated by Japanese agents. In 1905, Japan
forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty making Korea a protectorate, and in 1910 annexed Korea, although neither is
considered to be legally valid. Korean resistance to the Japanese occupation was manifested in the massive nonviolent
March 1st Movement of 1919. Thereafter the Korean independence movement, coordinated by the Provisional
Government of the Republic of Korea in exile, was largely active in neighboring Manchuria, China and Siberia. With the
defeat of Japan in 1945, the United Nations developed plans for a trusteeship administration by the Soviet Union and
the United States, but the plan was soon abandoned. In 1948, new governments were established, the democratic
South Korea and Communist North Korea divided at the 38th parallel. The unresolved tensions of the division surfaced
in the Korean war of 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. The History of South Korea formally begins
with the establishment of South Korea in 1948. In the aftermath of the Japanese occupation of Korea which ended with
Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel in accordance with a United Nations
arrangement, to be administered by the Soviet Union in the north and the United States in the south. The Soviets and
Americans were unable to agree on the implementation of Joint Trusteeship over Korea. This led in 1948 to the
establishment of separate governments, each claiming to be the legitimate government of all of Korea. South Korea's
subsequent history is marked by alternating periods of democratic and autocratic rule. Civilian governments are
conventionally numbered from the First Republic of Syngman Rhee to the contemporary Sixth Republic. The First
Republic, arguably democratic at its inception, became increasingly autocratic until its collapse in 1960. The Second
Republic was strongly democratic, but was overthrown in less than a year and replaced by an autocratic military
regime. The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Republics were nominally democratic, but are widely regarded as the continuation
of military rule. With the Sixth Republic, the country has gradually stabilized into a liberal democracy. Since its
inception, South Korea has seen substantial development in education, economy, and culture. Since the 1960s, the
country has developed from one of Asia's poorest to one of the continent's most well-off. Education, particularly at the
tertiary level, has expanded dramatically. Since the 1990s, Korean popular music, TV drama, and films have become
popular throughout East and Southeast Asia, in a phenomenon known as "Korean wave." On 12 March 2004, the
South Korean National Assembly (Parliament) voted to impeach President Roh Moo-hyun on charges of corruption
and political patronage. The Uri Party, which solely supported the President, angrily boycotted the vote. This motion
clearly affected the outcome of the parliamentary election held on 15 April 2004, in which the Uri Party won 152 seats
from the total of 299 seats in the National Assembly. For the first time in 18 years the ruling party became the majority
in the House. This was arguably the first time in more than 40 years that a liberal party had held a majority in the
Assembly. However, the Uri Party then lost its majority in by-elections in 2005.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Korea; Wikipedia: History of South Korea
around 8000 BCE, and the Neolithic period began before 6000 BCE, followed by the Bronze Age around 2500 BCE.
According to legend, the Gojoseon(Old Joseon) kingdom was founded in 2333 BCE, eventually stretching from the
peninsula to much of Manchuria. By 3rd Century BCE, it disintegrated into many successor states. In the early
Common Era, the Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje) conquered other successor states of Gojoseon and
came to dominate the peninsula and much of Manchuria. During this period, Koreans played an important role as a
transmitter of cultural advances, aiding the formation of early Japanese culture and politics. Census records from early
Japan show that most Japanese aristocratic clans traced their lineage to the Korean peninsula. The current Japanese
Emperor stated that "it is recorded in the Chronicles of Japan that the mother of Emperor Kammu was of the line of
King Muryeong of Baekje," and "I believe it was fortunate to see such culture and skills transmitted from Korea to
Japan." The Korean kingdoms competed with each other both economically and militarily. While Goguryeo and Baekje
were more powerful for much of the era, defeating Chinese invasions several times, Silla's power gradually extended
across Korea and it eventually established the first unified state to cover most of Korean peninsula by 676. This period
is often called Unified Silla. Soon after the fall of Goguryeo however, former Goguryeo general Dae Joyeong led a
group of Koreans to eastern Manchuria and founded Balhae (698 AD - 926 AD) as the successor to Goguryeo. After
Balhae was defeated in 926, much of its people led by the Crown Prince was absorbed into Goryeo. Unified Silla itself
fell apart in the late 9th century, giving way to the tumultuous Later Three Kingdoms period (892-936), which ended
with the establishment of the Goryeo Dynasty. During the Goryeo period, laws were codified, a civil service system
was introduced, and Buddhism flourished. In 1238, the Mongolian Empire invaded and after nearly thirty years of war,
the two sides signed a peace treaty. In 1392, the general Yi Seong-gye established the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)
after a coup. King Sejong the Great (1418-1450) promulgated Hangul, the Korean alphabet, as an alternative to
Chinese characters which were previously the only system of writing. This period saw various other cultural and
technological advances. Between 1592-1598, Japan invaded Korea, but was eventually repelled with the efforts by the
Navy led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, resistance armies, and Chinese aid. In the 1620s and 1630s, Joseon suffered
invasions by the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Beginning in the 1870s, Japan began to force Korea out of China's sphere of
influence into its own. In 1895, Empress Myeongseong of Korea was assassinated by Japanese agents. In 1905, Japan
forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Treaty making Korea a protectorate, and in 1910 annexed Korea, although neither is
considered to be legally valid. Korean resistance to the Japanese occupation was manifested in the massive nonviolent
March 1st Movement of 1919. Thereafter the Korean independence movement, coordinated by the Provisional
Government of the Republic of Korea in exile, was largely active in neighboring Manchuria, China and Siberia. With the
defeat of Japan in 1945, the United Nations developed plans for a trusteeship administration by the Soviet Union and
the United States, but the plan was soon abandoned. In 1948, new governments were established, the democratic
South Korea and Communist North Korea divided at the 38th parallel. The unresolved tensions of the division surfaced
in the Korean war of 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. The History of South Korea formally begins
with the establishment of South Korea in 1948. In the aftermath of the Japanese occupation of Korea which ended with
Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel in accordance with a United Nations
arrangement, to be administered by the Soviet Union in the north and the United States in the south. The Soviets and
Americans were unable to agree on the implementation of Joint Trusteeship over Korea. This led in 1948 to the
establishment of separate governments, each claiming to be the legitimate government of all of Korea. South Korea's
subsequent history is marked by alternating periods of democratic and autocratic rule. Civilian governments are
conventionally numbered from the First Republic of Syngman Rhee to the contemporary Sixth Republic. The First
Republic, arguably democratic at its inception, became increasingly autocratic until its collapse in 1960. The Second
Republic was strongly democratic, but was overthrown in less than a year and replaced by an autocratic military
regime. The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Republics were nominally democratic, but are widely regarded as the continuation
of military rule. With the Sixth Republic, the country has gradually stabilized into a liberal democracy. Since its
inception, South Korea has seen substantial development in education, economy, and culture. Since the 1960s, the
country has developed from one of Asia's poorest to one of the continent's most well-off. Education, particularly at the
tertiary level, has expanded dramatically. Since the 1990s, Korean popular music, TV drama, and films have become
popular throughout East and Southeast Asia, in a phenomenon known as "Korean wave." On 12 March 2004, the
South Korean National Assembly (Parliament) voted to impeach President Roh Moo-hyun on charges of corruption
and political patronage. The Uri Party, which solely supported the President, angrily boycotted the vote. This motion
clearly affected the outcome of the parliamentary election held on 15 April 2004, in which the Uri Party won 152 seats
from the total of 299 seats in the National Assembly. For the first time in 18 years the ruling party became the majority
in the House. This was arguably the first time in more than 40 years that a liberal party had held a majority in the
Assembly. However, the Uri Party then lost its majority in by-elections in 2005.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Korea; Wikipedia: History of South Korea
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved an incredible record of growth and global integration to become a
high-tech industrialized economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer
countries of Africa and Asia. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies, and currently is
among the world's twenty largest economies. Initially, a system of close government and business ties, including
directed credit and import restrictions, made this success possible. The government promoted the import of raw
materials and technology at the expense of consumer goods, and encouraged savings and investment over consumption.
The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model including
high debt/equity ratios and massive short-term foreign borrowing. GDP plunged by 6.9% in 1998, and then recovered
by 9% in 1999-2000. Korea adopted numerous economic reforms following the crisis, including greater openness to
foreign investment and imports. Growth moderated to about 4-5% annually between 2003 and 2007. With the global
economic downturn in late 2008, South Korean GDP growth slowed to 2.2% in 2008 and declined 0.2% in 2009. In
the third quarter of 2009, the economy began to recover, in large part due to export growth, low interest rates, and an
expansionary fiscal policy. The South Korean economy's long term challenges include a rapidly aging population,
inflexible labor market, and overdependence on manufacturing exports to drive economic growth.
Source: CIA World Factbook (Select Korea, South)
high-tech industrialized economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer
countries of Africa and Asia. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies, and currently is
among the world's twenty largest economies. Initially, a system of close government and business ties, including
directed credit and import restrictions, made this success possible. The government promoted the import of raw
materials and technology at the expense of consumer goods, and encouraged savings and investment over consumption.
The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model including
high debt/equity ratios and massive short-term foreign borrowing. GDP plunged by 6.9% in 1998, and then recovered
by 9% in 1999-2000. Korea adopted numerous economic reforms following the crisis, including greater openness to
foreign investment and imports. Growth moderated to about 4-5% annually between 2003 and 2007. With the global
economic downturn in late 2008, South Korean GDP growth slowed to 2.2% in 2008 and declined 0.2% in 2009. In
the third quarter of 2009, the economy began to recover, in large part due to export growth, low interest rates, and an
expansionary fiscal policy. The South Korean economy's long term challenges include a rapidly aging population,
inflexible labor market, and overdependence on manufacturing exports to drive economic growth.
Source: CIA World Factbook (Select Korea, South)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The speed and scope of South Korea's political development in recent years have been as impressive as its economic
development in previous decades. Since the transition to democracy occurred, with the belated arrival of political
liberalization and a return to direct presidential elections in 1987, virtually all realms of Korean society have
democratized. The most impressive gains, however, were made in the area of democratization, with the rise of a civil
society. Although still not to the degree seen in advanced nations, Korean society has become increasingly conscious
and supportive of the rights of women and minorities, including the handicapped and homosexuals. Traditional Korean
values such as respect for authority and hierarchy are rapidly giving way as increased value is placed on individual
freedoms and equality. These social democratic changes were driven in part by reform-minded governments and the
efforts of domestic NGOs. Paradoxically, all this progress appears to have created a society more fragmented than
ever before, with increased social conflict and instability. In the last few years, the debate over major policy issues has
reflected the increasing polarization of Korean social values and attitudes. At the same time, the ideological pendulum
has been swinging in the liberal, or leftist, direction. For the last several decades, Korean society has been relatively
conservative, valuing stability and order. Naturally, democratization, which has been more vibrant in Korea than in any
other part of Asia, has generated a range of competing ideas that promise a departure from the past, and opportunities
for more new ideas. Korea's democratization has had an especially liberating effect on leftist ideals and values, which
were severely repressed in the past. Since "leftist" remains a negative label to many Koreans, new contesting ideas and
ideological dispositions have been termed "progressive." Thus, the political divide between "conservatives" and
"progressives" would be analogous to the divide between "conservatives" and "liberals" in U.S. politics.
On 8 August 2010, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak named Kim Tae-ho, a former provincial governor as his
new prime minister on Sunday as part of an extensive Cabinet reshuffle aimed at restoring public support following his
party's surprise defeat in local elections.
Source: The Brookings Institute: The Transformation of South Korean Politics
development in previous decades. Since the transition to democracy occurred, with the belated arrival of political
liberalization and a return to direct presidential elections in 1987, virtually all realms of Korean society have
democratized. The most impressive gains, however, were made in the area of democratization, with the rise of a civil
society. Although still not to the degree seen in advanced nations, Korean society has become increasingly conscious
and supportive of the rights of women and minorities, including the handicapped and homosexuals. Traditional Korean
values such as respect for authority and hierarchy are rapidly giving way as increased value is placed on individual
freedoms and equality. These social democratic changes were driven in part by reform-minded governments and the
efforts of domestic NGOs. Paradoxically, all this progress appears to have created a society more fragmented than
ever before, with increased social conflict and instability. In the last few years, the debate over major policy issues has
reflected the increasing polarization of Korean social values and attitudes. At the same time, the ideological pendulum
has been swinging in the liberal, or leftist, direction. For the last several decades, Korean society has been relatively
conservative, valuing stability and order. Naturally, democratization, which has been more vibrant in Korea than in any
other part of Asia, has generated a range of competing ideas that promise a departure from the past, and opportunities
for more new ideas. Korea's democratization has had an especially liberating effect on leftist ideals and values, which
were severely repressed in the past. Since "leftist" remains a negative label to many Koreans, new contesting ideas and
ideological dispositions have been termed "progressive." Thus, the political divide between "conservatives" and
"progressives" would be analogous to the divide between "conservatives" and "liberals" in U.S. politics.
On 8 August 2010, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak named Kim Tae-ho, a former provincial governor as his
new prime minister on Sunday as part of an extensive Cabinet reshuffle aimed at restoring public support following his
party's surprise defeat in local elections.
Source: The Brookings Institute: The Transformation of South Korean Politics
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since
1953; periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the Northern Limiting Line, which South Korea
claims as a maritime boundary; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Take-shima), occupied by
South Korea since 1954
note: the two rocky islets of Tok-do have become a South Korean tourist destination - over 132,000 people visited
them in 2009, most by ship but also a substantial number by helicopter
1953; periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the Northern Limiting Line, which South Korea
claims as a maritime boundary; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Take-shima), occupied by
South Korea since 1954
note: the two rocky islets of Tok-do have become a South Korean tourist destination - over 132,000 people visited
them in 2009, most by ship but also a substantial number by helicopter
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Republic of Korea
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Korea (Korea or ROK) is a constitutional democracy governed by President Lee Myung-bak and a unicameral
legislature. The country has a population of approximately 48 million. In April 2008 the Grand National Party obtained a majority of
National Assembly seats in a free and fair election. Civilian authorities maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Korea (Korea or ROK) is a constitutional democracy governed by President Lee Myung-bak and a unicameral
legislature. The country has a population of approximately 48 million. In April 2008 the Grand National Party obtained a majority of
National Assembly seats in a free and fair election. Civilian authorities maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas.
- Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities continued to face societal discrimination.
- Rape, domestic violence, and child abuse remained serious problems.
17 December 2009
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Forty-third session
Geneva, 2–20 November 2009
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant
Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Republic of Korea
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the third periodic report of the Republic of Korea and the written replies to its list of
issues, including statistical data (E/C.12/KOR/Q/3/Add.1). The Committee appreciates the frank and constructive dialogue with the
delegation of the State party, which included representatives from various ministries with expertise on the subjects covered by the
Covenant.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation the positive efforts made by the State party in promoting the implementation of social,
economic and cultural rights. The Committee welcomes in particular:
(a) The establishment of the national action plan for the protection and promotion of human rights 2007–2011 and of the National
Human Rights Policy Council as a consultative body in charge of its implementation;
(b) The coming into effect of the abolition of the Hoju system;
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Covenant
5. The Committee notes the absence of any significant factors or difficulties preventing the effective implementation of the
Covenant in the State party.
D. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
6. The Committee is concerned that the Covenant has not yet been fully incorporated into domestic law despite the Committee’s
concluding observations in 2001
(E/C.12/1/Add.59). The Committee remains concerned that:
(a) The scope of economic, social and cultural rights under the Constitution is narrower than in the Covenant;
(b) The Constitution only applies to citizens (art. 3);
(c) Covenant rights have seldom been invoked before, or directly enforced by, domestic courts, tribunals or administrative
authorities.
The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party accord the Covenant a legal status that would enable it to be
invoked directly within the domestic legal system. In this regard, the Committee refers to its general comment No. 9 (1998) on the
domestic application of the Covenant. The Committee requests the State party to include detailed information on decisions of
national courts, tribunals or administrative authorities giving effect to Covenant rights in its next periodic report.
Click here to read more »
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Forty-third session
Geneva, 2–20 November 2009
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant
Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Republic of Korea
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the third periodic report of the Republic of Korea and the written replies to its list of
issues, including statistical data (E/C.12/KOR/Q/3/Add.1). The Committee appreciates the frank and constructive dialogue with the
delegation of the State party, which included representatives from various ministries with expertise on the subjects covered by the
Covenant.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation the positive efforts made by the State party in promoting the implementation of social,
economic and cultural rights. The Committee welcomes in particular:
(a) The establishment of the national action plan for the protection and promotion of human rights 2007–2011 and of the National
Human Rights Policy Council as a consultative body in charge of its implementation;
(b) The coming into effect of the abolition of the Hoju system;
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Covenant
5. The Committee notes the absence of any significant factors or difficulties preventing the effective implementation of the
Covenant in the State party.
D. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
6. The Committee is concerned that the Covenant has not yet been fully incorporated into domestic law despite the Committee’s
concluding observations in 2001
(E/C.12/1/Add.59). The Committee remains concerned that:
(a) The scope of economic, social and cultural rights under the Constitution is narrower than in the Covenant;
(b) The Constitution only applies to citizens (art. 3);
(c) Covenant rights have seldom been invoked before, or directly enforced by, domestic courts, tribunals or administrative
authorities.
The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party accord the Covenant a legal status that would enable it to be
invoked directly within the domestic legal system. In this regard, the Committee refers to its general comment No. 9 (1998) on the
domestic application of the Covenant. The Committee requests the State party to include detailed information on decisions of
national courts, tribunals or administrative authorities giving effect to Covenant rights in its next periodic report.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
Although South Korea faced economic uncertainty and renewed provocations from North Korea during 2009, the domestic political
situation was calm compared with the large street protests of 2008. There were some expressions of public frustration, such as
after the May suicide of former president Roh Moo-hyun and in response to layoffs by the automaker Ssangyong Motor, but they
did not escalate into broader unrest.
Former Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak of the GNP won the December 2007 presidential election with 48.7 percent of the vote,
defeating former unification minister Chung Dong-young of the liberal Uri Party, who took 26.1 percent. The GNP scored another
victory in the April 2008 parliamentary elections, winning 131 seats outright and an additional 22 seats through proportional
representation; the opposition Democratic Party (formerly the Uri Party) captured 66 seats outright and received 15 proportional
seats. Four smaller parties and independents accounted for the remainder.
After taking office, President Lee focused his foreign policy on strengthening relations with the United States rather than improving
ties with North Korea. South Korea’s decision to resume U.S. beef imports in April drew weeks of protests in the form of mass
candlelight vigils. The demonstrations were driven in part by broader disappointment with the new administration’s alleged
“authoritarian style” of governance, business-friendly reform agenda, and other changes from the policies of the two previous
presidents. The crippling protests ultimately forced a cabinet reshuffle and backtracking on much of Lee’s agenda.
Government and public attention shifted to the economy in late 2008 as a global financial crisis emerged. With aggressive fiscal
intervention and heavy spending, the Lee administration was able to stabilize the financial sector, save the job market from massive
layoffs, and steer the economy toward recovery after an initial plummet.
The domestic political situation remained fairly calm in 2009 compared with the previous year. There were many occasions that
could have led to large and sustained protests. For example, former president Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide in May amid
corruption allegations, and former president Kim Dae-jung’s death from natural causes in August provided Lee’s opponents with
another opportunity to muster. In addition, workers facing layoffs by the automaker Ssangyong Motor occupied a factory from
May through August, at times clashing with police. However, the president avoided major instability in part through increased
sensitivity to public opinion and a greater emphasis on helping the poor and needy in society rather than simply promoting pro-
business policies.
Relations with North Korea grew more tense in the first half of 2009, as Pyongyang announced in April that it was withdrawing
from the multilateral Six-Party Talks on its nuclear weapons program. It also tested a long-range missile that month, and conducted
its second nuclear weapons test in May. The UN Security Council tightened sanctions on the North in response. A number of
events later in the year served to ease tensions somewhat, including Pyongyang’s decision to send a delegation to Kim Dae-jung’s
funeral.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
Although South Korea faced economic uncertainty and renewed provocations from North Korea during 2009, the domestic political
situation was calm compared with the large street protests of 2008. There were some expressions of public frustration, such as
after the May suicide of former president Roh Moo-hyun and in response to layoffs by the automaker Ssangyong Motor, but they
did not escalate into broader unrest.
Former Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak of the GNP won the December 2007 presidential election with 48.7 percent of the vote,
defeating former unification minister Chung Dong-young of the liberal Uri Party, who took 26.1 percent. The GNP scored another
victory in the April 2008 parliamentary elections, winning 131 seats outright and an additional 22 seats through proportional
representation; the opposition Democratic Party (formerly the Uri Party) captured 66 seats outright and received 15 proportional
seats. Four smaller parties and independents accounted for the remainder.
After taking office, President Lee focused his foreign policy on strengthening relations with the United States rather than improving
ties with North Korea. South Korea’s decision to resume U.S. beef imports in April drew weeks of protests in the form of mass
candlelight vigils. The demonstrations were driven in part by broader disappointment with the new administration’s alleged
“authoritarian style” of governance, business-friendly reform agenda, and other changes from the policies of the two previous
presidents. The crippling protests ultimately forced a cabinet reshuffle and backtracking on much of Lee’s agenda.
Government and public attention shifted to the economy in late 2008 as a global financial crisis emerged. With aggressive fiscal
intervention and heavy spending, the Lee administration was able to stabilize the financial sector, save the job market from massive
layoffs, and steer the economy toward recovery after an initial plummet.
The domestic political situation remained fairly calm in 2009 compared with the previous year. There were many occasions that
could have led to large and sustained protests. For example, former president Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide in May amid
corruption allegations, and former president Kim Dae-jung’s death from natural causes in August provided Lee’s opponents with
another opportunity to muster. In addition, workers facing layoffs by the automaker Ssangyong Motor occupied a factory from
May through August, at times clashing with police. However, the president avoided major instability in part through increased
sensitivity to public opinion and a greater emphasis on helping the poor and needy in society rather than simply promoting pro-
business policies.
Relations with North Korea grew more tense in the first half of 2009, as Pyongyang announced in April that it was withdrawing
from the multilateral Six-Party Talks on its nuclear weapons program. It also tested a long-range missile that month, and conducted
its second nuclear weapons test in May. The UN Security Council tightened sanctions on the North in response. A number of
events later in the year served to ease tensions somewhat, including Pyongyang’s decision to send a delegation to Kim Dae-jung’s
funeral.
Click here to read more »
South Korea death penalty abolition set back by Constitutional Court ruling
25 February 2010
Amnesty International said it was deeply disappointed by the South Korean Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the death
penalty on Thursday.
In a five to four ruling, the Constitutional Court stated that capital punishment did not violate "human dignity and worth" protected
in the Constitution.
"This is a major setback for South Korea and runs counter to the current abolitionist trend in the country, which has not executed
in over a decade," said Roseann Rife, Asia-Pacific Deputy Programme Director at Amnesty International.
Amnesty International considers South Korea to be abolitionist in practice, as it has not carried out any executions since President
Kim Dae-jung took office in February 1998. President Kim himself had previously been sentenced to death in 1980. However, death
sentences are still handed down with currently 57 people remaining on death row.
Increasingly countries are moving away from using the death penalty as the ultimate punishment. More than 70 per cent of
countries have a moratorium on executions or have abolished capital punishment.
"Despite this ruling, we call on the South Korean government to retain the country's abolitionist position and urge them to fully
abolish this practice in the law. Any move backwards on this issue is extremely damaging to South Korea's international reputation.
An economic leader, the country also should lead by example by fully respecting every individual's right to life," said Roseann Rife.
Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases, as a violation of the right to life and the ultimate cruel, inhuman and
degrading punishment. The death penalty is irrevocable, and there is always the risk that an innocent person will be executed.
Furthermore, the death penalty is inherently arbitrary and discriminates against those who are poor, marginalized or belong to
minority communities.
The Constitutional Court of Korea was established in September 1988 and its functions include deciding on the constitutionality of
laws, ruling on competence disputes between governmental entities, adjudicating constitutional complaints filed by individuals,
giving final decisions on impeachments, and making judgments on dissolution of political parties.
Click here to read more »
25 February 2010
Amnesty International said it was deeply disappointed by the South Korean Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the death
penalty on Thursday.
In a five to four ruling, the Constitutional Court stated that capital punishment did not violate "human dignity and worth" protected
in the Constitution.
"This is a major setback for South Korea and runs counter to the current abolitionist trend in the country, which has not executed
in over a decade," said Roseann Rife, Asia-Pacific Deputy Programme Director at Amnesty International.
Amnesty International considers South Korea to be abolitionist in practice, as it has not carried out any executions since President
Kim Dae-jung took office in February 1998. President Kim himself had previously been sentenced to death in 1980. However, death
sentences are still handed down with currently 57 people remaining on death row.
Increasingly countries are moving away from using the death penalty as the ultimate punishment. More than 70 per cent of
countries have a moratorium on executions or have abolished capital punishment.
"Despite this ruling, we call on the South Korean government to retain the country's abolitionist position and urge them to fully
abolish this practice in the law. Any move backwards on this issue is extremely damaging to South Korea's international reputation.
An economic leader, the country also should lead by example by fully respecting every individual's right to life," said Roseann Rife.
Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases, as a violation of the right to life and the ultimate cruel, inhuman and
degrading punishment. The death penalty is irrevocable, and there is always the risk that an innocent person will be executed.
Furthermore, the death penalty is inherently arbitrary and discriminates against those who are poor, marginalized or belong to
minority communities.
The Constitutional Court of Korea was established in September 1988 and its functions include deciding on the constitutionality of
laws, ruling on competence disputes between governmental entities, adjudicating constitutional complaints filed by individuals,
giving final decisions on impeachments, and making judgments on dissolution of political parties.
Click here to read more »
South Korea: Raise Human Rights in Talks with North Korea
Address Abductions, Refugees, and Labor issues
December 1, 2009
(New York) - The South Korean government should maintain its principled stance and consistently include a strong human rights
agenda in all future dealings with North Korea, Human Rights Watch and three other nongovernmental organizations said today in a
letter to the South Korean unification minister, Hyun In-taek.
The letter urged South Korea to prioritize in its talks the safe return of South Korean citizens living in North Korea against their will
and assistance for aging South Koreans to meet their long-separated family members in North Korea. The letter also urges South
Korea to press China to protect North Korean refugees in line with China's international obligations. The letter was signed by
Human Rights Watch, Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, Life Funds for North Korean Refugees, and The Society
to Help Returnees to North Korea.
"Inconsistency over North Korea's human rights issues has hurt South Korea's international credibility and allowed North Korea to
dismiss criticism as politically motivated," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "It is important for
South Korea to maintain its principled stance in all its dealings with North Korea."
The letter notes that, "South Korea has done much to resettle and assist North Korean refugees, but it can do more, particularly for
those North Korean women and children who have faced sexual assault and exploitation during their flight."
"On the issue of South Korean citizens held in North Korea against their will, including prisoners of war from the 1950-53 Korean
War, South Korea should increase efforts to ensure their return," the letter said. "We also ask South Korea to ensure basic labor
rights for North Korean workers in the Kaesong Industrial Complex," the border complex where South Korean companies
manufacture goods employing North Korean workers.
Click here to read more »
Address Abductions, Refugees, and Labor issues
December 1, 2009
(New York) - The South Korean government should maintain its principled stance and consistently include a strong human rights
agenda in all future dealings with North Korea, Human Rights Watch and three other nongovernmental organizations said today in a
letter to the South Korean unification minister, Hyun In-taek.
The letter urged South Korea to prioritize in its talks the safe return of South Korean citizens living in North Korea against their will
and assistance for aging South Koreans to meet their long-separated family members in North Korea. The letter also urges South
Korea to press China to protect North Korean refugees in line with China's international obligations. The letter was signed by
Human Rights Watch, Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, Life Funds for North Korean Refugees, and The Society
to Help Returnees to North Korea.
"Inconsistency over North Korea's human rights issues has hurt South Korea's international credibility and allowed North Korea to
dismiss criticism as politically motivated," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "It is important for
South Korea to maintain its principled stance in all its dealings with North Korea."
The letter notes that, "South Korea has done much to resettle and assist North Korean refugees, but it can do more, particularly for
those North Korean women and children who have faced sexual assault and exploitation during their flight."
"On the issue of South Korean citizens held in North Korea against their will, including prisoners of war from the 1950-53 Korean
War, South Korea should increase efforts to ensure their return," the letter said. "We also ask South Korea to ensure basic labor
rights for North Korean workers in the Kaesong Industrial Complex," the border complex where South Korean companies
manufacture goods employing North Korean workers.
Click here to read more »
Address by H.E. Mr. Lee Myung-bak President of the Republic of Korea
at the 64th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
23 September 2009
New York
Mr. President and Distinguished Delegates,
Korea will embark on a path of actively contributing to the world and all of humanity. This is the very goal that Global Korea aims
for.
We wish to share our past development experiences in order to help developing countries lift themselves out of famine and poverty.
While financial support to developing countries is important, it is more important to find the right development model that fits each
country can be a more fundamental way of overcoming poverty.
Today, the international community is working closely together to overcome an unprecedented financial crisis. As a member of the
G20 Troika, Korea is making utmost efforts to strengthen the free trading system, which has been the powerhouse for global
economic growth, while also ensuring that the voice of the developing countries is heard.
Responding to climate change has become an indispensable and urgent agenda for all of humanity. Climate change poses a common
challenge to all humankind, and thus requires the concerted efforts of developed and developing countries as well as newly
industrialized countries. For this reason, all countries need to take part and be prepared in addressing this challenge.
Today, close to half of the world’s population suffers from water-related problems, and most of the climate change-related natural
disasters, including floods, drought, and sea-level rises, are water-related disasters.
In the course of launching the East Asia Climate Partnership, the Korean Government reviewed waterrelated issues in Asia. We
have come to the conclusion that the provision of fresh water and the development of policies and infrastructure for inundation and
disaster prevention are the most pressing issues at hand.
As a responsible Member State of the UN, Korea will continue to render its close cooperation, so that the UN can play a leading role
in bringing about progress to all of humanity and the international community at large.
Korea seeks to be a friend to the world, one that is considerate of others and contributes to the global society.
Click here to read more »
at the 64th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
23 September 2009
New York
Mr. President and Distinguished Delegates,
Korea will embark on a path of actively contributing to the world and all of humanity. This is the very goal that Global Korea aims
for.
We wish to share our past development experiences in order to help developing countries lift themselves out of famine and poverty.
While financial support to developing countries is important, it is more important to find the right development model that fits each
country can be a more fundamental way of overcoming poverty.
Today, the international community is working closely together to overcome an unprecedented financial crisis. As a member of the
G20 Troika, Korea is making utmost efforts to strengthen the free trading system, which has been the powerhouse for global
economic growth, while also ensuring that the voice of the developing countries is heard.
Responding to climate change has become an indispensable and urgent agenda for all of humanity. Climate change poses a common
challenge to all humankind, and thus requires the concerted efforts of developed and developing countries as well as newly
industrialized countries. For this reason, all countries need to take part and be prepared in addressing this challenge.
Today, close to half of the world’s population suffers from water-related problems, and most of the climate change-related natural
disasters, including floods, drought, and sea-level rises, are water-related disasters.
In the course of launching the East Asia Climate Partnership, the Korean Government reviewed waterrelated issues in Asia. We
have come to the conclusion that the provision of fresh water and the development of policies and infrastructure for inundation and
disaster prevention are the most pressing issues at hand.
As a responsible Member State of the UN, Korea will continue to render its close cooperation, so that the UN can play a leading role
in bringing about progress to all of humanity and the international community at large.
Korea seeks to be a friend to the world, one that is considerate of others and contributes to the global society.
Click here to read more »
NHRCK Referred Five Police Officers to Prosecution for Their Acts of Torture
[2010-07-01]
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) viewed that acts of torture took place at a Seoul police station against
suspects and thus requested the prosecution to investigate into the five police officers for their alleged involvement in torture, and
recommended the National Police Agency conduct a full-scale investigation into the police station and set up preventive measures.
Mr. Lee (45) filed a complaint to the NHRCK against the police station in May, insisting that he was tortured into confessing his
crime. The suspect claimed that he was gagged and his face was wrapped in Scotch tape.
The NHRCK, based on its basic investigation, viewed that it is highly likely that the torture occurred as blind spots of the CCTV
cameras were found in the office, and the victims maintained consistency in their statement on where the torture took place, the
name of the officers and types of the torture. The NHRCK further received accounts through interviews with 32 people who had
been transferred to a detention center after questioning at the police station from August 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.
The respondents (police) denied the allegations of physical abuse or harsh treatment during the interrogation, while admitting yelling
at the suspects not to tell lies and twisting their arms to cuff them.
The NHRCK conducted complete enumeration on the victims, which focused on the possibility of conspiracy among the suspects.
The investigation found that the police officers tortured the suspects in a vehicle transporting them to the police station. In addition,
the suspects were tortured during an investigation on theft charges, with the goal of extracting confessions about accomplices and
other crimes.
The NHRCK also obtained work logs for protection officers at the time the suspects were brought into the detention center, as well
as other evidence of torture through medical supply registers.
The NHRCK viewed that torture took place in the vehicle and the blind spot of the police office during the investigation based on
the investigation result.
Therefore, the Commission referred the five police officers to the prosecution, accusing them of having illegally tortured suspects
by employing inhumane methods to coerce confessions from them, and recommended the National Police Agency conduct a
full-scale investigation into the police station in order to set up appropriate disciplinary actions and preventive measures.
Click here to read more »
[2010-07-01]
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) viewed that acts of torture took place at a Seoul police station against
suspects and thus requested the prosecution to investigate into the five police officers for their alleged involvement in torture, and
recommended the National Police Agency conduct a full-scale investigation into the police station and set up preventive measures.
Mr. Lee (45) filed a complaint to the NHRCK against the police station in May, insisting that he was tortured into confessing his
crime. The suspect claimed that he was gagged and his face was wrapped in Scotch tape.
The NHRCK, based on its basic investigation, viewed that it is highly likely that the torture occurred as blind spots of the CCTV
cameras were found in the office, and the victims maintained consistency in their statement on where the torture took place, the
name of the officers and types of the torture. The NHRCK further received accounts through interviews with 32 people who had
been transferred to a detention center after questioning at the police station from August 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.
The respondents (police) denied the allegations of physical abuse or harsh treatment during the interrogation, while admitting yelling
at the suspects not to tell lies and twisting their arms to cuff them.
The NHRCK conducted complete enumeration on the victims, which focused on the possibility of conspiracy among the suspects.
The investigation found that the police officers tortured the suspects in a vehicle transporting them to the police station. In addition,
the suspects were tortured during an investigation on theft charges, with the goal of extracting confessions about accomplices and
other crimes.
The NHRCK also obtained work logs for protection officers at the time the suspects were brought into the detention center, as well
as other evidence of torture through medical supply registers.
The NHRCK viewed that torture took place in the vehicle and the blind spot of the police office during the investigation based on
the investigation result.
Therefore, the Commission referred the five police officers to the prosecution, accusing them of having illegally tortured suspects
by employing inhumane methods to coerce confessions from them, and recommended the National Police Agency conduct a
full-scale investigation into the police station in order to set up appropriate disciplinary actions and preventive measures.
Click here to read more »
ACRC recommends improvements on turnkey and alternative tender
2010-07-06
he ACRC hosted an open forum on 25 March to identify effective ways to prevent corruption
and budget waste in the process of inviting turnkey and alternative tenders.
Public organizations, which intend to place a construction order on a turkey basis, will be required to specify the requirements and
criteria for placing such an order. Those organizations that outsource a turnkey construction project will also be obliged to have
their performance evaluated by the competent authorities.
In a bid to put the brakes on reckless invitation of turnkey or alternative tenders for construction work, the Anti-Corruption and
Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of Korea recommended these measures to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs
and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance on 26 April.
According to the recommendations prepared by the ACRC, the enforcement decree of the Act on Contracts to Which the State is a
Party will be amended so that a contract can be awarded by a "lowest price technically acceptable process."
So far, a large majority of the public organizations placing construction orders have selected successful bidders by giving
excessively higher weighed values to design than price. Such a method has long been criticized for a waste of budget since it stifles
competition in price and results in an increase in the bid price.
For the purpose of preventing malpractices in tender evaluation and bid-rigging, the Commission also recommended that the criteria
for examining bidding methods should be revised to set forth specific requirements and criteria for conducting turnkey construction
projects.
Some public organizations, even when they have sufficient capacity for design and engineering, have put construction work out to
a turnkey or alternative tender, raising concerns about budget waste. To avert such a problem, the ACRC recommended
strengthening the accountability of the ordering party by introducing a performance evaluation and management system.
"The recommended improvements are expected to control imprudent ordering of turnkey projects and to remove the possibility of
budget waste," an official at the ACRC said.
Click here to read more »
2010-07-06
he ACRC hosted an open forum on 25 March to identify effective ways to prevent corruption
and budget waste in the process of inviting turnkey and alternative tenders.
Public organizations, which intend to place a construction order on a turkey basis, will be required to specify the requirements and
criteria for placing such an order. Those organizations that outsource a turnkey construction project will also be obliged to have
their performance evaluated by the competent authorities.
In a bid to put the brakes on reckless invitation of turnkey or alternative tenders for construction work, the Anti-Corruption and
Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of Korea recommended these measures to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs
and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance on 26 April.
According to the recommendations prepared by the ACRC, the enforcement decree of the Act on Contracts to Which the State is a
Party will be amended so that a contract can be awarded by a "lowest price technically acceptable process."
So far, a large majority of the public organizations placing construction orders have selected successful bidders by giving
excessively higher weighed values to design than price. Such a method has long been criticized for a waste of budget since it stifles
competition in price and results in an increase in the bid price.
For the purpose of preventing malpractices in tender evaluation and bid-rigging, the Commission also recommended that the criteria
for examining bidding methods should be revised to set forth specific requirements and criteria for conducting turnkey construction
projects.
Some public organizations, even when they have sufficient capacity for design and engineering, have put construction work out to
a turnkey or alternative tender, raising concerns about budget waste. To avert such a problem, the ACRC recommended
strengthening the accountability of the ordering party by introducing a performance evaluation and management system.
"The recommended improvements are expected to control imprudent ordering of turnkey projects and to remove the possibility of
budget waste," an official at the ACRC said.
Click here to read more »
Kim Tae-ho
Prime Minister since 09 August 2010
Prime Minister since 09 August 2010
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
Lee Jae-oh
Deputy Prime Minister
since 09 August 2010
Deputy Prime Minister
since 09 August 2010
Lee Ju-ho
Deputy Prime Minister
since 09 August 2010
Deputy Prime Minister
since 09 August 2010
Shin Jae-min
Deputy Prime Minister
since 09 August 2010
Deputy Prime Minister
since 09 August 2010
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
