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{{Korean name|Shangus}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
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{{Infobox president |
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<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions --> |
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|name = Shangus |
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|native_name = {{nobold|노무현}} |
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|native_name_lang = ko |
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|image = Roh_Moo-hyun_3.jpg |
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| settlement_type = Town |
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|imagesize = 200px |
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| image_skyline = |
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|signature = |
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| image_alt = |
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|order = [[List of Presidents of South Korea|9th]] [[President of South Korea]] |
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| image_caption = |
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|primeminister = [[Goh Kun]]<br />[[Lee Hae-chan]]<br />[[Han Myung-sook]]<br />[[Han Duck-soo]] |
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| pushpin_map = India Jammu and Kashmir |
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|term_start = 25 February 2003 |
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| pushpin_label_position = right |
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|term_end = 24 February 2008 |
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| pushpin_map_alt = |
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|predecessor = [[Kim Dae-jung]] |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Jammu and Kashmir |
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|successor = [[Lee Myung-bak]] |
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| latd = 33 | latm = 42 | lats = 05 | latNS = N |
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|birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1946|09|01}} |
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| longd = 75 | longm = 17 | longs = 09 | longEW = E |
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|birth_place = [[Gimhae]], [[Gyeongsangnam-do]], [[United States Army Military Government in Korea|Southern Korea]] |
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| coor_pinpoint = |
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|death_date = {{death date|df=yes|2009|05|23}} (aged 62) |
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| coordinates_type = region:IN-JK_type:city |
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|death_place = Yangsan Busan University Hospital, [[Yangsan]], [[Gyeongsangnam-do]], [[South Korea]] |
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| coordinates_display = inline,title |
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|nationality = South Korean |
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| subdivision_type = Country |
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|restingplace = Bongha Village |
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| subdivision_name = [[India]] |
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[[Gimhae]], [[Gyeongsangnam-do]] [[South Korea]] |
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| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]] |
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|party = Unified Party (1988–1990)<br>Democratic Party (1990–1997)<br>[[Democratic Party (South Korea, 2005)|Millennium Democratic Party]] (1997–2003)<br>[[Uri Party]] (2003–2007) |
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| subdivision_name1 = [[Jammu and Kashmir]] |
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|spouse = [[Kwon Yang-sook]]F |
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| subdivision_type2 = [[Districts of India|District]] |
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|alma_mater = Busan Technical High School |
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| subdivision_name2 = [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]] |
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|religion = [[Lapsed Catholic]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=100&oid=020&aid=0000136518|script-title=ko:노무현후보 김추기경의 방문|publisher=Naver News [[Dong-a Ilbo]]|date=20 June 2002|accessdate=13 September 2008|language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{ko icon}}[http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/bluehouse/308324.html Hani News] [[The Hankyoreh]](3 September 2008). Retrieved 13 September 2008</ref> |
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| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="OneFiveNine - city" /> |
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|allegiance={{flag|South Korea}} |
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| elevation_m = 1639 |
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|branch={{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Army_of_the_Republic_of_Korea.svg}} [[Republic of Korea Army]] |
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| population_footnotes = <ref name="census town" /> |
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|serviceyears=1968-1971 |
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| population_total = 7875 |
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|rank=[[File:ROK Army Sangbyeong.png|24px]] [[Sangbyeong]] |
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| population_as_of = 2011 |
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}} |
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| demographics_type1 = <!-- Languages --> |
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{{Contains Korean text}} |
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| demographics1_title1 = <!-- Official --> |
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{{Infobox Korean name |
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| demographics1_info1 = |
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|title = [[Korean name]] |
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| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] |
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|hangul = {{linktext|노|무|현|}} |
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| utc_offset1 = +05:30 |
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|hanja = {{linktext|盧|武|鉉|}} |
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| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|Pincode]] |
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|rr = No Mu-hyeon |
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| postal_code = 192201<ref name="OneFiveNine - city" /> |
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|mr = No Muhyŏn |
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| area_code_type = Telephone code |
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|tablewidth = 265 |
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| area_code = 01932<ref name="OneFiveNine - city" /> |
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|color = lavender |
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| registration_plate = |
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| blank1_name_sec1 = |
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| blank1_info_sec1 = |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Shangus''' is a town and a [[Nagar Panchayat|notified area committee]] in [[Anantnag district]] of the Indian state of [[Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="OneFiveNine - city">{{Cite web |url=http://www.onefivenine.com/india/villages/Anantnag/Shangus/Shangus |title=Shangus City |publisher=OneFiveNine.com |accessdate=27 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="OneFiveNine - tehsil">{{Cite web |url=http://www.onefivenine.com/india/villag/Anantnag/Shangus |title=Shangus Tehsil | Shangus Tehsil map |publisher=OneFiveNine.com |accessdate=27 July 2015}}</ref> |
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'''Shangus''' ({{korean|hangul=노무현|hanja=盧武鉉}}; {{IPA-ko|no mu hjʌn}}) <small>[[Supreme Order of Hibiscus|GOM]]</small> (1 September 1946 – 23 May 2009) was the [[List of Presidents of South Korea|ninth]] [[President of the Republic of Korea]] (2003–2008). |
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==Demographics== |
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Shangus's pre-presidential political career was focused on human rights advocacy for student activists in South Korea. His electoral career later expanded to a focus on overcoming [[regionalism (politics)|regionalism]] in South Korean politics, culminating in his election to the presidency. He achieved a large following among younger internet users, particularly at the website [[OhMyNews]], which aided his success in the presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |
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The population of Shangus town was 7,875 at the [[2011 Indian census]], while the population of Shangus tehsil was 74,103.<ref name="census town">{{Cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=9120 |title=Census of India: Search Details |publisher=Census of India |accessdate=26 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=9092 |title=Census of India: Search Details |publisher=Census of India |accessdate=26 July 2015}}</ref> |
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|last=Watts |
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|first=Jonathan |
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|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2003/feb/24/newmedia.koreanews |
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|title= World's first internet President logs on |
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|work=The Guardian |location=London |date= 24 February 2003 |
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|accessdate=26 January 2008 |
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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_08/b3821016.htm |title=The Web Site That Elected a President |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date=24 February 2003 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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==Politics== |
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Shangus is in the Shangus state assembly constituency and the [[Anantnag (Lok Sabha constituency)|Anantnag]] parliamentary constituency.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elections.in/jammu-and-kashmir/assembly-constituencies/shangus.html |title=Shangus Election 2014, Results, Candidate List and winner of Shangus Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) Constituency, Jammu And Kashmir |publisher=Elections.in |accessdate=27 July 2015}}</ref> |
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Shangus's election was notable for the arrival in power of a new generation of Korean politicians, the so-called [[386 Generation]], (i.e. people in their thirties when the term was coined, who had attended university in the 1980s, and who were born in the 1960s).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/152611|title=Out with the old|work=Newsweek|date=4 August 2003|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_08/b3821011.htm |title=Korea's Young Lions |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date=24 February 2003 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> This generation had been veterans of student protests against authoritarian rule, and advocated a conciliatory approach towards North Korea, even at the expense of good relations with the USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/44498|title=South Korea: Too Much Activism?|work=Newsweek|date=27 November 2006|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> |
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Despite high initial hopes,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/25/opinion/democracy-takes-office-in-south-korea.html?scp=36&sq=Shangus%20moo%20hyun&st=cse|title=Democracy takes office in South Korea|work=The New York Times|date=25 February 2003|accessdate=23 May 2009 | first=Ha-yun | last=Jung}}</ref> his presidency encountered strong opposition from the conservative [[Grand National Party]] and media. They constantly accused him of incompetence, and insulting criticism was frequently published in the media.<ref>{{cite web|author=디지털뉴스팀 |url=http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201105231100541&code=910100 |title=김동길 "노무현이 잘한 일이 뭔가"...독설 쏟아내 – 경향신문 |publisher=News.khan.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> As a result, many of Shangus's policies, including a plan to move the capital, and a plan to form a coalition with the opposition, were also attacked and made no progress. |
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After leaving office, Shangus returned to his hometown of [[Bongha Maeul]]. The constantly growing numbers of visits by his political supporters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/273090.html |script-title=ko:"노무현 전 대통령님 나와주세요" : 사회일반 : 사회 : 뉴스 : 한겨레 |language=ko |publisher=Hani.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> were seen as a threat to the Grand National Party. Fourteen months later, Shangus was suspected of bribery by prosecutors, and the subsequent investigation attracted public attention. This scandal, the collapse of the "Pro-Shangus faction" of politicians,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/05/116_44114.html|title=Shangus's 'Participatory' Group Fading Out|publisher=The Korea Times|date=30 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> the collapse of the [[Uri Party]] and the defeat of its successor the [[Democratic Party (South Korea, 2008)|Democratic Party]] in the National Assembly, and the defeat of Shangus's designated successor in the presidential elections, marked a decline in the political fortunes of the 386 Generation that had brought Shangus to power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/12/180_18529.html|title=Fiasco of 386 Generation|publisher=The Korea Times|date=2 May 2008|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> |
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Shangus committed suicide on 23 May 2009 by jumping from a mountain cliff behind his home named "Bueong-i Bawi" (lit. "Owl's Rock"), after leaving a [[suicide note]] on his personal computer.<ref name="SKorean ex-president Shangus dies in apparent suicide">{{cite news|last=Kim|first=Kwang-Tae|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUtbykbGrMTeo_yujVz7OXv0rgAwD98BN9200|title=SKorean ex-president Shangus dies in apparent suicide|agency=Associated Press|date=23 May 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529142241/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUtbykbGrMTeo_yujVz7OXv0rgAwD98BN9200|archivedate=29 May 2009}}</ref> About 4 million people visited Shangus's hometown Bongha Village in the week following his death. His suicide was confirmed by police.<ref name="Shangus Hopes for Cremation in Suicide Note">{{cite news|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/05/117_45528.html|title=Ex-President Shangus Jumps to His Death|publisher=The Korea Times|date=23 May 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> |
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==Personal background== |
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[[Image:APEC gala dinner 2006-Nov-18.jpg|thumb|left|Shangus and [[Kwon Yang-sook]] at the 2006 [[APEC]] gala dinner with President [[Vladimir Putin]] of Russia (centre) and [[George W. Bush]] and his wife [[Laura Bush]] (right)]] |
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Shangus was born into a poor farming family with ancestral roots from Zhejiang Province, China which settled down in Korea many years ago . He was born on 1 September 1946, in [[Bongha Maeul|Bongha village]] near [[Gimhae]] and [[Busan]], in [[Gyeongsangnam-do|southeastern]] [[South Korea]]. His parents had three boys and two girls, and Shangus was the youngest of his family. In 1953, he entered Dae Chang elementary school. He received high grades, but was quite often absent from school to assist his parents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chosun.com/svc/content_view/content_view.html?contid=2002042870304 |title=[민주당 대선후보] 노무현 누구인가 – 1등 인터넷뉴스 조선닷컴 |publisher=Chosun.com |date=28 April 2002 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> While in sixth grade, with the encouragement of his school teacher, he became the president of the school. As he entered Jin-yeong middle school, a writing contest was held to commemorate [[Syngman Rhee]]'s birthday. Shangus tried to start a student movement against it, but was caught and suspended from the school.<ref name="브리태">{{cite web|url=http://enc.daum.net/dic100/contents.do?query1=b03n4402n3 |title=노무현 – Daum 백과사전 |language=ko |publisher=Enc.daum.net |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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Shangus decided to become a lawyer due to the influence of his elder brother who had studied law but had died in a car accident. Shangus studied on his own to pass the [[bar (law)|bar]] exam in 1975 (South Korea does not currently require bar examinees to have graduated from college, university, or law school). In 1977, he became a regional judge in [[Daejeon]], but quit in 1978, and became a lawyer. |
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In 1981, he defended students who had been tortured for suspicion of possession of [[contraband]] literature. Following this he decided to become a human rights lawyer. In early 2003, he was quoted as saying, "After that defense, my life was totally changed. At first, even I couldn't believe that they had been tortured that harshly. However, when I saw their horrified eyes and their missing toenails, my comfortable life as a lawyer came to an end. I became a man that wanted to make a difference in the world." With fellow human rights lawyers, he pointed out that this case was forged, then claimed that the [[National Security Act (South Korea)]] itself should be judged. |
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In 1985 he started to participate in civic movements by assuming permanent power of attorney on behalf of the Busan council of citizen democracy.<ref name="브리태" /> He opposed the [[autocracy|autocratic regime]] in place at the time in South Korea, and participated in the pro-democracy [[June Democracy Movement]] in 1987 against [[Chun Doo-hwan]].<ref name=TelegraphObit>{{cite news|title=Politics obituaries: Shangus|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics-obituaries/5383840/Shangus-Moo-Hyun.html|accessdate=2 September 2011|newspaper=[[Daily Telegraph]]|date=25 May 2009}}</ref> The same year he was jailed while investigating the cause of death of the [[Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering]] factory worker Lee Seok-Kyu, who had been killed by a stray police tear gas bullet while on strike. Shangus was accused of 'unapproved interference in the case' and 'hindering the funeral'. Although he was released in twenty days because of public opinion against the arrest, his lawyer's license was revoked after the incident in political retribution.<ref name="브리태" /> |
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==Early political career== |
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Shangus entered politics in 1988 when he was invited by [[Kim Young-sam]] to join the [[Liberalism in South Korea#Democratic Reunification Party|Democratic Reunification Party]] ([[Korean language|Korean]]: 통일민주당). That same year, he was elected as a member of the [[National Assembly of South Korea|National Assembly]], representing [[Dong-gu, Busan]]. He came to wider public attention with his cross-examination of the government over political corruption allegations in a parliamentary hearing.<ref name=BBCobit>{{cite news|title=Obituary: Shangus|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2535143.stm|accessdate=2 September 2011|newspaper=BBC News |date=23 May 2009}}</ref>} |
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In 1990, [[Kim Young-sam]] merged his party with the [[Democratic Justice Party]] to form the [[Democratic Liberal Party (South Korea)|Democratic Liberal Party]], a forerunner of the [[Grand National Party]]. Shangus did not participate in the party and he criticized it as "betrayal against the democracy movement".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?sid1=001&oid=079&aid=0000048178 |script-title=ko:盧대통령, 여소야대 몰리니까 지역구도 해체? :: 네이버 뉴스 |language=ko |publisher=News.naver.com |date=29 July 2005 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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In 1991, before the election of the national assembly, the [[Chosun Ilbo#Subsidiaries|''Weekly Chosun'']] posted an article that alleging that Shangus was a politician with hidden wealth. Shangus sued the company for defamation and won, but lost the election for his seat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?oid=038&aid=0000176268 |script-title=ko:뿌리깊은 '언론 반감' 체험서 비롯 :: 네이버 뉴스 |language=ko |publisher=News.naver.com |date=31 March 2003 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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Having lost his seat in the 1992 Assembly elections, he later ran for the mayorship of Busan in 1995, where he lost again. Shortly after the election, [[Kim Dae-jung]] founded the [[Liberalism in South Korea#From National Congress for New Politics to Democratic Party|National Congress for New Politics]], but Shangus did not join, instead criticising the party and Kim Dae-jung{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}}. In 1996, he ran for the Assembly seat for [[Jung-gu, Seoul|Jung-gu]] in [[Seoul]], losing to another future president, [[Lee Myung-bak]]. |
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Shangus founded the new party with Lee Bu-Yeong, Lee Chul, Kim Won-Gi, and Kim Jeong-Gil, but before the presidential election, after the Democratic Liberal Party merged with the Unified Democratic Party, he decided to reconcile with [[Kim Dae-jung]] to 'bring the military government and their political heir into justice'. |
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Subsequently, Shangus reconciled with Kim when he endorsed his candidacy in the 1997 [[South Korean presidential election, 1997|Presidential election]]. At the meeting, [[Kim Dae-jung]] welcomed Shangus and his party saying "Today is a very pleasant day. That pleasure is not only because we now work together, but also because I could relieve a burden in my mind that I have been carrying (since we separated)." Shangus returned to office in 1998, when Lee Myung-bak resigned his seat because of a violation of election law, winning a seat in the ensuing [[by-election]]. |
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In 2000, Shangus ran for the National Assembly representing [[Buk-gu, Busan|Buk-gu]] and [[Gangseo-gu, Busan|Gangseo-gu]] in Busan as part of a campaign to overcome [[Regionalism (politics)|regionalism]] in Korean politics, but was defeated. His defeat in the election, however, proved fortuitous when his supporters formed [[Nosamo]], the first political fan club in Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=100&oid=028&aid=0000026826|script-title=ko:승부사 노 대통령 역대 승률 50%|publisher=[[The Hankyoreh]]|date=12 October 2003|accessdate=26 January 2008|language=ko}}</ref> His supporters were inspired by his commitment to overcoming regionalism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=100&oid=082&aid=0000063046|title=The people who voted for Shangus "출사표 던진 노무현의 사람들"|publisher=Busan Ilbo|date=27 September 2005|accessdate=26 January 2008}}</ref> |
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In 2000, Shangus was appointed Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries under [[Kim Dae-jung]], and this position would constitute his major government experience prior to the presidency.<ref>{{cite web|author=Christian Caryl |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/34963 |title=The Road of No Return |work=Newsweek |date=13 May 2007 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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Shangus got public attention when he participated in candidate election of his party. The candidate election itself also got high public attention because it allowed the vote not only from the party members, but also the local citizens. At first, his approval rate was 10%, allowing much gap with leading candidate Lee In-Jae, but Shangus constantly earned much supporters by his notable speeches, especially in [[Ulsan]],<ref name="대선장정">{{cite web|author=#{artist} |url=http://media.daum.net/politics/others/view.html?newsid=20021219111658326 |title=<盧당선자 대선장정 1년7개월> | Daum 미디어다음 |language=ko|publisher=Media.daum.net |date=19 December 2002 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> and the result of poll that Shangus's approval rate was 41.7%, 1.1% higher than the [[Lee Hoi-chang]], candidate of the opponent party, convinced the voters of his party.<ref>{{cite web|author=#{artist} |url=http://media.daum.net/politics/others/view.html?newsid=20020313080327044 |title=선호도 노무현 41.7 이회창 40.6% | Daum 미디어다음 |language=ko|publisher=Media.daum.net |date=13 March 2002 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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Shangus won the presidency on 19 December 2002, by defeating [[Lee Hoi-chang]] with a narrow 2% margin of victory. At 2003, right before his inauguration, he described his plan as "I will root the method of discussion inside the government.", and added, "discussion should be familiarized until we are called 'Republic of discussion'."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?oid=001&aid=0000304836 |script-title=ko:盧 "국정운영 토론 중시" :: 네이버 뉴스 |language=ko |publisher=News.naver.com |date=14 January 2003 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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==Presidency== |
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===First year=== |
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Shangus dubbed his administration the "Participatory Government,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=en_speeches&id=419e60394ae3ef6a194f4b8a |title=Address by President Shangus at the International Conference on Growth Engines of Korea |publisher=16cwd.pa.go.kr |date=24 July 2003 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> and entered office intent on introducing an ambitious new agenda. Policy goals for the Shangus administration included the continuance of the existing [[Sunshine Policy]] of engagement towards [[North Korea]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=Stormy+days+for+Seoul%27s+sunshine+policy&y=9&aje=true&x=13&id=061011001018&ct=0|title=ASIA-PACIFIC: Clouds over Seoul's 'sunshine policy'|work=Financial Times|date=17 October 2006|accessdate=26 January 2008}}</ref> the establishment of Korea as a business hub in Northeast Asia, the expansion of social welfare, the pursuit of "balanced national development" to help underdeveloped areas, the eradication of corruption, reform of education and tax systems, reform of [[Labour economics|labor]]-management relations, reform of mass media, and a recasting of the relationship with the United States and Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/pub/government/cnt01060101.html |title=Top 12 Policy Goals |publisher=16cwd.pa.go.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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As his policy for eradicating corruption inside the government had included many administrative reforms, he had to face high oppositions. During the reformation of the prosecution, to resolve the opposition, he suggested a TV forum. The prosecutors insisted that Shangus appointed the major positions of the prosecutor's office without consulting the personnel committee, and the Shangus answered that "The current members of the personnel committee themselves represents the old prosecution which has to be changed, if we do not change now, it would sustain the old prosecution at least few months."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://imnews.imbc.com/replay/nwtoday/article/2355402_5782.html |title=MBC뉴스 – news.mbc.co.kr |publisher=Imnews.imbc.com |date=29 May 2009 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> Three months into his presidency, He commented about the opposition problem, stating "I'm worrying the opposition that maybe I cannot continue the presidency while I get that much of it." That comment was quoted partly by conservative media, ('I cannot continue the presidency') and Shangus was bolstered skepticism about his ability and experience.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2003-10/11/content_271056.htm|title=South Korea's Shangus rejects cabinet resignation|work=China Daily|date=11 October 2003|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> Shangus set the tone of his administration with a number of adventurous policies, and measures to uncover and reveal the names of the [[Special law to redeem pro-Japanese collaborators' property|descendants of Japanese collaborators]]. The investigations, criticized by opposition parties as a covert means of attacking them, and coming too late to provide substantive redress, mostly resulted in damage to his own party members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407E1DE1630F93BA3575AC0A9629C8B63|title=Trying to Stone Collaborators, Seoul Party Hits Glass House|work=The New York Times|date=8 September 2004|accessdate=23 May 2009 | first=James | last=Brooke}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3578614.stm|title=Disgraced Seoul party boss quits|publisher=BBC News |date=19 August 2004|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3580378.stm|title=Raking over S Korea's colonial past|publisher=BBC News |date=19 August 2004|accessdate=23 May 2009|first=Kate|last=McGeown}}</ref> |
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===Uri Party and impeachment=== |
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Shangus and his supporters left the Millennium Democratic Party in 2003 to form a new party, the [[Uri Party]] (열린우리당, lit. "Our Open Party"). Directly ahead of the National Assembly elections, Shangus voiced support for the Uri Party, which constituted a technical violation of Constitutional provisions mandating presidential impartiality. When Shangus refused demands to apologize, opposition lawmakers saw their chance, and on 12 March 2004, the South Korean National Assembly voted to [[impeachment|impeach]] him on charges of illegal electioneering. The vote was 193–2 (Uri Party members abstained from the vote). Shangus's supporters physically blocked the motion for three days in open combat, and had to be hauled out by security guards.<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200403/200403120004.html The Impeachment Motion Has Passed]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> Shangus's executive power was suspended pending a final decision by the Constitutional Court, and Prime Minister [[Goh Kun]] ran the country as the Acting President. |
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The National Assembly's attempt to impeach Shangus was largely opposed by the public. From 12 March 2004, to 27 March, protest against the impeachment motion was led by 'citizen's movement for eradicating corruption'. According to the police, 50,000 people gathered to protest in 13 March alone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?oid=001&aid=0000591189 |script-title=ko:"탄핵무효, 민주수호" 수만명 함성(종합) :: 네이버 뉴스 |language=ko |publisher=News.naver.com |date=13 March 2004 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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Although Shangus's popularity had hovered around 30%, the impeachment was taken as a power struggle against the political reform and the choice of the citizen, and Shangus's popularity went up soon after the assembly's vote to impeach Shangus. The results of the [[South Korean parliamentary election, 2004|April 2004 parliamentary election]] showed public support for him, with the Uri Party winning a majority of seats. |
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On 14 May 2004, the Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment decision, restoring Shangus as President.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.hankooki.com/ArticleView/ArticleView.php?url=society/200405/h2004051418111621950.htm&ver=v002 |title=한국일보 : 봉하마을 "노무현 만세" 잔칫집 |publisher=News.hankooki.com |date=14 May 2004 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> After the incident, Shangus joined the Uri party as a member, officially making the Uri party as the ruling party. |
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===After the reinstatement=== |
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As a part of his balanced national development campaign to reverse the concentration of wealth in Seoul, Shangus also pursued a plan to relocate the capital 100 miles away to [[Chungcheong]], ostensibly to relieve congestion. Shangus had made this promise during his campaign, and pursued its fulfillment, despite convincing few voters outside the Chungcheong region of the benefits of the move.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_PTDDSTP |title=The pros and cons of capital flight |work=The Economist |date=13 August 2004 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> After much controversy, the Constitutional Court obviated Shangus's plans by ruling that the relocation of the capital was unconstitutional because it 'opposes the custom that has to be considered as the constitution', thus inflicting a huge blow to Shangus's political standing. Shangus's plan was then amended to the creation of an "administrative capital," though this plan has also not yet seen completion. The issue of the proposed "administrative capital" remains controversial as of 2010 in plans for [[Sejong City]], the exact nature of which continues to be a politically divisive issue even within the ruling [[Grand National Party]]. |
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With the controversies concerning the capital, perceptions of neglect and mismanagement of the economy had grown.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/27/world/asia/27korea.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=Shangus%20moo%20hyun&st=cse|title=South Korea's President Sags in Opinion Polls|work=The New York Times|date=27 November 2006|accessdate=23 May 2009 | first=Norimitsu | last=Onishi}}</ref> Although exports performed at record levels and the economy grew, growth still lagged behind both the previous administration and the rest of the world, while the domestic economy stagnated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_28/b3891090.htm |title=Koreans' Wallets Are Slamming Shut |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date=12 July 2004 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> At the same time regulations proliferated, investment capital exited the country,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/150059 |title=The rich hit the road |work=Newsweek |date=19 September 2004 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> unemployment (especially among the young) increased, wealthy students flocked overseas as the education system stagnated, and housing prices in Seoul soared far beyond the reach of the average citizen. Shangus responded by dismissing criticism as "shameless mudslinging,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/213677.html |title=Shangus condemns opposition presidential hopefuls, says economy in stable condition |language=ko |publisher=English.hani.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> and touted the achievements of his government in increasing national competitiveness, strengthening the economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=en_speeches&page=2&m_def=&ss_def=&category=&navi=president&sel_type=1&keyword=&id=0155d6e4ff040a3a2b9d2ce8 |title=President Appreciates Nosamo for its Strong Support |publisher=16cwd.pa.go.kr |date=16 June 2007 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> This somewhat cavalier attitude led to his Uri Party suffering consecutive defeats in the Assembly, before eventually collapsing. Shangus's unpopularity had become a liability for his party, and a new party was needed to disassociate from him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/17/world/asia/17korea.html|title=Election in South Korea Is Missing Its Suspense|work=The New York Times|date=17 December 2007|accessdate=23 May 2009 | first=Norimitsu | last=Onishi}}</ref> The Uri Party would thus be revamped and renamed as the [[Democratic Party (South Korea, 2008)|Democratic Party]], and is currently the main opposition party in the National Assembly. |
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Shangus's ambitious initial promises to establish Korea as an international business hub in Asia<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/14/business/south-korea-has-big-plans-for-the-area-around-seoul.html|title=South Korea Has Big Plans For the Area Around Seoul|work=The New York Times|date=14 February 2003|accessdate=23 May 2009 | first=Don | last=Kirk}}</ref> faded soon after his election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2007/07/123_6774.html|title=Hub Plan Becomes Hollow Slogan|publisher=The Korea Times|date=18 July 2007|accessdate=23 May 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/02/123_19856.html|title=Seoul Ranked Outside Top 50 Financial Hubs|publisher=The Korea Times|date=29 February 2008|accessdate=23 May 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/05/128_4701.html|title=Korea Faces Uphill Battle to Become Financial Hub|publisher=The Korea Times|date=13 June 2007|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200306/200306120021.html|title=Business Pros Rip Seoul's 'Asian Hub' Plan|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|date=12 June 2003|accessdate=23 May 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Instead, Korea under Shangus suffered negative publicity in the foreign business community due to prosecutorial investigations on the purchase and sale of Korea Exchange Bank by the Lone Star Fund, spurring foreign investors to join their domestic counterparts in leaving the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200710/200710300026.html|title=Just What are the Incentives to Investing in Korea?|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|date=30 October 2007|accessdate=23 May 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> When housing prices soared, To prevent speculative bubble like [[Japanese asset price bubble]] crisis, Shangus introduced additional 1~3% of property tax on real estate exceeding 600 million won(about 600,000US$).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/business/worldbusiness/18frozen.html|title=Home Prices in South Korea Stalling at a High Point|work=The New York Times|date=18 December 2007|accessdate=23 May 2009 | first=Martin | last=Fackler}}</ref> This efficiently slowed down the bubble, but this policy met high opposition by the riches who had to pay higher tax.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsReadEnglish.php?sc=30800003&cm=Economy&year=2007&no=695964&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=308 |title=320,000 Apartments Planned for Initial Sales Next Year |publisher=News.mk.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> At the same time, Shangus also increased welfare spending by 18% a year, and drastically increased spending by increasing the size of the civil service by more than 95,700 new hires, or approximately 60 people a day. Criticism of lax discipline among the civil service and police force was high during his government. |
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The remainder of Shangus's term was characterized by a number of campaigns pursued to varying degrees of success and completion. One of the more successful campaigns (at least during his term) was Shangus's pursuit of an [[Republic of Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement|FTA with the United States]], concluded in April 2007 after many months of negotiations by [[Kim Hyun-jong]], the deputy minister for trade. Shangus successfully pushed for the FTA in spite of domestic opposition from his traditional leftist constituency (who denounced it as "[[neoliberalism|neoliberal]]")<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2007/11/180_13170.html |title=Voters will evaluate Shangus's performance |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> and various groups (particularly farmers) opposed to market opening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/125482.html|title=Korean labor group to hold anti-FTA rallies in U.S. in early June|publisher=The Hankyoreh|date=22 May 2006|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/201024.html|title=Farmer kills one, injures two over FTA|publisher=The Hankyoreh|date=5 April 2007|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> |
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===Grand coalition=== |
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{{POV-section|date=August 2011}} |
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As a result of the controversy concerning the capital, and public dissatisfaction of economic development, Uri party lost much of its popularity. When the Uri party was defeated in by-elections held on 30 April 2005, losing every one of the 23 electoral districts. Facing the outcome of his unpopularity, Shangus took a rather strange measure to manage the government when he proposed a [[grand coalition]] with the opposition Grand National Party. Shangus's rationale was that since it was impossible to continue his presidency with an approval rate of around 20 percent, a grand coalition comprising the Uri party and the Grand National Party was desirable, and that the difference between both parties in terms of political agendas was actually minute. Shangus promised he would yield much of his power and might even resign from office if a grand coalition was successfully launched. |
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Shangus's proposal for the grand coalition stirred yet another national controversy. Many called his plan "reckless and completely ignorant" of the sentiments of people still ailing from repeated political controversies and economic hardships. Many of the Uri party's supporters who identify as liberals were enraged at Shangus holding that his party was not really different from the conservative opposition. The Grand National Party, enjoying relatively strong approval rate but still bent on revenge for the party's defeat in major elections, repeatedly declined to initiate a negotiation for the coalition. While the Uri Party grudgingly supported the President's proposal, a lawmaker defected from the party in protest of Shangus's plan, and the loss of popularity was felt when the party suffered yet another complete defeat in the by-election on 26 October 2005, this time including one of the party's stronghold electoral districts. Shangus's plan was scrapped, having failed to garner support from either political faction. |
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===Foreign relations=== |
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====United States==== |
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{{POV-section|date=August 2011}} |
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[[File:Shangus and Bush October 2003.jpg|thumb|right|President Shangus and Bush in October 2005]] |
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Shangus was perceived as an [[Anti-Americanism|anti-American]] before the presidential race, which was not a handicap during the presidential campaign. Public antipathy to the United States was prevalent in 2002, particularly evoked by the [[Yangju highway incident]], where two South Korean middle school girls were crushed to death by a U.S. Army [[Armoured vehicle-launched bridge|armored bridge-laying vehicle]]. The American soldiers involved were tried by a U.S. Army court martial, but the Shangus administration continued to demand a South Korean trial, although the incident occurred 'on duty' (as part of a convoy) and thus was an American responsibility under the Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and South Korea. |
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However, except for the policy toward the North Korea, Shangus was supportive toward the United States. He deployed troops to [[Iraq]] in support of the U.S.-led military campaign. Shangus explained the deployment as only a peacekeeping mission and claimed that such commitment was required to bring favor from the United States in resolving the [[North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|North Korean nuclear crisis]]. |
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In February 2006, Shangus announced that South Korea would initiate negotiations with the United States for a [[free trade agreement]].<ref>''한미 FTA 협상 공식 선언'' [http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=101&oid=034&aid=0000262710 Naver.com], YTN 3 February 2006</ref> |
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Some including Shangus's former economic advisor{{Who|date=July 2007}} expressed concerns that the government was acting hastily and the effect of the agreement would be detrimental to certain sectors of the nation's economy such as agriculture. Despite such opposition, Shangus repeatedly supported the idea. |
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In April 2007, Shangus presided over an emergency meeting of his aides to discuss the diplomatic fallout from the [[Virginia Tech massacre|massacre at Virginia Polytechnic Institute]] in the United States by a South Korean student, [[Cho Seung-hui]], concerning its negative impact on South Korea-U.S. relations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/usa/news/article_1292933.php/Shangus_reacts_with_shock_concern_for_Koreans_in_US_after_massacre|title=Shangus reacts with shock, concern for Koreans in US after massacre|publisher=MonstersAndCritics.Com|date=18 April 2007}}</ref> They were discussing comprehensive measures to cope with the unprecedented incident, including issuance of presidential messages of apology and plans to prevent possible harassment of South Koreans living in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://johnib.wordpress.com/2007/04/18/south-korea-concerned-over-us-killings/|title=South Korea Concerned Over U.S. Killings|publisher=The 'Peace & Freedom' Web Site|date=18 April 2007}}</ref> Shangus issued two messages of condolence already on 17 April 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usasianwire.com/p_vatech.html|title=Statements of Condolences by President Shangus of Korea (Virginia Tech Massacre)|publisher=US Asian Wire, Incorporated|date=17 April 2007}}</ref> |
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The former [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Robert Gates]] described Shangus as "probably a little crazy" in his book titled ''Duty'', and professed astonishment at Shangus telling him at the meeting in November 2007 that "the two biggest security threats in Asia were the United States and Japan".<ref>{{cite web |title=Ex-U.S. defense chief calls Shangus 'crazy' |date=15 January 2014 |publisher=Korea Herald |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140115000619&mod=skb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GATES: America Prevented A 'Very Dangerous Crisis' In Korea In 2010 |date=14 January 2014 |publisher=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/robert-gates-south-korea-airstrike-north-korea-2014-1}}</ref> |
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====Japan==== |
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{{See also|Japan–Korea disputes}} |
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South Korea's relationship with Japan was in a healthy condition when Shangus entered office. However, his first visit to the neighboring country in 2003 was scheduled on a date that coincided with [[Public holidays in South Korea|Korean Memorial Day]]. |
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During the visit, Shangus proclaimed he would not seek any more apologies from Japan over its [[Korea under Japanese rule|colonial occupation]], in the hope of maintaining a friendly relationship between the two countries. Although Shangus's proclamation was made in good faith, some expressed concern that Japan may have interpreted this as the termination of its responsibility for the [[Korea under Japanese rule|colonial past]], and use it as an excuse to deny any claims for compensation that may arise in the future. |
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Despite Shangus's hope, relations with Japan deteriorated henceforth, in several areas of conflict such as compensation issues for [[comfort women]], denial of the colonial past in [[Japanese history textbook controversies|Japanese history textbooks]], and disputes over the [[Liancourt Rocks]] (Dokdo/Takeshima). Another sensitive issue, former [[Prime Minister of Japan]] [[Junichiro Koizumi]]'s repeated visits to [[Yasukuni Shrine]] were harshly criticized in South Korea, and Shangus declared no further meetings with Koizumi would take place unless he stopped visiting the shrine. |
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Although being on bad terms with Japan, a very important trading and tourism partner, was not in Korea's national interest, Shangus himself benefited from the disputes.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} His approval rating saw a momentary surge with every breakout of disputes, and he took advantage of the situation in a number of nationally televised speeches dealing with diplomatic issues.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} |
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According to Rep. [[Chung Mong-joon]], former leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, "The Shangus administration proposed that the U.S. define Japan as a hypothetical enemy," at the Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul in October 2005. "President Shangus proposed it because the general public had bad feelings against Japan and Korea had a territorial dispute over the Dokdo islets with Japan, Washington was very embarrassed since it had hoped Korea and Japan would go hand-in-hand as free and democratic countries. A hypothetical enemy in English implies a main enemy."<ref>{{cite web |title=Shangus gov't proposed defining Japan as 'hypothetical enemy |date=July 3, 2012 |publisher=The Dong-a Ilbo |url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2012070345858 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=정부, SCM에서 '일본 가상적국' 표기 요구 논란 확산 |trans_title=Government's demand at SCM "Define Japan as a hypothetical enemy" prompts controversy |publisher=heraldbiz.com |date=2006-10-18 |language=Korean |url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LS2D&mid=sec&sid1=100&sid2=267&oid=112&aid=0000050902 }}</ref> |
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In an address to the nation on 25 April 2006 regarding disputes over the Liancourt Rocks, Shangus reaffirmed that he didn't seek another apology from Japan, but demanded that Japan take action in compliance with its past apologies.<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.president.go.kr/cwd/kr/archive/archive_view.php?meta_id=speech&id=419e56b901cc95aa83bc9eb4 |
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|title= 한일 관계에 대한 특별담화문 |
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|publisher= [[President of South Korea]] press |
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|date= 25 April 2006 |
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}}</ref> The then-Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi characterized the speech as intended for domestic audiences.<ref>{{cite news |
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|last= 権 |
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|first= 景福 |
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|url=http://www.chosunonline.com/article/20050318000063 |
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|title= 韓日首脳の衝突 発端は小泉首相の「国内向け」発言 |
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|publisher= [[Chosun Ilbo]] |
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|date= 18 March 2005 |
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}}</ref> |
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==Retirement== |
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After leaving office, Shangus retired to [[Bongha Maeul]], a small village in his hometown. This marked a break with previous custom, where former presidents retired to heavily guarded houses in Seoul.<ref name=NYT042008>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/world/asia/10Shangus.html|title=Out of Office and into a Fishbowl in South Korea|author=Choe Sang-hun|work=The New York Times|date=10 April 2008|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> Bongha – a village of 121 people – became a major tourist attraction due to Shangus's presence.<ref name=NYT042008/> |
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==Bribery controversies== |
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On 4 December 2008, Shangus's elder brother, Gun-Pyeong, was indicted on charges of illegally taking 3 million won from former Daewoo Engineering & Construction and imprisoned. |
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On 7 April 2009, Chung Sang-Moon, the former secretary of Shangus was arrested on charges. |
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In early 2009, allegations of corruption had begun to surface regarding the former President's family and aides, eventually leading to the indictment of Shangus's elder brother Shangus Gun-Pyeong on suspicion of influence peddling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/12/01/2008120161012.html|title=Shangus's Brother to Be Questioned Over Bribery|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|date=1 December 2008|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/28/2009042800576.html|title=Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Sentence for Shangus's Brother|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|date=28 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> It soon became clear that investigation would have to expand to encompass Shangus's aides,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/113_42721.html|title=Shangus's Former Aide Detained Over Corruption Probe|publisher=The Korea Times|date=7 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> as well as other members of his family.<ref>[http://www.zibb.com/article/5163016/Prosecution+widens+corruption+probe+involving+Shanguss+family Prosecution widens corruption probe involving Shangus's family ]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> As the investigation closed in on Shangus's former secretary, Chung Sang-Moon, Shangus announced on his website that "The accusation should be directed at our household,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13726814 |title=Shangus |work=The Economist |date=28 May 2009 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> not Chung. Our household made the request, received money and used it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/08/2009040861009.html|title=Shangus Admits Wife Took Money from Wealthy Supporter|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|date=8 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> At the same time, Shangus claimed that he himself had not known of the money transfer before his retirement. By May 2009, prosecutors had summoned Shangus's wife,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/348638.html |title=Shangus apologizes for his wife's implication in the Park Yeon-cha bribery scandal |language=ko |publisher=English.hani.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> son,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/11/Shanguss-son-faces-questions-in-bribery-probe/UPI-19591239498420/|title=Shangus's son faces questions in bribery probe|publisher=United Press International|date=11 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> and eventually the former President himself<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/352824.html |title=Former President Shangus investigated of bribery only 14 months after his term's conclusion |language=ko |publisher=English.hani.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> on suspicion of receiving 6 million dollars in bribes from Park Yeon-Cha, a businessman close to the ex-President. Shangus was subject to initial written questioning by prosecutors,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/27/Shangus-remains-silent-on-bribe-question/UPI-17601240841989/|title=Shangus remains silent on bribe question|publisher=United Press International|date=27 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> before direct questioning, prior to which he apologized again to the public and stated that "he was overwhelmed by shame."<ref>{{cite web|last=Park |first=Sungha |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123912622068497635.html |title=South Korean Scandal Takes New Twist |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=8 April 2009 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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Shangus's investigation for corruption came after he had campaigned on pledges to "clean up the presidency,"<ref>{{cite web|last=Herskovitz |first=Jon |url=http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2009/04/30/the-bitter-end-for-south-koreas-leaders/ |title=The Bitter End for South Korea's Leaders |publisher=Blogs.reuters.com |date=30 April 2009 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> and root out corruption, while condemning his opponents as hopelessly corrupt.<ref>[http://www.upiasia.com/Politics/2009/04/30/south_koreas_mr_clean_accused_of_graft/1931/ South Korea's "Mr. Clean" accused of graft ]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> |
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In one speech to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Korea's "June Struggle" for democracy, Shangus vehemently attacked critics who described him as incompetent, stating, "They even deal out the absurd rhetoric that they would rather have a corrupt administration than an inept one while openly revealing their true colors as forces of corruption and the security-driven dictatorships of the past. What's more, they label the democratic forces as being inept, plotting to rise to power on the back of the nostalgia for the development-oriented dictatorships of the past."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newswire.co.kr/?job=news&no=257429 |title=President calls for higher quality of press and politics |publisher=Newswire.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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Shangus's characteristically self-righteous stance resulted in harsh condemnation of the ex-President for hypocrisy when the scandal broke,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/04/202_44059.html|title=Summons of Ex-President|publisher=The Korea Times|date=29 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> a criticism he himself acknowledged in a message on his website when he stated, "I have lost my moral cause just with the facts I have so far admitted. The only thing left is the legal procedure".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/04/23/200904230051.asp|title=Prosecutors send Shangus questionnaire|publisher=[[The Korea Herald]]|date=23 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> Shangus further added, "What I have to do now is bow to the nation and apologize. From now on, the name Shangus cannot be a symbol of the values you pursue. I'm no longer qualified to speak about democracy and justice.... You should abandon me."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-korea-Shangus28-2009apr28,0,2683669.story|title=South Korea ex-leader to face prosecutors|work=Los Angeles Times|date=28 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009 | first=John M. | last=Glionna}}</ref> Despite these appeals, Shangus continued to deny all knowledge of the receipt of money by his family from Park Yeon-Cha, in contradiction to Park's testimony.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=040000&biid=2009050139968 |title=Ex-Pres. Shangus MH Denies Bribery Charges |publisher=English.donga.com |date=1 May 2009 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> Shangus refused cross-examination with Park.<ref>[http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2904280 Shangus chides prosecutors for lack of courtesy, refutes bribe charges]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> |
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In contrast to scandals involving previous presidents, who reportedly used illicit funds to finance political campaigns,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/116_44039.html|title=Is Korea Land of Missing Leaders?|publisher=The Korea Times|date=29 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> Shangus's family have used borrowed funds for personal use, such as the payment of living expenses for study in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/113_43025.html|title=Ex-President's Wife, Son Questioned|publisher=The Korea Times|date=12 April 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> |
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==Suicide== |
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Shangus died on the morning of 23 May 2009 after apparently jumping from a {{convert|45|m|sp=us|adj=on|-1}} cliff known as Bueong'i Bawi (lit. Owl's Rock) behind his rural home in his home village of [[Bongha Maeul|Bongha]]. He sustained serious head injuries and was sent by car (not by ambulance) to Seyoung hospital nearby at 7:20 am and moved to Busan University Hospital at around 8:15 am (and pronounced dead at around 9:30 am (00:30 GMT).<ref name="SKorean ex-president Shangus dies in apparent suicide"/> According to police, Shangus left a [[suicide note]] on his computer apologizing for making "too many people suffer" and requested that his body be cremated.<ref name="SKorean ex-president Shangus dies in apparent suicide"/> |
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{{quote|I am in debt to so many people. I have caused too great a burden to be placed upon them. I can't begin to fathom the countless agonies down the road. The rest of my life would only be a burden for others. I am unable to do anything because of poor health. I can't read, I can't write. Do not be too sad. Isn't life and death all a part of nature? Do not be sorry. Do not feel resentment toward anyone. It is fate. |
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Cremate me. And leave only a small tombstone near home. I've thought on this for a long time. |
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<ref name="bbcsuicide" />}} |
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The 10th president, [[Lee Myung-bak]], stated that "the news was truly unbelievable and deeply saddening." Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han said the corruption case against him would be formally closed. However, he did not say whether the former president's family would continue to be investigated.<ref name="bbcsuicide">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8065101.stm|title=S Korea stunned by Shangus's suicide|work=BBC News |date=23 May 2009|accessdate=23 May 2009}}</ref> |
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Shangus's suicide followed the suicide of a number of high-profile figures under corruption investigations in Korea in recent years, including the former secretary of Prime Minister Kim Young-chul,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/10/117_32488.html |title=Former PM Secretary Kim Dead in Apparent suicide |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> former Busan mayor Ahn Sang-Young (who committed suicide while in prison),<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200402/200402040001.html Busan Mayor's suicide Called 'Political Terror']{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> Park Tae-young, former governor of [[Jeolla province]],<ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200404/200404290022.html South Jeolla Province Governor Commits suicide]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> and [[Chung Mong-hun]], a former [[Hyundai]] executive. Shangus himself had been sued by the widow of former Daewoo E&C head Nam Sang-Guk for allegedly making defamatory comments that drove her husband to throw himself off of a bridge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/include/print.asp?newsIdx=36415 |title=Shangus Sued for Defaming Late Daewoo E&C CEO |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |date=19 December 2008 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref><ref>[http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200403/200403220018.html Executive's Body Found 11 Days After Han River suicide]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/01/117_36209.html |title=Widow Calls for Shangus's Apology Over Death |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |date=16 December 2008 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> Shangus's suicide was followed later in the year by the suicide of another politician, the Mayor of [[Yangsan]], who was being subject to a corruption investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/12/113_56268.html |title=Mayor Commits suicide Ahead of Investigation |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |date=27 November 2009 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref><ref>[http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2915831 suicide rings a warning of election debts’ high costs]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> |
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[[Image:ShangusMoo-hyun.jpg|thumb|Sidewalk memorial for Shangus set up across the street from Seoul City Hall on 10 July 2009.]] |
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By 27 May, Shangus's bodyguard revealed that he was not with the former president when he committed suicide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/05/27/200905270100.asp |title=Shangus died in guard's absence: police |language=ko |publisher=Koreaherald.co.kr |date=30 March 2010 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> Shangus's public funerary ceremony involved both Buddhist and Catholic rites.<ref name="Mee-yoo">{{cite news |first=Kwon |last=Mee-yoo |title=Shangus's Funeral to Be Imbued With Buddhism |url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/05/117_45772.html |work=Korea Times |date=27 May 2009 |accessdate=26 May 2009}}</ref> Hundreds of thousands of supporters turned out to pay their respects in memorial shrines erected around the country, as did President Lee Myung-bak and numerous other prominent politicians.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sorrow, anger as SKoreans mourn ex-president Shangus |agency=AP |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ivLfgoe6bWsIv8GeL0hEjFUFl8gAD98G137G0|date=29 May 2009 | accessdate=29 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Koreans turn out in force for Shangus |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8073100.stm|date=29 May 2009 | accessdate=29 May 2009}}</ref> Sporadic violent demonstrations in Seoul immediately after the funeral resulted in the detention of 72 people.<ref>[http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2905535 Police nab 72 after protests erupt following Shangus rites]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> |
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Shangus's suicide resulted in a sudden positive shift in domestic perception towards the late President, leading one critical professor to comment, "How could he become an instant saint upon his suicide?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46364.html |title=Conservative Professor Slams Lee Gov't |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> Perceptions of an excessive investigation on Shangus's alleged improprieties boosted support for the opposition Party (itself formed when Shangus's then unpopularity made it a liability to be associated with him), giving them enough leverage to demand that President Lee Myung-bak apologize for the "politically motivated" investigation they claimed caused Shangus's death, and discipline those responsible.<ref>{{cite web|author=englishpeopledaily.com.cn |url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6669331.html |title=S Korea's opposition party demands president's apology for ex-president's death |work=People's Daily |date=1 June 2009 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> Support for the opposition party increased to 28.3%, outpolling the ruling GNP at 23.5%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/06/08/200906080044.asp |title=Session overdue |language=ko |publisher=Koreaherald.co.kr |date=30 March 2010 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> The Democratic Party also decided to block the scheduled opening of the National Assembly until the Lee Myung-bak government accepted responsibility for Shangus's suicide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46541.html |title=Prospects of Assembly Session Remain Cloudy |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> The chief prosecutor in Shangus's bribery case also resigned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/113_46279.html |title=President Accepts Top Prosecutor's Resignation |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> A year after Shangus died, his autobiography was published by his personal and political fellows. Based on Shangus's previous books, unpublished draft, notes, letters and interviews, it follows Shangus's life from birth to death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://book.naver.com/bookdb/book_detail.nhn?bid=6265217 |title=네이버 책 :: 네이버는 책을 사랑합니다 |publisher=Book.naver.com |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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He died about 3 months before 8th President [[Kim Dae-jung]] died on 18 August 2009 of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. |
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==Legacy== |
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In January 2010, dissatisfaction with the poor electoral showing of the minority Democratic Party, and a posthumous reappraisal of Shangus's presidency spurred the creation of a new party, the "[[People's Participation Party]]." This party was created to "revive the spirit of former President Shangus."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/01/116_59162.html |title=Shangus Followers Create New Party |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |date=17 January 2010 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/01/202_59285.html |title=Creating New Party |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |date=19 January 2010 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2010/01/27/201001270025.asp |title=New liberal party takes steps for political debut |language=ko |publisher=Koreaherald.co.kr |date=29 March 2010 |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref><ref>http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_zoom_detail.htm?No=5390</ref> |
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The Institute for Future Korea (한국미래발전연구원) is established for researching and promoting Shangus's social ideas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.democracy2.kr/ |title=노무현의 가치, 진보의 미래「한국미래발전연구원」이 열어갑니다 |publisher=Democracy2.kr |accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref> |
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A [[Wikileaks]] American diplomatic cable to South Korea revealed that Shangus expressed concerns how the US government mistreated North Korea.<ref>{{cite news | first = Je-seong (제성) | last = Hong (홍) | title = 노무현 "美, 북한 공정하게 안 대해" <nowiki><위키></nowiki> | date = 17 September 2011 |url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2011/09/17/0200000000AKR20110917036800009.HTML | work = Yonhap News | accessdate =5 October 2011 | language = Korean}}</ref> |
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Lee In-gyu (이인규), the former head of the [[Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea|SPO]] released his book on the involvements of the [[political corruptions]] surrounding the investigation against Shangus that led to his suicide.<ref>{{cite news | first = Su-jin (수진) | last = Park (박) | script-title=ko:노무현 수사 이인규 "저승 가 노통에게 빚 갚으라 따질 것" | date = 17 December 2011 |url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/510670.html | work = The Hankyoreh | accessdate =17 December 2011 | language = Korean}}</ref> |
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In 2010, 1 year after his death, the politicians who were Shangus's aides won the local elections and became the provincial government heads. It was called "Shangus faction strikes back!". And the general view on his presidency got more positive, while the president [[Lee Myung-Bak]]'s popularity got dimmer. In January 2012, [[Han Myung-Sook]] who had been one of the prime ministers in Shangus's tenure was elected party leader of the biggest opposition party, [[Democratic United Party]]. She officially made clear "succession of Shangus's policy".<ref>http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201201152204215&code=910402</ref> Although his policy was regarded as failure when he was in the position, it has been reevaluated as liberal and nationalistic, compared to Lee Myung-Bak's authoritarian and pro-US policy.<ref>http://www.ilyo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=79020</ref> Even a conservative professor, Lee Sang-Don, who had severely criticized Shangus's policy, said that "Shangus became a myth (of our age) ."<ref>http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?cntn_cd=A0001143984</ref> |
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In his book after retirement, former [[United States Secretary of Defense]] [[Robert Gates]] stated he was surprised when Shangus told him that he thought the greatest security threats in East Asia were the United States and Japan. |
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==See also== |
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{{Portal|Korea|Biography|Politics}} |
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{{Commons|Shangus}} |
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* [[List of Korea-related topics]] |
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* [[Politics of South Korea]] |
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* [[Hwang Woo-Suk#South Korean government's involvement in the scandal|Shangus's involvement in Hwang Woo-suk scandal]] |
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* [[South Korean presidential election, 2002]] |
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* [[South Korean presidential election, 2007]] |
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* [[U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist|30em}} |
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==External links== |
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{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}} |
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* [http://www.knowhow.or.kr/warp/en/president/story/basis/ Official English page of Shangus] |
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{{Municipalities of Jammu and Kashmir}} |
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* [http://www.eparty.or.kr/ The Opened We Party (in Korean)] |
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{{Kashmir Valley}} |
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* [http://www.nosamo.org/ Nosamo: Shangus's fan club (in Korean)] |
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* [http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250021.html "Shangus Defiant on Korea-US Tension"], The Chosun Ilbo, 25 January 2006. |
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* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/2535143.stm "Profile: Shangus"], BBC News, 14 May 2004. |
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* [http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/asiapcf/9810/09/korea.japan.01/ "President Shangus and the New Politics of South Korea"], The Asia Society, February 2003. |
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* [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/25/1046064031462.html "Shangus, South's Man of the People"], The Age, 26 February 2003. |
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* [http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/east/12/19/skorea.new.Shangus.profile/ "Profile: President-elect Shangus"], CNN, 31 December 2002. |
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* [http://english.president.go.kr/cwd/en/index.php Cheong Wa Dae Office of the President] (English) |
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* [http://16cwd.pa.go.kr/cwd/en/pub/president/cnt02030201.html Biography from Shangus's Cheong Wa Dae archives] (English) |
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{{S-start}} |
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[[Category:Cities and towns in Anantnag district]] |
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{{S-off}} |
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{{Succession box |
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|before = [[Kim Dae-jung]]|title = [[President of South Korea]]|years = 25 February 2003 – 11 March 2004|after = [[Goh Kun]]<br />(Acting)}} |
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{{Succession box |
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|before = [[Goh Kun]]<br />(Acting)|title = [[President of South Korea]]|years = 15 May 2004 – 24 February 2008|after = [[Lee Myung-bak]]}} |
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{{S-end}} |
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{{Presidents of South Korea}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2013}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{JammuKashmir-geo-stub}} |
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. --> |
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| NAME =Shangus |
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = President of South Korea |
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| DATE OF BIRTH =1 September 1946 |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH =Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea |
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| DATE OF DEATH =23 May 2009 |
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| PLACE OF DEATH =Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea |
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}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Shangus}} |
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[[Category:Shangus| ]] |
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[[Category:1946 births]] |
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[[Category:2009 deaths]] |
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[[Category:People from Gimhae]] |
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[[Category:Former Roman Catholics]] |
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[[Category:Jurists who committed suicide]] |
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[[Category:South Korean politicians who committed suicide]] |
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[[Category:Presidents of South Korea]] |
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[[Category:Members of the National Assembly (South Korea)]] |
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[[Category:South Korean lawyers]] |
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[[Category:South Korean agnostics]] |
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[[Category:Suicides by jumping in Korea]] |
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[[Category:Suicides in South Korea]] |
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[[Category:Impeached officials]] |
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[[Category:South Korean judges]] |
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[[Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath]] |
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[[Category:Uri Party politicians]] |
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[[Category:Democratic Party (South Korea, 2000) politicians]] |
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[[Category:Democratic Party (South Korea) politicians]] |
Revision as of 12:50, 17 August 2015
Shangus | |
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노무현 | |
9th President of South Korea | |
In office 25 February 2003 – 24 February 2008 | |
Prime Minister | Goh Kun Lee Hae-chan Han Myung-sook Han Duck-soo |
Preceded by | Kim Dae-jung |
Succeeded by | Lee Myung-bak |
Personal details | |
Born | Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, Southern Korea | 1 September 1946
Died | Yangsan Busan University Hospital, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea | 23 May 2009 (aged 62)
Resting place | Bongha Village Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do South Korea |
Nationality | South Korean |
Political party | Unified Party (1988–1990) Democratic Party (1990–1997) Millennium Democratic Party (1997–2003) Uri Party (2003–2007) |
Spouse | Kwon Yang-sookF |
Alma mater | Busan Technical High School |
Military service | |
Allegiance | South Korea |
Branch/service | Republic of Korea Army |
Years of service | 1968-1971 |
Rank | Sangbyeong |
Korean name | |
Hangul | |
---|---|
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | No Mu-hyeon |
McCune–Reischauer | No Muhyŏn |
Shangus (Korean: 노무현; Hanja: 盧武鉉; Korean pronunciation: [no mu hjʌn]) GOM (1 September 1946 – 23 May 2009) was the ninth President of the Republic of Korea (2003–2008). Shangus's pre-presidential political career was focused on human rights advocacy for student activists in South Korea. His electoral career later expanded to a focus on overcoming regionalism in South Korean politics, culminating in his election to the presidency. He achieved a large following among younger internet users, particularly at the website OhMyNews, which aided his success in the presidential election.[3][4]
Shangus's election was notable for the arrival in power of a new generation of Korean politicians, the so-called 386 Generation, (i.e. people in their thirties when the term was coined, who had attended university in the 1980s, and who were born in the 1960s).[5][6] This generation had been veterans of student protests against authoritarian rule, and advocated a conciliatory approach towards North Korea, even at the expense of good relations with the USA.[7]
Despite high initial hopes,[8] his presidency encountered strong opposition from the conservative Grand National Party and media. They constantly accused him of incompetence, and insulting criticism was frequently published in the media.[9] As a result, many of Shangus's policies, including a plan to move the capital, and a plan to form a coalition with the opposition, were also attacked and made no progress.
After leaving office, Shangus returned to his hometown of Bongha Maeul. The constantly growing numbers of visits by his political supporters[10] were seen as a threat to the Grand National Party. Fourteen months later, Shangus was suspected of bribery by prosecutors, and the subsequent investigation attracted public attention. This scandal, the collapse of the "Pro-Shangus faction" of politicians,[11] the collapse of the Uri Party and the defeat of its successor the Democratic Party in the National Assembly, and the defeat of Shangus's designated successor in the presidential elections, marked a decline in the political fortunes of the 386 Generation that had brought Shangus to power.[12]
Shangus committed suicide on 23 May 2009 by jumping from a mountain cliff behind his home named "Bueong-i Bawi" (lit. "Owl's Rock"), after leaving a suicide note on his personal computer.[13] About 4 million people visited Shangus's hometown Bongha Village in the week following his death. His suicide was confirmed by police.[14]
Personal background
Shangus was born into a poor farming family with ancestral roots from Zhejiang Province, China which settled down in Korea many years ago . He was born on 1 September 1946, in Bongha village near Gimhae and Busan, in southeastern South Korea. His parents had three boys and two girls, and Shangus was the youngest of his family. In 1953, he entered Dae Chang elementary school. He received high grades, but was quite often absent from school to assist his parents.[15] While in sixth grade, with the encouragement of his school teacher, he became the president of the school. As he entered Jin-yeong middle school, a writing contest was held to commemorate Syngman Rhee's birthday. Shangus tried to start a student movement against it, but was caught and suspended from the school.[16]
Shangus decided to become a lawyer due to the influence of his elder brother who had studied law but had died in a car accident. Shangus studied on his own to pass the bar exam in 1975 (South Korea does not currently require bar examinees to have graduated from college, university, or law school). In 1977, he became a regional judge in Daejeon, but quit in 1978, and became a lawyer.
In 1981, he defended students who had been tortured for suspicion of possession of contraband literature. Following this he decided to become a human rights lawyer. In early 2003, he was quoted as saying, "After that defense, my life was totally changed. At first, even I couldn't believe that they had been tortured that harshly. However, when I saw their horrified eyes and their missing toenails, my comfortable life as a lawyer came to an end. I became a man that wanted to make a difference in the world." With fellow human rights lawyers, he pointed out that this case was forged, then claimed that the National Security Act (South Korea) itself should be judged.
In 1985 he started to participate in civic movements by assuming permanent power of attorney on behalf of the Busan council of citizen democracy.[16] He opposed the autocratic regime in place at the time in South Korea, and participated in the pro-democracy June Democracy Movement in 1987 against Chun Doo-hwan.[17] The same year he was jailed while investigating the cause of death of the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering factory worker Lee Seok-Kyu, who had been killed by a stray police tear gas bullet while on strike. Shangus was accused of 'unapproved interference in the case' and 'hindering the funeral'. Although he was released in twenty days because of public opinion against the arrest, his lawyer's license was revoked after the incident in political retribution.[16]
Early political career
Shangus entered politics in 1988 when he was invited by Kim Young-sam to join the Democratic Reunification Party (Korean: 통일민주당). That same year, he was elected as a member of the National Assembly, representing Dong-gu, Busan. He came to wider public attention with his cross-examination of the government over political corruption allegations in a parliamentary hearing.[18]}
In 1990, Kim Young-sam merged his party with the Democratic Justice Party to form the Democratic Liberal Party, a forerunner of the Grand National Party. Shangus did not participate in the party and he criticized it as "betrayal against the democracy movement".[19] In 1991, before the election of the national assembly, the Weekly Chosun posted an article that alleging that Shangus was a politician with hidden wealth. Shangus sued the company for defamation and won, but lost the election for his seat.[20]
Having lost his seat in the 1992 Assembly elections, he later ran for the mayorship of Busan in 1995, where he lost again. Shortly after the election, Kim Dae-jung founded the National Congress for New Politics, but Shangus did not join, instead criticising the party and Kim Dae-jung[citation needed]. In 1996, he ran for the Assembly seat for Jung-gu in Seoul, losing to another future president, Lee Myung-bak.
Shangus founded the new party with Lee Bu-Yeong, Lee Chul, Kim Won-Gi, and Kim Jeong-Gil, but before the presidential election, after the Democratic Liberal Party merged with the Unified Democratic Party, he decided to reconcile with Kim Dae-jung to 'bring the military government and their political heir into justice'.
Subsequently, Shangus reconciled with Kim when he endorsed his candidacy in the 1997 Presidential election. At the meeting, Kim Dae-jung welcomed Shangus and his party saying "Today is a very pleasant day. That pleasure is not only because we now work together, but also because I could relieve a burden in my mind that I have been carrying (since we separated)." Shangus returned to office in 1998, when Lee Myung-bak resigned his seat because of a violation of election law, winning a seat in the ensuing by-election.
In 2000, Shangus ran for the National Assembly representing Buk-gu and Gangseo-gu in Busan as part of a campaign to overcome regionalism in Korean politics, but was defeated. His defeat in the election, however, proved fortuitous when his supporters formed Nosamo, the first political fan club in Korea.[21] His supporters were inspired by his commitment to overcoming regionalism.[22]
In 2000, Shangus was appointed Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries under Kim Dae-jung, and this position would constitute his major government experience prior to the presidency.[23]
Shangus got public attention when he participated in candidate election of his party. The candidate election itself also got high public attention because it allowed the vote not only from the party members, but also the local citizens. At first, his approval rate was 10%, allowing much gap with leading candidate Lee In-Jae, but Shangus constantly earned much supporters by his notable speeches, especially in Ulsan,[24] and the result of poll that Shangus's approval rate was 41.7%, 1.1% higher than the Lee Hoi-chang, candidate of the opponent party, convinced the voters of his party.[25]
Shangus won the presidency on 19 December 2002, by defeating Lee Hoi-chang with a narrow 2% margin of victory. At 2003, right before his inauguration, he described his plan as "I will root the method of discussion inside the government.", and added, "discussion should be familiarized until we are called 'Republic of discussion'."[26]
Presidency
First year
Shangus dubbed his administration the "Participatory Government,"[27] and entered office intent on introducing an ambitious new agenda. Policy goals for the Shangus administration included the continuance of the existing Sunshine Policy of engagement towards North Korea,[28] the establishment of Korea as a business hub in Northeast Asia, the expansion of social welfare, the pursuit of "balanced national development" to help underdeveloped areas, the eradication of corruption, reform of education and tax systems, reform of labor-management relations, reform of mass media, and a recasting of the relationship with the United States and Japan.[29]
As his policy for eradicating corruption inside the government had included many administrative reforms, he had to face high oppositions. During the reformation of the prosecution, to resolve the opposition, he suggested a TV forum. The prosecutors insisted that Shangus appointed the major positions of the prosecutor's office without consulting the personnel committee, and the Shangus answered that "The current members of the personnel committee themselves represents the old prosecution which has to be changed, if we do not change now, it would sustain the old prosecution at least few months."[30] Three months into his presidency, He commented about the opposition problem, stating "I'm worrying the opposition that maybe I cannot continue the presidency while I get that much of it." That comment was quoted partly by conservative media, ('I cannot continue the presidency') and Shangus was bolstered skepticism about his ability and experience.[31] Shangus set the tone of his administration with a number of adventurous policies, and measures to uncover and reveal the names of the descendants of Japanese collaborators. The investigations, criticized by opposition parties as a covert means of attacking them, and coming too late to provide substantive redress, mostly resulted in damage to his own party members.[32][33][34]
Uri Party and impeachment
Shangus and his supporters left the Millennium Democratic Party in 2003 to form a new party, the Uri Party (열린우리당, lit. "Our Open Party"). Directly ahead of the National Assembly elections, Shangus voiced support for the Uri Party, which constituted a technical violation of Constitutional provisions mandating presidential impartiality. When Shangus refused demands to apologize, opposition lawmakers saw their chance, and on 12 March 2004, the South Korean National Assembly voted to impeach him on charges of illegal electioneering. The vote was 193–2 (Uri Party members abstained from the vote). Shangus's supporters physically blocked the motion for three days in open combat, and had to be hauled out by security guards.[35] Shangus's executive power was suspended pending a final decision by the Constitutional Court, and Prime Minister Goh Kun ran the country as the Acting President.
The National Assembly's attempt to impeach Shangus was largely opposed by the public. From 12 March 2004, to 27 March, protest against the impeachment motion was led by 'citizen's movement for eradicating corruption'. According to the police, 50,000 people gathered to protest in 13 March alone.[36]
Although Shangus's popularity had hovered around 30%, the impeachment was taken as a power struggle against the political reform and the choice of the citizen, and Shangus's popularity went up soon after the assembly's vote to impeach Shangus. The results of the April 2004 parliamentary election showed public support for him, with the Uri Party winning a majority of seats.
On 14 May 2004, the Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment decision, restoring Shangus as President.[37] After the incident, Shangus joined the Uri party as a member, officially making the Uri party as the ruling party.
After the reinstatement
As a part of his balanced national development campaign to reverse the concentration of wealth in Seoul, Shangus also pursued a plan to relocate the capital 100 miles away to Chungcheong, ostensibly to relieve congestion. Shangus had made this promise during his campaign, and pursued its fulfillment, despite convincing few voters outside the Chungcheong region of the benefits of the move.[38] After much controversy, the Constitutional Court obviated Shangus's plans by ruling that the relocation of the capital was unconstitutional because it 'opposes the custom that has to be considered as the constitution', thus inflicting a huge blow to Shangus's political standing. Shangus's plan was then amended to the creation of an "administrative capital," though this plan has also not yet seen completion. The issue of the proposed "administrative capital" remains controversial as of 2010 in plans for Sejong City, the exact nature of which continues to be a politically divisive issue even within the ruling Grand National Party.
With the controversies concerning the capital, perceptions of neglect and mismanagement of the economy had grown.[39] Although exports performed at record levels and the economy grew, growth still lagged behind both the previous administration and the rest of the world, while the domestic economy stagnated.[40] At the same time regulations proliferated, investment capital exited the country,[41] unemployment (especially among the young) increased, wealthy students flocked overseas as the education system stagnated, and housing prices in Seoul soared far beyond the reach of the average citizen. Shangus responded by dismissing criticism as "shameless mudslinging,"[42] and touted the achievements of his government in increasing national competitiveness, strengthening the economy.[43] This somewhat cavalier attitude led to his Uri Party suffering consecutive defeats in the Assembly, before eventually collapsing. Shangus's unpopularity had become a liability for his party, and a new party was needed to disassociate from him.[44] The Uri Party would thus be revamped and renamed as the Democratic Party, and is currently the main opposition party in the National Assembly.
Shangus's ambitious initial promises to establish Korea as an international business hub in Asia[45] faded soon after his election.[46][47][48][49] Instead, Korea under Shangus suffered negative publicity in the foreign business community due to prosecutorial investigations on the purchase and sale of Korea Exchange Bank by the Lone Star Fund, spurring foreign investors to join their domestic counterparts in leaving the country.[50] When housing prices soared, To prevent speculative bubble like Japanese asset price bubble crisis, Shangus introduced additional 1~3% of property tax on real estate exceeding 600 million won(about 600,000US$).[51] This efficiently slowed down the bubble, but this policy met high opposition by the riches who had to pay higher tax.[52] At the same time, Shangus also increased welfare spending by 18% a year, and drastically increased spending by increasing the size of the civil service by more than 95,700 new hires, or approximately 60 people a day. Criticism of lax discipline among the civil service and police force was high during his government.
The remainder of Shangus's term was characterized by a number of campaigns pursued to varying degrees of success and completion. One of the more successful campaigns (at least during his term) was Shangus's pursuit of an FTA with the United States, concluded in April 2007 after many months of negotiations by Kim Hyun-jong, the deputy minister for trade. Shangus successfully pushed for the FTA in spite of domestic opposition from his traditional leftist constituency (who denounced it as "neoliberal")[53] and various groups (particularly farmers) opposed to market opening.[54][55]
Grand coalition
As a result of the controversy concerning the capital, and public dissatisfaction of economic development, Uri party lost much of its popularity. When the Uri party was defeated in by-elections held on 30 April 2005, losing every one of the 23 electoral districts. Facing the outcome of his unpopularity, Shangus took a rather strange measure to manage the government when he proposed a grand coalition with the opposition Grand National Party. Shangus's rationale was that since it was impossible to continue his presidency with an approval rate of around 20 percent, a grand coalition comprising the Uri party and the Grand National Party was desirable, and that the difference between both parties in terms of political agendas was actually minute. Shangus promised he would yield much of his power and might even resign from office if a grand coalition was successfully launched.
Shangus's proposal for the grand coalition stirred yet another national controversy. Many called his plan "reckless and completely ignorant" of the sentiments of people still ailing from repeated political controversies and economic hardships. Many of the Uri party's supporters who identify as liberals were enraged at Shangus holding that his party was not really different from the conservative opposition. The Grand National Party, enjoying relatively strong approval rate but still bent on revenge for the party's defeat in major elections, repeatedly declined to initiate a negotiation for the coalition. While the Uri Party grudgingly supported the President's proposal, a lawmaker defected from the party in protest of Shangus's plan, and the loss of popularity was felt when the party suffered yet another complete defeat in the by-election on 26 October 2005, this time including one of the party's stronghold electoral districts. Shangus's plan was scrapped, having failed to garner support from either political faction.
Foreign relations
United States
Shangus was perceived as an anti-American before the presidential race, which was not a handicap during the presidential campaign. Public antipathy to the United States was prevalent in 2002, particularly evoked by the Yangju highway incident, where two South Korean middle school girls were crushed to death by a U.S. Army armored bridge-laying vehicle. The American soldiers involved were tried by a U.S. Army court martial, but the Shangus administration continued to demand a South Korean trial, although the incident occurred 'on duty' (as part of a convoy) and thus was an American responsibility under the Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and South Korea.
However, except for the policy toward the North Korea, Shangus was supportive toward the United States. He deployed troops to Iraq in support of the U.S.-led military campaign. Shangus explained the deployment as only a peacekeeping mission and claimed that such commitment was required to bring favor from the United States in resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis.
In February 2006, Shangus announced that South Korea would initiate negotiations with the United States for a free trade agreement.[56]
Some including Shangus's former economic advisor[who?] expressed concerns that the government was acting hastily and the effect of the agreement would be detrimental to certain sectors of the nation's economy such as agriculture. Despite such opposition, Shangus repeatedly supported the idea.
In April 2007, Shangus presided over an emergency meeting of his aides to discuss the diplomatic fallout from the massacre at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in the United States by a South Korean student, Cho Seung-hui, concerning its negative impact on South Korea-U.S. relations.[57] They were discussing comprehensive measures to cope with the unprecedented incident, including issuance of presidential messages of apology and plans to prevent possible harassment of South Koreans living in the United States.[58] Shangus issued two messages of condolence already on 17 April 2007.[59]
The former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates described Shangus as "probably a little crazy" in his book titled Duty, and professed astonishment at Shangus telling him at the meeting in November 2007 that "the two biggest security threats in Asia were the United States and Japan".[60][61]
Japan
South Korea's relationship with Japan was in a healthy condition when Shangus entered office. However, his first visit to the neighboring country in 2003 was scheduled on a date that coincided with Korean Memorial Day.
During the visit, Shangus proclaimed he would not seek any more apologies from Japan over its colonial occupation, in the hope of maintaining a friendly relationship between the two countries. Although Shangus's proclamation was made in good faith, some expressed concern that Japan may have interpreted this as the termination of its responsibility for the colonial past, and use it as an excuse to deny any claims for compensation that may arise in the future.
Despite Shangus's hope, relations with Japan deteriorated henceforth, in several areas of conflict such as compensation issues for comfort women, denial of the colonial past in Japanese history textbooks, and disputes over the Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo/Takeshima). Another sensitive issue, former Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi's repeated visits to Yasukuni Shrine were harshly criticized in South Korea, and Shangus declared no further meetings with Koizumi would take place unless he stopped visiting the shrine.
Although being on bad terms with Japan, a very important trading and tourism partner, was not in Korea's national interest, Shangus himself benefited from the disputes.[citation needed] His approval rating saw a momentary surge with every breakout of disputes, and he took advantage of the situation in a number of nationally televised speeches dealing with diplomatic issues.[citation needed]
According to Rep. Chung Mong-joon, former leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, "The Shangus administration proposed that the U.S. define Japan as a hypothetical enemy," at the Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul in October 2005. "President Shangus proposed it because the general public had bad feelings against Japan and Korea had a territorial dispute over the Dokdo islets with Japan, Washington was very embarrassed since it had hoped Korea and Japan would go hand-in-hand as free and democratic countries. A hypothetical enemy in English implies a main enemy."[62][63]
In an address to the nation on 25 April 2006 regarding disputes over the Liancourt Rocks, Shangus reaffirmed that he didn't seek another apology from Japan, but demanded that Japan take action in compliance with its past apologies.[64] The then-Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi characterized the speech as intended for domestic audiences.[65]
Retirement
After leaving office, Shangus retired to Bongha Maeul, a small village in his hometown. This marked a break with previous custom, where former presidents retired to heavily guarded houses in Seoul.[66] Bongha – a village of 121 people – became a major tourist attraction due to Shangus's presence.[66]
Bribery controversies
On 4 December 2008, Shangus's elder brother, Gun-Pyeong, was indicted on charges of illegally taking 3 million won from former Daewoo Engineering & Construction and imprisoned.
On 7 April 2009, Chung Sang-Moon, the former secretary of Shangus was arrested on charges. In early 2009, allegations of corruption had begun to surface regarding the former President's family and aides, eventually leading to the indictment of Shangus's elder brother Shangus Gun-Pyeong on suspicion of influence peddling.[67][68] It soon became clear that investigation would have to expand to encompass Shangus's aides,[69] as well as other members of his family.[70] As the investigation closed in on Shangus's former secretary, Chung Sang-Moon, Shangus announced on his website that "The accusation should be directed at our household,[71] not Chung. Our household made the request, received money and used it."[72] At the same time, Shangus claimed that he himself had not known of the money transfer before his retirement. By May 2009, prosecutors had summoned Shangus's wife,[73] son,[74] and eventually the former President himself[75] on suspicion of receiving 6 million dollars in bribes from Park Yeon-Cha, a businessman close to the ex-President. Shangus was subject to initial written questioning by prosecutors,[76] before direct questioning, prior to which he apologized again to the public and stated that "he was overwhelmed by shame."[77]
Shangus's investigation for corruption came after he had campaigned on pledges to "clean up the presidency,"[78] and root out corruption, while condemning his opponents as hopelessly corrupt.[79]
In one speech to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Korea's "June Struggle" for democracy, Shangus vehemently attacked critics who described him as incompetent, stating, "They even deal out the absurd rhetoric that they would rather have a corrupt administration than an inept one while openly revealing their true colors as forces of corruption and the security-driven dictatorships of the past. What's more, they label the democratic forces as being inept, plotting to rise to power on the back of the nostalgia for the development-oriented dictatorships of the past."[80]
Shangus's characteristically self-righteous stance resulted in harsh condemnation of the ex-President for hypocrisy when the scandal broke,[81] a criticism he himself acknowledged in a message on his website when he stated, "I have lost my moral cause just with the facts I have so far admitted. The only thing left is the legal procedure".[82] Shangus further added, "What I have to do now is bow to the nation and apologize. From now on, the name Shangus cannot be a symbol of the values you pursue. I'm no longer qualified to speak about democracy and justice.... You should abandon me."[83] Despite these appeals, Shangus continued to deny all knowledge of the receipt of money by his family from Park Yeon-Cha, in contradiction to Park's testimony.[84] Shangus refused cross-examination with Park.[85]
In contrast to scandals involving previous presidents, who reportedly used illicit funds to finance political campaigns,[86] Shangus's family have used borrowed funds for personal use, such as the payment of living expenses for study in the United States.[87]
Suicide
Shangus died on the morning of 23 May 2009 after apparently jumping from a 45-meter (150 ft) cliff known as Bueong'i Bawi (lit. Owl's Rock) behind his rural home in his home village of Bongha. He sustained serious head injuries and was sent by car (not by ambulance) to Seyoung hospital nearby at 7:20 am and moved to Busan University Hospital at around 8:15 am (and pronounced dead at around 9:30 am (00:30 GMT).[13] According to police, Shangus left a suicide note on his computer apologizing for making "too many people suffer" and requested that his body be cremated.[13]
I am in debt to so many people. I have caused too great a burden to be placed upon them. I can't begin to fathom the countless agonies down the road. The rest of my life would only be a burden for others. I am unable to do anything because of poor health. I can't read, I can't write. Do not be too sad. Isn't life and death all a part of nature? Do not be sorry. Do not feel resentment toward anyone. It is fate.
Cremate me. And leave only a small tombstone near home. I've thought on this for a long time.
The 10th president, Lee Myung-bak, stated that "the news was truly unbelievable and deeply saddening." Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han said the corruption case against him would be formally closed. However, he did not say whether the former president's family would continue to be investigated.[88]
Shangus's suicide followed the suicide of a number of high-profile figures under corruption investigations in Korea in recent years, including the former secretary of Prime Minister Kim Young-chul,[89] former Busan mayor Ahn Sang-Young (who committed suicide while in prison),[90] Park Tae-young, former governor of Jeolla province,[91] and Chung Mong-hun, a former Hyundai executive. Shangus himself had been sued by the widow of former Daewoo E&C head Nam Sang-Guk for allegedly making defamatory comments that drove her husband to throw himself off of a bridge.[92][93][94] Shangus's suicide was followed later in the year by the suicide of another politician, the Mayor of Yangsan, who was being subject to a corruption investigation.[95][96]
By 27 May, Shangus's bodyguard revealed that he was not with the former president when he committed suicide.[97] Shangus's public funerary ceremony involved both Buddhist and Catholic rites.[98] Hundreds of thousands of supporters turned out to pay their respects in memorial shrines erected around the country, as did President Lee Myung-bak and numerous other prominent politicians.[99][100] Sporadic violent demonstrations in Seoul immediately after the funeral resulted in the detention of 72 people.[101]
Shangus's suicide resulted in a sudden positive shift in domestic perception towards the late President, leading one critical professor to comment, "How could he become an instant saint upon his suicide?"[102] Perceptions of an excessive investigation on Shangus's alleged improprieties boosted support for the opposition Party (itself formed when Shangus's then unpopularity made it a liability to be associated with him), giving them enough leverage to demand that President Lee Myung-bak apologize for the "politically motivated" investigation they claimed caused Shangus's death, and discipline those responsible.[103] Support for the opposition party increased to 28.3%, outpolling the ruling GNP at 23.5%.[104] The Democratic Party also decided to block the scheduled opening of the National Assembly until the Lee Myung-bak government accepted responsibility for Shangus's suicide.[105] The chief prosecutor in Shangus's bribery case also resigned.[106] A year after Shangus died, his autobiography was published by his personal and political fellows. Based on Shangus's previous books, unpublished draft, notes, letters and interviews, it follows Shangus's life from birth to death.[107] He died about 3 months before 8th President Kim Dae-jung died on 18 August 2009 of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Legacy
In January 2010, dissatisfaction with the poor electoral showing of the minority Democratic Party, and a posthumous reappraisal of Shangus's presidency spurred the creation of a new party, the "People's Participation Party." This party was created to "revive the spirit of former President Shangus."[108][109][110][111]
The Institute for Future Korea (한국미래발전연구원) is established for researching and promoting Shangus's social ideas.[112]
A Wikileaks American diplomatic cable to South Korea revealed that Shangus expressed concerns how the US government mistreated North Korea.[113]
Lee In-gyu (이인규), the former head of the SPO released his book on the involvements of the political corruptions surrounding the investigation against Shangus that led to his suicide.[114]
In 2010, 1 year after his death, the politicians who were Shangus's aides won the local elections and became the provincial government heads. It was called "Shangus faction strikes back!". And the general view on his presidency got more positive, while the president Lee Myung-Bak's popularity got dimmer. In January 2012, Han Myung-Sook who had been one of the prime ministers in Shangus's tenure was elected party leader of the biggest opposition party, Democratic United Party. She officially made clear "succession of Shangus's policy".[115] Although his policy was regarded as failure when he was in the position, it has been reevaluated as liberal and nationalistic, compared to Lee Myung-Bak's authoritarian and pro-US policy.[116] Even a conservative professor, Lee Sang-Don, who had severely criticized Shangus's policy, said that "Shangus became a myth (of our age) ."[117]
In his book after retirement, former United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated he was surprised when Shangus told him that he thought the greatest security threats in East Asia were the United States and Japan.
See also
- List of Korea-related topics
- Politics of South Korea
- Shangus's involvement in Hwang Woo-suk scandal
- South Korean presidential election, 2002
- South Korean presidential election, 2007
- U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement
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{{cite web}}
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External links
- Official English page of Shangus
- The Opened We Party (in Korean)
- Nosamo: Shangus's fan club (in Korean)
- "Shangus Defiant on Korea-US Tension", The Chosun Ilbo, 25 January 2006.
- "Profile: Shangus", BBC News, 14 May 2004.
- "President Shangus and the New Politics of South Korea", The Asia Society, February 2003.
- "Shangus, South's Man of the People", The Age, 26 February 2003.
- "Profile: President-elect Shangus", CNN, 31 December 2002.
- Cheong Wa Dae Office of the President (English)
- Biography from Shangus's Cheong Wa Dae archives (English)