Roh's victory in the December 2002 elections came from his ability to position himself as the unconventional candidate - someone young, idealistic and truly willing to listen to the common man. The wave of anti-Americanism that spread over South Korea in late 2002 gave Roh the added push he needed to inch past his competition, long-time presidential hopeful Lee Hoi Chang.
Roh's electioneering promises often were vague, idealistic and occasionally controversial. But fulfilling his intent to be a people's president, Roh established a transition committee that was open to public suggestions as it further clarified the incoming government's policy priorities. The two-month process was completed earlier this week, laying out 12 key goals for the nation, ranging from gender and regional equality to anti-corruption and chaebol reforms to a focus on ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula.
But Roh's options will be instantly constrained by three pressing issues currently facing South Korea. North Korea is actively building toward a security crisis with the United States that is intended to rival the 1994 nuclear crisis. At the same time, Washington has finally agreed - or admitted - that it needs to readdress the structure of U.S. forces in South Korea, and negotiations are set for April. In addition, the tension with North Korea, coupled with a global economic lull, is raising concerns of another dip in South Korea's economy.
Roh's electioneering promises often were vague, idealistic and occasionally controversial. But fulfilling his intent to be a people's president, Roh established a transition committee that was open to public suggestions as it further clarified the incoming government's policy priorities. The two-month process was completed earlier this week, laying out 12 key goals for the nation, ranging from gender and regional equality to anti-corruption and chaebol reforms to a focus on ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula.
But Roh's options will be instantly constrained by three pressing issues currently facing South Korea. North Korea is actively building toward a security crisis with the United States that is intended to rival the 1994 nuclear crisis. At the same time, Washington has finally agreed - or admitted - that it needs to readdress the structure of U.S. forces in South Korea, and negotiations are set for April. In addition, the tension with North Korea, coupled with a global economic lull, is raising concerns of another dip in South Korea's economy.