In April, Roh will have an opportunity to make a permanent impression on the U.S.-South Korean security relationship, as Seoul and Washington open new talks of the restructuring of the USFK. All signs point to a mutually acceptable solution - a redefining of the USFK mission to be more mobile and ready to deploy throughout Asia, rather than remaining effectively trapped on the Peninsula. For Washington, this answers a global need to free some of the 37,000 troops in South Korea for operations elsewhere in Asia. And for Seoul, it marks a new step toward a long-desired independence.
Yet Roh will have to focus on building up South Korea's military capabilities to compensate for any changes in USFK structure. This will be costly, and might stir concerns from South Korea's neighbors - not only North Korea but also Japan, which still views the idea of a reunified Korea with trepidation.
Equally pressing for Roh will be to stem the current slide of South Korea's economy. Analysts already are pointing out early warning signs that might presage a repeat of the 1997 economic crisis. Roh, like Kim, sees the key to economic recovery and future growth in a concerted effort to rein in and restructure South Korea's chaebols, the family run business conglomerates that have dominated the country's economy for half a century. But unlike Kim, Roh has positioned himself as much more pro-labor, and therefore much less likely to compromise with big businesses - at least in the initial stages of his presidency.
Yet Roh will have to focus on building up South Korea's military capabilities to compensate for any changes in USFK structure. This will be costly, and might stir concerns from South Korea's neighbors - not only North Korea but also Japan, which still views the idea of a reunified Korea with trepidation.
Equally pressing for Roh will be to stem the current slide of South Korea's economy. Analysts already are pointing out early warning signs that might presage a repeat of the 1997 economic crisis. Roh, like Kim, sees the key to economic recovery and future growth in a concerted effort to rein in and restructure South Korea's chaebols, the family run business conglomerates that have dominated the country's economy for half a century. But unlike Kim, Roh has positioned himself as much more pro-labor, and therefore much less likely to compromise with big businesses - at least in the initial stages of his presidency.