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October 11, 2008 1:10:12 AM CDT

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Leader Offers Fresh Start as Korea Protests Snowball

Posted Jun 11, 08 9:29 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – South Korea's president is battling for his political life as swelling protests continue to rock the country, the New York Times reports. At least 100,000 people joined a massive anti-government rally in Seoul yesterday as Lee Myung-bak—himself a former participant in a pro-democracy student movement—pledged "a new beginning," just 4 months after taking office. He has asked his main political rival to become prime minister, reports Reuters.

The protests, sparked by opposition to allowing US beef imports despite widespread fears of mad cow disease, are the biggest South Korea has seen in 20 years. The rapid reverse in Lee's fortunes is attributed to popular disenchantment with his "bulldozer" style in attempting to push through new trade and regulatory policies, and to high-speed communications in the world's most wired country helping protests form rapidly.

Sources New York Times, Reuters

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South Korean protesters hold candles at an anti-government rally against U.S. imported beef in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 10, 2008. South Korea's entire Cabinet offered to resign Tuesday as President...   (AP Photo)
South Korean riot police officers detain a protester as he tries to head to the Presidential House after a candlelight rally against U.S. beef imports in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, June 11, 2008.   (AP Photo)
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak salutes during a meeting with representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises at the presidential house in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, June 11, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Thousands of South Korean conservative activists wave national flags during a pro-government rally supporting U.S. beef imports in front of City Hall in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.   (AP Photo)
South Korean protesters hold candles at an anti-government rally against U.S. beef imports in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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protests  • South Korea  • Seoul  • Lee Myung-bak  • beef industry  • Koreans


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