South Korea: The Big Change

The Big Change

In the 40 often turbulent years since it was founded, South Korea has survived a war with Communist North Korea, two coups and the assassination of a President. Last week South Koreans experienced something new: a peaceful transfer of power. Declaring that an era of democracy was about to begin, Roh Tae Woo, a former general, became his country's President in a solemn 45- minute ceremony.

Elected with 37% of the vote last December, when opposition leaders split 55% of the ballot, Roh promised to heed the views of his opponents. He vowed not to be "one who is pushed around...

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