South Korea
COVID-19 danger persists in South Korea
By Ben McGrath, 3 July 2020
The inability of Seoul to fully address the pandemic is a result of keeping workers on the job and businesses open.
North Korea blows up liaison office to send message to Trump
By Peter Symonds, 17 June 2020
While nominally directed at Seoul, Pyongyang’s action expressed its deep frustration with the failure of the Trump administration to conduct any meaningful negotiations.
Coronavirus cases surpass six million globally
By Bryan Dyne, 30 May 2020
New epicenters in Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent are rapidly causing massive public health crises.
Devastating fire in South Korea kills at least 38 workers
By Ben McGrath, 4 May 2020
The government and big business will do nothing to address safety and the working conditions that led to this latest disaster.
South Korea’s Democratic Party wins general election in landslide
By Ben McGrath, 17 April 2020
The supposed success of the government’s response to COVID-19 benefited the Democratic Party, but the attacks on the working class will grow as the economy declines.
South Korea to hold general election
By Ben McGrath, 13 April 2020
This week’s election is seen as a barometer of the public’s feelings towards the government’s COVID-19 response and the declining economy.
Big business in South Korea exploits pandemic to carry out massive assault on jobs
By Ben McGrath, 28 March 2020
The trade unions are aiding the government and corporations use the health crisis to implement deeper attacks on the working class.
Risk of wider outbreak of COVID-19 remains high in South Korea
By Ben McGrath, 24 March 2020
Workers are being kept on the job, exposing themselves and their communities to greater risks.
Working class in South Korea bears brunt of Covid-19 outbreak
By Ben McGrath, 29 February 2020
The majority of the cases of infection have been in Daegu, but the virus could rapidly spread in the country’s other densely populated cities.
South Korea deploys naval unit to Strait of Hormuz
By Ben McGrath, 1 February 2020
Behind the backs of the South Korean working class, Seoul is supporting US war plans that could lead to a wider conflict with China and Russia.
Mumbai hospital workers demand outstanding wages; South Korean car workers strike; Australian tram drivers vote to walk out
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
18 January 2020
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
South Korea extends military intelligence sharing agreement with Japan
By Ben McGrath, 25 November 2019
The US exerted a great deal of pressure on Seoul to ensure the tensions between South Korea and Japan do not affect Washington’s war drive against China.
Parasite: An unusual director with his antenna attuned to social class
The Lighthouse: A gothic horror film
By Joanne Laurier, 16 November 2019
Parasite is a dark comedy from South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho that concerns itself with income inequality and its implications. The Lighthouse is a pointless horror film set in the late 1800s in New England.
Indian Honda contract workers still on strike; West Bengal teachers demand pay rise; maintenance workers take industrial action at Australian paper mill
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and New Zealand
16 November 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
South Korean autoworkers join global fight against GM
By Ben McGrath, 26 September 2019
Workers in South Korea, the United States, and around the world face the same fight against GM and other corporations.
South Korean autoworkers join global fight against GM
By Ben McGrath, 26 September 2019
Workers in South Korea, the United States, and around the world face the same fight against GM and other corporations.
As contract deadline looms in US, 8,000 GM autoworkers strike in South Korea
By James Cogan, 10 September 2019
The issues over which the Korean workers are striking are ones that their American co-workers will readily identify with.
US alarmed over end to South Korea-Japan intelligence sharing
By Peter Symonds, 30 August 2019
Seoul’s decision to withdraw from a key intelligence-sharing agreement with Tokyo is part of the deepening rift between Washington’s two military allies in North East Asia over economic and strategic issues.
Japan-South Korea conflict intensifies
By Nick Beams, 17 August 2019
South Korea announced this week that it has removed Japan from a list of countries that qualify for accelerated supply of South Korean products, after Japan had imposed a similar measure against South Korea on August 2.
South Korean public sector workers strike over irregular employment status
By Ben McGrath, 4 July 2019
As with other strikes, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is maneuvering to isolate workers.
Union sabotaging South Korean shipbuilding workers’ strike
By Ben McGrath, 10 June 2019
The Korean Metal Workers Union is incapable of defending workers whose positions are being slashed as part of a global assault on jobs.
South Korean shipbuilding workers oppose massive job cuts
By Ben McGrath, 3 June 2019
The Korean Metal Workers Union has deliberately limited industrial action and isolated the shipyard workers to prevent a broader struggle against capitalist exploitation.
US seizes North Korean ship
By Mike Head, 10 May 2019
This week’s developments demonstrate that the Trump administration has no intention of striking a deal with Pyongyang unless it involves a total capitulation and embrace of Washington’s offensive against China.
South Korean auto manufacturers stepping up assault on wages, working conditions
By Ben McGrath, 30 April 2019
South Korea’s labor unions have worked to ensure workers remain isolated as wages and benefits are slashed throughout the industry.
Hyundai, Kia workers strike in South Korea in opposition to attacks on wages
By Ben McGrath, 12 December 2018
The imposition of a new tier of low-paid workers in Gwangju is just the precursor to broader attacks on workers’ conditions.
US-South Korean tensions over stance towards North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2018
US ultimatums to Pyongyang to denuclearise are threatening South Korean efforts to reduce tensions and engage with North Korea.
Fire at workers’ apartment in South Korea leaves seven dead
By Ben McGrath, 12 November 2018
Public safety continues to be ignored under the South Korean administration no less than under previous conservative governments.
Korean summit yields new agreement, but few tangible results
By Ben McGrath, 20 September 2018
Regardless of the immediate results of the talks in Pyongyang, the deal does not address the underlying regional tensions fueled by the US war drive against China.
South Korean president in Pyongyang for summit on denuclearization
By Ben McGrath, 18 September 2018
Whatever the result of this week’s talks, it will do nothing to resolve the dangerous tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
Seoul and Pyongyang prepare for September summit while US intensifies campaign against North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 17 August 2018
Washington will only accept the complete subjugation of the North as it continues to raise tensions in the region with China.
South Korean government begins phony reform of military intelligence agency
By Ben McGrath, 11 August 2018
The basic framework of a police state will remain in place regardless of the cosmetic changes made by Moon Jae-in’s administration.
090 South Korean government to disband military intelligence body
9 August 2018
Leaked report reveals plans for martial law in South Korea
By Ben McGrath, 23 July 2018
The muted response to a secret military blueprint demonstrates that no faction within the country’s capitalist class defends even basic democratic rights.
Trump offers North Korea “incremental” denuclearisation ahead of planned summit
By James Cogan, 23 May 2018
Trump and the South Korean president both exuded optimism that talks would ultimately proceed on US terms, even if not on June 12.
US blames China for renewed tensions with North Korea
By James Cogan, 18 May 2018
Citing the “Libyan model,” Trump implied that North Korea would face “total decimation” if no agreement is reached.
North Korea denounces US “provocation” and threatens to cancel talks with Trump
By James Cogan, 16 May 2018
The Trump administration has, to a great extent, boxed both itself and North Korea into a corner.
Union sellout facilitates South Korean General Motors restructuring plans
By Ben McGrath, 16 May 2018
The KMWU isolated workers and forced through the approval of an agreement enabling a pro-business restructuring by the auto corporation.
Overtures continue ahead of Trump-North Korea summit
By James Cogan, 14 May 2018
Secretary of State Pompeo indicated that the US objective is to bring the North Korean regime within its sphere of influence.
Japan, China and South Korea hold talks on North Korea and trade
By Ben McGrath, 11 May 2018
While North Korea dominated the summit, concerns over US protectionist measures may result in improved relations between the three Asian neighbors.
North Korea releases American prisoners ahead of summit with Trump
By James Cogan, 10 May 2018
Trump hailed the release as another step forward in his administration’s push to bring North Korea under US influence.
Trump to meet North Korean leader in “three or four weeks”
By James Cogan, 30 April 2018
Any talks could entirely break down over the definition of “denuclearisation” and a “nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.”
North and South Korea hold “peace” summit
By James Cogan, 27 April 2018
Any concrete development toward a rapprochement on the Korean Peninsula on US-dictated terms will be viewed with immense concern in Beijing.
US and North Korean officials discuss Trump-Kim summit
By Peter Symonds, 14 April 2018
The cynical character of Trump’s decision to meet with Kim Jong-un is underscored by the fact that two militarists—Pompeo and Bolton—are in charge of preparing the summit.
Ex-South Korean President Park sentenced to 24 years jail
By Ben McGrath, 12 April 2018
The government is using an anti-corruption campaign to divert attention from the real causes of the country’s worsening social crisis.
US and South Korea hold war games ahead of talks
By Peter Symonds, 7 April 2018
While scaled back, the joint exercises still involve 300,000 troops and advanced weaponry amid continuing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Tokyo wary of dialogue with North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 2 April 2018
An agreement between the US and North Korea, while highly unlikely, would undermine Japan’s pretext for remilitarization to prosecute its imperialist interests.
Thousands to be sacked at GM factory in South Korea
By Ben McGrath, 15 February 2018
General Motors is demanding additional cuts to auto workers’ wages and conditions as it threatens to pull out of South Korea entirely.
Talks between North and South Korea to proceed
By Peter Symonds, 6 January 2018
The meeting will take place under conditions of extreme tension as a result of the Trump administration’s campaign of “maximum pressure” to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal.
North and South Korea propose to hold talks
By Peter Symonds, 3 January 2018
The proposal came amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula after bellicose US threats and crippling sanctions against North Korea.
Tensions between South Korea and Japan reemerge over “comfort women”
By Ben McGrath, 3 January 2018
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea and its predecessors have long used anti-Japanese sentiment to distract the public from their anti-working class policies.
US president accuses China of illegal oil transfer to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 December 2017
Trump’s tweet declaring Beijing was “caught RED HANDED” smacks of a contrived provocation aimed at ramping up tensions with China and North Korea.
South Korea’s deadliest fire in a decade leaves 29 dead
By Ben McGrath, 27 December 2017
The tragedy highlights the ruling elite’s utter disregard for safety and public planning in the quest for profits.
South Korean and Chinese leaders meet over North Korea, economic ties
By Ben McGrath, 21 December 2017
The summit between the two presidents will do nothing to alleviate the growing danger of war in Northeast Asia.
Trump’s Asia tour leaves region on brink of trade war and military conflict
By James Cogan, 15 November 2017
President Trump’s bellicose rhetoric, on both North Korea and trade, cannot obscure the fact that his trip marks a new nadir in the strategic position of US imperialism.
In Seoul, Trump delivers war ultimatum to North Korea
By James Cogan, 8 November 2017
The casualties and horrors of a second Korean War, in 2017, could make those of nearly 70 years ago pale in comparison.
Surrounded by generals, Trump remarks on “the calm before the storm”
By Peter Symonds, 7 October 2017
Trump’s menacing comment—almost certainly directed against North Korea—is another warning that the US is on the brink of launching a catastrophic war.
Australian Labor leaders endorse Trump’s war drive against North Korea
By Mike Head, 28 September 2017
Labor leader Shorten in effect gave a pledge that a Labor government would continue Australia’s unconditional support for Washington in any war with North Korea.
South Korea backs Trump’s threats to “totally destroy” North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 26 September 2017
The Moon Jae-in administration in Seoul is deepening its military cooperation with the US while continuing to posture as an advocate of peace on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea assassination squad to target Pyongyang leadership
By Ben McGrath, 18 September 2017
This “decapitation squad” is part of a broader plan for preemptive war against North Korea that would have devastating consequences for the region.
UN Security Council imposes severe sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 12 September 2017
Far from easing tensions in North East Asia, the UN resolution sets the stage for further US provocations and heightens the danger of military conflict.
US completes anti-missile deployment in South Korea amid heightened war danger
By Ben McGrath, 8 September 2017
Under pressure from Washington, South Korean President Moon has moved away from his previous calls for dialogue with North Korea and toward increasingly hawkish positions.
US pushes ahead with provocative war games in South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2017
By proceeding with the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercises, the US is once again deliberately inflaming its confrontation with North Korea.
Tensions overshadow US, South Korea trade negotiations
By Ben McGrath, 9 August 2017
The Trump administration is using the demand for a new FTA to pressure Seoul to toe Washington’s line on China and North Korea.
GM Korea autoworkers vote to strike
By Ben McGrath, 14 July 2017
While autoworkers are determined to improve their wages and conditions, the unions, which are tied to the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), have no intention of conducting a genuine struggle.
South Korean president aligns with US war plans against North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 3 July 2017
With his election out of the way, President Moon sought to reassure Washington that he remained committed to the military alliance.
South Korean president tries to smooth disagreements with Washington
By Ben McGrath, 22 June 2017
Seoul has suggested reaching out to Pyongyang as the US ramps up pressure on North Korea.
South Korean president offers phony welfare pledges
By Ben McGrath, 20 June 2017
The new government’s promises are a smokescreen to obscure its pro-capitalist policies, counter mounting discontent and prevent the eruption of social unrest.
South Korea delays THAAD battery installation
By Ben McGrath, 13 June 2017
Washington is concerned that the new government in Seoul is pursuing closer relations with China.
US anti-missile test sends warning to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 31 May 2017
The successful interception of a dummy ICBM demonstrates to North Korea and also China that the US can launch a nuclear attack and counter any attempt to retaliate.
US, South Korea emphasise alliance after North Korean missile test
By Ben McGrath, 15 May 2017
Concerns persist in Washington that the new Moon administration in Seoul could undermine attempts to pressure Pyongyang.
As war tensions continue, signs emerge of talks with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 May 2017
The Trump administration appears to be giving China a short window of opportunity to bully North Korea into accepting US demands.
Democrat Moon Jae-in wins South Korean presidential election
By Ben McGrath, 10 May 2017
Backed by sections of the ruling class, Moon’s election is aimed at defusing widespread concern over social inequality and war, and blocking any movement against the profit system.
South Korean presidential frontrunner stresses agreement with Trump
By Ben McGrath, 8 May 2017
On the eve of South Korea’s election, DPK candidate Moon Jae-in is attempting to placate fears in Washington that he will cut across war plans in the region.
South Korean election candidates back US war preparations
By Ben McGrath, 2 May 2017
Widespread opposition to the THAAD antiballistic missile battery and the drive to war can find no expression in the presidential contest.
US warns of “catastrophic consequences” if North Korea is not brought to heel
By Peter Symonds, 29 April 2017
Tillerson’s speech to the UN is, in effect, an ultimatum to the world: the only way to avoid war is to accept US diktats and compel North Korea to capitulate.
South Korean presidential candidates move further to the right on North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 26 April 2017
Moon Jae-in of the DPK has sought to prove his pro-US credentials by calling for an additional military buildup.
Tense standoff continues on Korean peninsula
By Peter Symonds, 22 April 2017
The media is fueling tensions with speculation that North Korea could conduct a nuclear or missile test to mark its Military Foundation Day next Tuesday.
US threats of war against North Korea continue
By Peter Symonds, 17 April 2017
The Trump administration is continuing to warn that military force could be used in response to any nuclear or missile test by Pyongyang.
China appeals to US to back down from war with North Korea
By James Cogan, 15 April 2017
Amid media claims that North Korea is on the verge of another weapons test, the US military is continuing its provocative operations in North East Asia.
South Korean presidential candidates line up behind US war drive
By Ben McGrath, 12 April 2017
As tensions with North Korea rise, the leading “democratic” contenders, Moon Jae-in and Ahn Cheol-soo, have taken a pro-militarist and pro-US stance.
After Park’s ouster, South Korean pseudo-left orients to pro-US opposition
By Ben McGrath, 4 April 2017
The state-capitalist Workers’ Solidarity group is backing the campaign to install a new president favorable to the US war drive against China.
Former South Korean president arrested
By Ben McGrath, 3 April 2017
In the wake of Park’s impeachment and arrest, political parties are jockeying for the May 9 presidential election.
China warns US strategic bomber in East China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 25 March 2017
The war plane was one of two B-1Bs deployed from Guam to join massive war games underway in South Korea amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Constitutional Court removes South Korean President Park from office
By Ben McGrath, 11 March 2017
While millions will welcome Park’s removal, her rivals in the ruling elite are just as hostile to popular sentiment for social equality and against the war drive in Asia.
US rejects talks over North Korea, declaring “all options on table”
By Peter Symonds, 9 March 2017
China’s foreign minister warned that the US and North Korea are like “accelerating trains” on a collision course “with neither side willing to give way.”
Court hears final arguments in South Korean president’s trial
By Ben McGrath, 6 March 2017
Park’s impeachment is a sign of the struggle within the political establishment over how to balance between the US and China amid sharpening tensions between the two powers.
US, South Korea mount massive joint military exercises
By Peter Symonds, 2 March 2017
This year’s war games take place amid an already tense stand-off with North Korea over its nuclear and missile testing and alleged assassination of Kim Jong-nam.
South Korea demonises North Korea over Malaysian murder
By Peter Symonds, 1 March 2017
The South Korean government is exploiting the killing of Kim Jong-nam to demand North Korea’s suspension from the UN and criminal charges against its leadership.
US-backed UN statement condemns North Korean missile test
By Peter Symonds, 16 February 2017
The UN warned of “further significant steps” if Pyongyang did not halt its testing and called on UN members “to redouble their efforts” to implement existing sanctions.
Impeachment trial of South Korean president begins
By Ben McGrath, 5 January 2017
Key witnesses in the proceedings have been called to testify Thursday and next Tuesday, with a decision likely this or next month.
Trump’s provocative tweets over North Korean missile threat
By Peter Symonds, 5 January 2017
Trump’s tweets are a further indication that he intends to put North Korea high on his foreign policy agenda as another means of exerting pressure on China.
South Korean President Park impeached
By Ben McGrath and Peter Symonds, 10 December 2016
The anti-Park protests—the largest in South Korea’s history—reflect widespread popular hostility and anger towards the president over broader social and political issues.
South Korean opposition sets presidential impeachment vote for Friday
By Ben McGrath, 5 December 2016
The largest protests in South Korean history took place over the weekend after a scheduled vote to impeach President Park Geun-hye was delayed.
South Korean president offers to resign
By Ben McGrath, 1 December 2016
President Park has lost support from nearly all sections of the political establishment, with even close supporters in her own party calling on her to step down.
Deepening social crisis underpins South Korean protests
By Ben McGrath, 29 November 2016
The hostility to Park is being fuelled not only by allegations of corruption but more broadly by her government's attack on working and living conditions.
Nearly two million people demand South Korean president’s removal
By Ben McGrath, 28 November 2016
With a vote on President Park’s impeachment looming, last weekend’s protests are a sign of growing social and political discontent.
South Korean opposition parties call for President Park’s impeachment
By Ben McGrath, 23 November 2016
Another mass protest in Seoul on Saturday involving hundreds of thousands of people has continued to put pressure on Park to resign.
One million protestors in Seoul demand Korean president resign
By Ben McGrath, 15 November 2016
The pressure on President Park to step down is growing after the South Korean capital’s largest protest in 30 years.
Mass protests call on Korean president to resign
By Ben McGrath, 7 November 2016
Park’s approval rating has fallen to 5 percent, the lowest of any South Korean president, as a result of the corruption scandal involving her personal confidante, Choi Soon-sil.
South Korea’s president in crisis over corruption scandals
By Ben McGrath, 2 November 2016
Intense conflicts in ruling circles are behind accusations that President Park Gen-hye and her confidantes were involved in illegal activity.
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