Number: RL30188
Title: SOUTH KOREA: "SUNSHINE POLICY" AND ITS POLITICAL CONTEXT
Authors: Rinn S. Shinn, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Since taking office in February 1998, President Kim Dae Jung has tried to address two major and connected issues: establishing a firm political power base and improvement in North-South Korean relations. In this report, these issues are examined because of U.S. concerns about South Korea's political fluidity as well as its potential impact on North Korea's perceived threat to the security interests of the South and the United States. Key topics covered in this report include: President Kim's quest for political stability; the new power elite in South Korea; fragility of coalition rule; and President Kim's conciliatory policy of engagement with North Korea (also known as "sunshine policy") and its relevance to U.S. interests.
Pages: 30
Date: Updated February 12, 2001