So, Korean voters in 15 districts chose lawmakers in yesterday's by-elections.
Leading up to voting day, all eyes were on whether President Park Geun-hye's ruling party
could retain its parliamentary majority -- and it turns out the party won more than enough
seats to do that.
This, of course, will help President Park push through her economic stimulus policy
and regulatory reform measures.
Let's discuss the economic implications of the election results -- our contributor Dr.
Kim Byoung-joo joins me live in the studio.
So, Dr. Kim - a major win for the ruling party.
Some say it's all thanks to the ruling party's strategy
of emphasizing the economy.
Would that be a fair observation?
Putting aside the election results,... in the stock market as well as in the housing
market... reactions to Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan's new policies have been quite
enthusiastic, isn't that right?
And, we all hope this will not be the case -- but is there any chance that there could
be some roll-back of the announced policies now that the elections are over?
Or... even the new finance chief's enthusiasm cooling off -- even if by a little bit?
I'm sure the presidential office is more than relieved having seen the election results
-- in fact, the outcome has probably cemented the remainder of President Park's term in
office.
What will we see with President Park?
Time to focus on her top priority issues that she had put on back-burner during the by-election
campaign period, perhaps?
Today is our final episode of Business Today --
I would like to thank Dr. Kim Byoung-joo for providing us
with his
expertise
and always being enthusiastic about the discussion... for
the last 2-and-a-half years.
Our team here at Arirang and I would like to thank you, Dr. Kim, for
your contributions.