Park said there have also been growing concerns about conflicts in Northeast Asia and global economic crisis.
The President-elect pledged to keep her promise to the people without fail that the next administration will usher in a new era of the Korean Peninsula based on solid national security and mutually-trustful diplomacy. She won the Dec. 19 presidential race on the ticket of the conservative Saenuri Party, defeating Moon Jae-in, candidate of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP).
Park told reporters at Saenuri Party headquarters in Seoul that she will endeavor to promote reconciliation, cooperation and peace in Northeast Asia based on a “correct perception of history.”
She was apparently referring to Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Japan has been accused of failing to fully repent for the atrocities it committed during the colonial period. A modified version of Japan's rising sun flag, which was the war flag of imperial Japanese army decades ago, continues to be in use by Japan’s Self-Defense Force. It still haunts Koreans, especially now-aged “comfort women” who were coerced into sexual servitude at front-line Japanese military brothels during World War II.
Park, the eldest daughter of former President Park Chung-hee who led an authoritarian government until he was assassinated by his intelligence chief, Kim Jae-kyu, in 1979, said she will strive to promote national reconciliation and implement personnel policies in a fair manner in order to sever the historical loop dotted with divides and feud for the late half century.
"By recruiting people in all regions, genders and generations, I will elevate the hidden capabilities of the Republic of Korea to a maximum extent to make every citizen feel happy," she said.
Park said many young people have much troubles in finding jobs after graduation. "I will make a nation where people see juniors go to work joyfully and every citizen enjoys life that has no worry."
