MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL

UNCLAS SEOUL 000116 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/PD FOR SWALKER, EAP/P, EAP/K STATE PASS USDA ELECTRONICALLY FOR FAX/ITP SCHEIKH STATE PASS USTR FOR RCASSIDY USDOC FOR 4430/IEP/OPB/EAP/JDONIUS TREASURY FOR OASIA/MGREWE CINCPAC FOR J-74 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR ECON KS US KPAO KMDR SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL Subject: Media Reaction; Seoul Presidential Inauguration/New Administration's Foreign Policy "Messages of 'Integration, Responsibility and Remaking' in Obama's Inaugural Address Are Something that the ROK Must Adopt" Conservative Dong-a Ilbo editorialized (01/22): "The message that President Obama sent to the Korean Peninsula is serious. He said that he 'will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat.' He also warned, 'To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.' Through these statements, it can be said that he has made it clear that he will not have dialogue for the sake of dialogue, but only when North Korea gives up its nuclear ambitions will the U.S. have dialogue." "A Profoundly Changed Foreign Policy" Left-leaning Hankyoreh Shinmun editorialized (01/22): "The great principle of U.S. foreign policy presented by President Obama is greater cooperation and understanding. This means that the U.S., while taking a cautious approach to using military force, will seek global cooperation by enhancing its legitimacy and setting a good example. In particular, it was nice for President Obama not to use the term 'war on terror' in his inaugural address, given that the words turned into an ideological term long ago. Regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, he vowed to 'work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat with old friends and former foes.' This statement reaffirms the principle of direct negotiations between the North and the U.S. Pyongyang should not miss this opportunity.... Washington's forward-looking shift in foreign policy can offer us many opportunities. This is all the more so because the U.S. has decided to take this path after its painful trials and errors over the past eight years. Now is the time for us to go beyond the hackneyed slogan of 'strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance' and to put our heads together for a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia and a better world." "The Reason Why 'Obamanomics' Should Not End in Failure" Moderate Hankook Ilbo editorialized (01/22): "The problem lies in how successfully Obama will put his words into practice. The success or failure of the Obama Administration directly affects the lives of the Korean people. This is why we hope that the incoming administration, which is hailed as a 'change of history,' fulfills its promise and stays the course, despite being faced with any formidable challenges in the future." Stephens