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PARK GEUN-HYE became South Korea’s first female president today, vowing zero tolerance with North Korean provocation and demanding Pyongyang “abandon its nuclear ambitions” immediately.
As leader of Asia’s fourth-largest economy, Park, the 61-year-old daughter of late military strongman Park Chung-Hee, faces challenges of slowing growth and soaring welfare costs in one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies.
Taking the oath of office less than two weeks after North Korea carried out its third nuclear test, Park called on the regime in Pyongyang to “abandon its nuclear ambitions without delay” and rejoin the international community.
“I will not tolerate any action that threatens the lives of our people and the security of our nation,” Park said, while promising to pursue the trust-building policy with Pyongyang that she had promised in her campaign.
South Korean rapper PSY performs before the inauguration ceremony of President Park Geun-hye at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Observers say her options will be limited by the international outcry over the North’s 12 February nuclear test, which has emboldened the hawks in her ruling conservative party who oppose closer engagement.
There was no immediate reaction from Pyongyang, but an editorial today in the ruling Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried a clear message for Park to avoid the “confrontational” policies of her predecessor Lee Myung-Bak.
As South Korea’s first female president, Park leads a country that is ranked below the likes of Suriname and the United Arab Emirates in gender equality.
The two-and-a-half hour inauguration ceremony, held on a chilly and cloudy morning, included a musical warm-up concert that saw Korean rapper Psy perform his global hit “Gangnam Style”.
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RIP,another family’s heartbreak this evening :(
RIP
I hope it’s not James it would be such a waste of a young life.
seriously,how many other bodies are floating around in that river at any one time?
It would be someone else’s waste if life then….
I hate to have say this why are people red thumbing that comment?
So sad news, I know body isn’t identified yet, thoughts with family at such a sad time, too young to die
What are the thumbs down about? I can’t see any contentious statements above!
Richard just ignore the red thumbs on this story We all try too it is such a sad story for the Family who have to deal with this R.I.P and thought for the family
Oh no… :-/
I hope it not James for hisfamly
Thumbs down because any loss of life is sad whatever the age.
I agree Laura but I thought the idea of the thumbs was to make a statement about the comment. Apologies if I have misunderstood.
you havent mis understood at all,the thumbs system is indeed to indicate ones aggreement/disaggreement with a comment..people will thumbs down anything said on this site,no matter what it is
well done to the boyne river rescue….a grim task indeed. my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
at least who ever it is has been.found. not in the way any family Will ever hope for but it Will be at least some peace for them. what a heartbreaking time for all concerned. rip.
Dont worry I seen the red thumb record here 1097 so I wouldnt take it personal sometimes with the iPhone or smart (not so Smart) when scrolling down page sometimes ppl hit off it by error I know I for one have .
R I P . Condolences to the family of the deceased .
RIP to this poor soul, it’s someone’s son, brother etc. May his family gain the strength they will need to get them through the next week. how gives a flying f%@k about red thumbers. They are irrelevant. Trolls will be trolls.
at least who ever it is has been.found. not in the way any family Will ever hope for but it Will be at least some peace for them. what a heartbreaking time for all concerned. rip.
Very sad that someone’s son has be taken out of the river
As for the red thumbs why won’t the journal get rid of this red / green
Thumbs crap
People are saying ” I hope it’s not James” . It’s somebody, and someone’s son!! Whoever it is are facing devastation.. I hope it’s not James just pushes the reality to some other poor family
am I right that the body found was that poor boy James,tragic,his life taken so young,only making his way in the world god be good to him
Why was my comment deleted?
Because the journal is like that … Very picky in my opinion and just a tad conservative … It likes to think it’s an important broadsheet , but it’s not really that far removed from most Red-Tops!! Shrude and moronic!!
have your say