In 2012, many countries, including South Korea, conducted presidential elections. In South Korea, China, and the U.S., respectively, Park Geun-hye, Xi Jinping, and Barack Obama were elected. Also, many countries witnessed many political changes, and many things attracted much attention. Allow me to introduce several interesting issues that we have to give attention to.

 First, there were interesting issues in the Czech Republic. For one, a candidate had his entire body tattooed. So
many people wondered if he would get elected. This tattooed candidate’s name is Vladimir Franz, and he was named “Tattoo President” by the voters. The Czech Republic is a democratized country, but many politicians still
engage in corruption. Thus, majority of the people have become disillusioned. They were shocked by Vladimir Franz and by the young voters who support him.

 Second, there was much ado over whether the re-elected Barack Obama would dance PSY’s horse dance. This is

because Obama said that he watched PSY’s music video and thinks that he can dance the horse dance. Obama, however, didn’t do the horse dance when PSY performed at the “Christmas in Washington” benefit performance. People guessed that Obama didn’t dance for diplomatic reasons, but PSY publicized his conversation with President Obama and revealed that the reason that Obama did not do the horse dance was that he was concerned that his wife and daughters would be perplexed if he did so.

 

Third, many are concerned about the changes that may occur in China with the election of Xi Jinping. After his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China, he implemented various policies. For example, he emphasized the eradication of corruption. This is because corruption is rampant among China’s politicians.
Also, there is much concern about how the relationship between South Korea and China may change when Xi Jinping takes over the reins of China’s government. It is likely that Xi Jinping will adopt a friendly attitude towards South Korea because he emphasized that “it is important for a new leader to establish new relationships with
other countries.”

 In view of these changes, we have to exert efforts to cooperate and establish friendly relations with other countries. South Korea should take an amicable or critical stand according to diverse situations.