UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884597 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Ft QATI (EN: UNGLASSE Ft an Wage a a? 4 From: SMART Archive RELEASE Sent: 7/29/2014 6:30:41 AM IN FULL To: SMART Core Subject: Scenesetter for CODEL McKeon?s August 7-10 Visit to the Republic of Korea UNCLASSEEFID SBU NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 14 SEOUL 1452 Jul 29, 2014 I291029Z JUL 14 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: SECSTATE WASHDC E.0.: 13526 TAGS: OREP, PREL, PGOV, KNNP, MARR, EINT, ETRD, KPAO, KS, KN, JA, CH Captions: SENSITIVE, CODEL Subject: Scenesetter for CODEL McKeon's August 7?10 Visit to the Repuinc of Korea 1. (SBU) Chairman McKeon and colleagues, Embassy Seoul warmly welcomes you to the Republic of Korea (ROK). The U.S.-ROK Alliance has evolved and expanded in the past 61 years, with the security alliance providing the foundation for a comprehensive strategic Alliance of bilateral, regional, and global scope that includes profound economic relations and people -to-people ties. The Alliance is stronger than ever despite formidable challenges, including the North Korean threat, complex internal politics, and shifting regional dynamics. Your visit will highlight the expanding global partnership between the United States and the ROK and reinforce Washington?s commitment to the Asia-Paci?c region. REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSE Ft QATI UN: UNGLASSE Ft an Wage a a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884597 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884597 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE FE (EN: UNGLASSE Ft an Wage 2 a? 4 Ferg Tragedg Deals Domestic Blow to President Park 3. (SBU) President Park has been active on the diplomatic front with a successful bilateral summit with President Obama here in April, a red carpet welcome in Beijing and a reciprocal visit by President Xi to Seoul in July, ?sales diplomacy? visits to South and Southeast Asia, the strengthening of South Korea?s ties with European nations, and a speech on Korean reuni?cation in Germany. On the domestic front, however, Park has recently struggled largely due to public perceptions that her government failed in its response to the April 16 Sewol ferry tragedy where over 300 lives?mostly high school students?were lost. Though Park?s Saenuri party was widely seen as winning in the June local elections due to conservatives rallying to ?save? the president, Park?s public approval rate has further plunged following her inability to find a politically acceptable candidate to replace Prime Minister Chung Hong-won who had offered to resign over the government ?5 response to the ferry sinking. Recent polling had Park?s approval rating drop to an all-time low of 44 percent, with disapproval ratings topping 47 percent. The Sewol ferry incident and nomination scandals in her cabinet have been unwelcome distractions to Park?s efforts to focus on job creation and economic growth and to cooperate with a National Assembly which was largely deadlocked over an electioneering scandal during her first year in office. The upcoming July 30 National Assembly by-elections, with 15 seats in contention, will measure how much these recent developments will affect the ruling party. (BLASSE FE UN: UNGLASSE Ft an Wage 2 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884597 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884597 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884597 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884597 Date: 04/26/2016 CLASSE FE (EN: UNCLASSE Fl m3 Wage 4 a? 4 Signature: Drafted By: Samuel Cleared By: White, Heath Sung Ryan Matthew Lori A Daniel Byers, Brent Edward Henry T. Saito Darrell H. Zemitis Phil Yu Approved By: Leslie A Released By: AMEMBASSY Sameul Info: KOREA COLLECTIVE ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy CLASSE FE UN: UNCLASSE Fl m3 Wage 4 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884597 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Fl 0N: UNGLASSE Fl an Wage a of From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 8/1/2014 4:14:19 AM PART NR.BG To: SMART Core Subject: Scenesetter for CODEL Shuster August 19 - 20 Visit to the Republic of Korea UNCLASSEEFID SBU NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 14 SEOUL 1484 Aug 01, 2014 [0108122 AUG 14 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: OREP, PREL, PGOV, ECON, ELTN, EWWT, ETRD, EAIR, ELAB, KPAO, KNNP, KS, KN Captions: SENSITIVE, CODEL Subject: Scenesetter for CODEL Sinister August 19 20 Visit to the Republic of Korea 1. (SBU) Chairman Shuster and colleagues, Embassy Seoul warmly welcomes you to the Republic of Korea (ROK). Your visit will reinforce the U.S.-ROK alliance, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. Your visit will also be an opportunity to reaf?rm Washington ?s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and highlight the expanding global partnership between the United States and the ROK. President Park and Domestic Politics 2. (SBU) President Park has been busy on the diplomatic front since taking office. She had a successful visit to Washington in May 2013, followed by a visit by President Obarna here in April; a red carpet welcome in Beijing and a reciprocal visit by President Xi to Seoul in July; ?sales diplomacy? visits to South and Southeast Asia; the strengthening of South Korea?s ties with European nations; and a speech on Korean reuni?cation in Germany. On the domestic front, however, Park has recently struggled largely due to perceptions her government failed in its response to the April 16 Sewol ferry tragedy where over 300 lives?mostly high school students?were lost. Though Park?s Saenuri party was widely seen as winning in the June local elections due to conservatives rallying to ?save? the president, Park?s approval ratings continue to fall. Beyond Sewol, her decrease in support was a result of her inability to find a politically acceptable candidate to replace Prime Minister Chung Hong-won who had offered to resign over the government?s response to the ferry sinking. Recent polling has Park?s approvals at a low of 40 percent, and her disapprovals at a high of 50 percent. The Sewol incident and nomination scandal have been an unwelcome distraction to Park?s efforts to focus on job creation and economic growth. For these initiatives, she must enlist the cooperation of the National Assembly, which has spent a large portion of her administration politically deadlocked over a succession of controversies and crises. Alliance NR REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSE Fl 0N: UNGLASSE Fl an Wage a of UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 4 of Transportation Safety 14. (SBU) The death toll of the April 16 Sewol ferry sinking is estimated to reach 304, the majority of them a group of high school students from Ansan on a school trip. That disaster has led to a time of deep sorrow for all Koreans. Compounding the sorrow from that tragedy is the July 6, 2013 Asiana ?ight 214 crash at San Francisco International Airport. Of the 307 people abroad the Boeing 777, 3 died and 181 were injured, including 12 critically injured. Additionally, there was also a subway crash in May 2014 that injured 200 and a passenger train crash in July 2014 that killed 1 and injured 92. These events have led to a focus on renewed transportation safety, with President Park Geun-hye calling for a government reorganization and a national focus on safety. Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 4 of 6 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 GLASSI FE QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Fl Em Wage 5 a? Signature: Drafted By: Matthew Cleared By: Ryan Kevin Lori A Isabelle Sung Alexei MariaGaIIndo Approved By: Leslie A Released By: Matthew Info: AMEMBASSY SHANGHAI, AMCONSUI. HONG KONG, AMCONSUL ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy GLASSI FE QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Fl Em Wage 5 a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 NR B6 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage a? SBU QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884603 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884600 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft CATI ON: UNCLASSE Ft Em Wage 1 a? From: SMART Archive RELEASE Sent: 8/4/2014 5:26:10 AM IN FULL To: SMART Cete Subject: LABOR MARKET LOOKING UP AS GOVERNMENT FACES UNCLASSEEFID SBU NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 14 SEOUL 1492 Aug 04, 2014 l040924Z AUG 14 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: ECON, ELAB, PGOV, KS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: LABOR MARKET LOOKING UP AS GOVERNMENT FACES CRITICISM 1. (SBU) Summary: The Park Administration's focus on economic growth and push to increase the employment rate to 70 percent as part of its ?474? plan has been criticized for creating low-wage, contract jobs to boost the empioyment rate and for sacrificing Iabor rights to keep Iabor costs low. in July 7-17 meetings, labor activists said the administration has neglected labor issues. However, fallout from the Sewol ferry sinking, and this summer?s wage negotiations point toward an improved environment for labor interests. End summary. Opportunities to Advance Labor Interests 4. (SBU) The Sewol sinking has highlighted occupational safety conditions and the lack of regulatory oversight in Korea and trade unions have taken advantage ofthe opportunity to advocate for better working conditions. Jang noted that REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer Ft CATI ON: UNCLASSE Ft Em Wage 1 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884600 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884600 Date: 04/26/2016 GLASSE FE CATI 0N: UNCLASSE Ft ms Wage 2 of the captain and crew ofthe Sewol were short term contract workers and said that their irregular status contributed to the accident. He cited in particular their low commitment, hostile working conditions, and lack oftraining. Unions have been able to seize on this narrative and have joined the call for the government to reform its safety and employment regulations, including an increase in regular labor positions. NR 7. (SBU) Comment: Despite their pointed and public criticism of the government, Korea?s labor unions understand that the current environment presents opportunities for improvements in labor conditions and regulations, particularly following the Sewol tragedy. Together with the decisions by GM Korea and Ssangyong to change their wage structure, there could be positive momentum for changes in labor regulations, even as the ?ark Administration seems to focus more on the quantity than quality ofjobs in the Korean economy. Signature: KIM Drafted By: Aimee Cleared By: Isabelle Approved By: Kevin Released By: Ryan Info: KOREA COLLECTIVE ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy UNCLASSIFIED SBU GLASSE FE CATI 0N: UNCLASSE Ft ms Wage 2 of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884600 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884607 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Ft QATI 0N: SEURET Wage a a? 3 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 8/12/2014 3:39:42 AM FULL To: Subject: Seoul Daily for Tuesday, August 12, 2014 NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED Sensmve MRN: 14 MDA 6815 Aug 12, 2014 120740Z AUG 14 From: Bassett, Leslie A E.O.: 13526 TAGS: ECON, ETRD, KS, PGOV, PREL, MOPS, MARR Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoul Daily for Tuesday, August 12, 2014 (SBU) NPAD Pressed to Renegotiate Terms of Sewol Bill Over Mounting Criticism: Acting NPAD Chief Park Young-sun is seeking additional talks with the ruling NFP regarding the special bill on the Sewol ferry sinking due to mounting disapproval from some of her party?s lawmakers and the Victims? families, Who REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSE Ft QATI 0N: SEURET Wage a a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884607 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884607 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Ft 0N: SECRET Wage 2 a? 3 criticized the two parties? for ignoring their demand to grant investigative rights to the committee. Press reports indicate that the denounced NPAD ?s decision to nullify the terms of the bill agreed upon last week and denied the possibility ofrenegotiations. Embassy contacts on August 12 commented that the fractured NPAD lacks the political clout to sway the ruling party into renegotiating the terms of the bill. Our contacts also stated that if Park concedes to the NFP, NPAD hardliners likely will attack her leadership abilities. NR Classified By: Name: Leslie A. Bassett, Title: Deputy Chief of Mission Of?ce: EXEC Agency: STATE Reason: 1.4 (cl) Deciassify 0n: 2024/08/12 Attachmen?s): This document is SECRET when separated from SECRET attachment(s)_ Drafted By: SEOUL:Bassett, Leslie A Released By: SEOUL:Bassett, Leslie A Info: NR (BLASSE Ft 0N: SECRET Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884607 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884607 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLA33I FE QATI 3N: 333331? Wage 3 a? 3 Attachments: Dissemination RuIe: Archive Copy Sensitive (BLA33I FE QATI 3N: 333331? Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884607 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884606 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: SEURET Wage 4 a? 3 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 8/25/2014 3:29:29 AM FULL To: Subject: Seoul Daily for Monday, August 25, 2014 NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED Sensmve MRN: 14 MDA 7313 Aug 25, 2014 AUG 14 From: Bassett, Leslie A E.0.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, ECON, PREL, ETRD, EIND, KS, KN, MARR, RS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoul Daily for Monday, August 25, 2014 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: SEURET Wage 4 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884606 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884606 Date: 04/26/2016 (runner Ft 0N: SEURET Wage 2 @f 3 (SBU) Sewol Bill: Opposition Party Suggests Tripartite Negotiations, Calls for Rep. Park to Resign: On August 24, interim leader of NRAD, Rep. Park Young-sun, suggested holding tripartite negotiations and officially bringing the Sewol ferry Victims? families into the negotiation of the special bill. The proposal was quickly rejected by the NFR on the basis that a tripartite consultation is ?dangerous? because it would violate Korea?s representative democracy and the parliamentary system. This proposal was offered after a weekend of searching for a compromise proved fruitless, and hunger strikes reached a dangerous breaking point. A victim?s father and a sympathetic singer were taken to the hospital after prolonged hunger strikes. Repeated requests for President Park Geun-hye to meet with the families also went unanswered this weekend. On August 24, senior NPAD lawmakers including Representatives Moon Hee-sang, Won Bye-young and Park Byeong-seok called on Rep. Park to resign over her two failed attempts to forge a compromise over the bill. NRAD plans to hold a meeting on the evening of August 25 to readdress this issue. Contacts have previously told the Embassy that it would be hard to replace Rep. Park at the moment but several members seem to be positioning themselves for party conventions next spring when a new party leader will be elected formally. Rep. Moon Jae-in, who is among those in contention, has made it harder for Rep. Park to form party consensus by joining the families in their hunger strike. (runner Ft 0N: SEURET Wage 2 @f 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884606 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884606 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLA33I FE QATI 3N: 333331? Wage 3 a? 3 Classified By: Name: Leslie A. Bassett, Title: Deputy Chief of Mission Of?ce: EXEC Agency: STATE Reason: 1.4 Declassify 0n: 2024/08/25 Drafted By: SEOUL:Bassett, Leslie A Released By: A Info: Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Sensitive (BLA33I FE QATI 3N: 333331? Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884606 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884610 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Fl 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Wage a? 3 From: SMART Archive Sent: 8/27/2014 3:35:26 AM To: Subject: NPAD Unable to Move Past Sewol Ferry Tragedy Sensitive MRN: 14 SEOUL 777 Aug 27, 2014 l270735Z AUG 14 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, KS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: NPAD Unable to Move Past Sewol Ferry Tragedy l. (C) Summary: Nearly one month after suffering a political blow in the July 30 by-elections, the New Politics Alliance for Democracy ?s (NPAD) political agenda continues to be consumed by the Sewol ferry sinking which has led to internal disputes and leadership challenges.? 31 I lEnd summary. NPAD without Party Unity on Sewol Bill Resolution 2. (SBU) NPAD ?s political agenda currently is at a standstill until it can come to an agreement with the New Frontier (Saenuri) Party (NFP) and the Victims? families over the terms of the Sewol bill, but this is proving to be increasingly difficult. Despite NPAD and the NFP reaching a consensus on two separate occasions, first on August 7 and again on August 19 regarding the Sewol bill, NPAD Party leader Rep. Park was forced to renegotiate the agreement amidst mounting criticism from her party?s lawmakers and the Sewol ferry Victims? families who remain steadfast that they will not support the bill unless their demands to grant full investigative rights to the committee are met. NFP, however, denounced NPAD ?s decision to nullify twice the terms of the bill agreed upon and has denied the possibility of renegotiations. Rep. Park has since has been at an impasse between the victims? families, NFP lawmakers, and individuals within her own party. 3. (SBU) Rep. Park has been waging a two-front campaign in an attempt to move the Sewol bill forward. She visited the victims families in Seoul?s downtown Gwanghwamun Square on August 20, specifically to meet with the father of a victim who at that time was on his thirty-ninth day of a hunger strike. She also held a town-hall- like session at the National Assembly with family members. In addition, she attempted to win support in her own party by holding several party-wide meetings. The meetings concluded with the majority of the NPAD lawmakers deciding they could not support any bill absent approval from the victims families. Unable to gain support on either front, Rep. Park was forced to ask for renegotiations. On August 24, she proposed holding tripartite negotiations and officially bringing the Sewol ferry victims? families into the negotiation of the special REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSE Fl 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Wage a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884610 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884610 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft 0N: QQNFE HENTE Wage 2 mf 3 bill. The proposal was quickly rejected by the NFP on the basis that a tripartite consultation was ?dangerous? because it would violate Korea?s representative democracy and the parliamentary system. 4. (ml Furthermore, on August 24, several senior NPAD lawmakers called on Rep. Park to resign over her two failed attempts to find compromise over the bill.? 5. (C) Following the resignation of NPAD leaders Ahn Cheol-soo and Kim Han-gil on July 3i over the party?s defeat in the by-eleetions, Representative Park Young-sun emerged as NPAD ?s party leader while simultaneously maintaining her position as the party?s floor leader in the National Assembly.? A New Strategy? 6. (SBU) In an attempt to shift or at least share the responsibility for producing a solution for a bill acceptable to the victims? families, NPAD has amplified the families? request to meet with the President. Claiming a meeting with the President would be a first step in building trust with the families that will then allow a breakthrough in the passing of the bill, NPAD members have on camera and in social media stated that it is now time for the President to get involved. NPAD party members have also systematically spoken about the need for involvement in the process, highlighting the lack of interest NFP has shown for the victims? families and question why the victims? families have solely been the responsibility of the opposition party. Following such repeated calls, NFP party leader Rep. Kim Moo-sung visited the victims? families for the first time on August 18 and on August 25, NFP floor leader Lee Wan-goo and two other senior NFP lawmakers held a roundtable discussion with representatives from the victims? families. 7. (C) Both parties are keeping close tabs on public opinion polls. Academics say private polls indicate Koreans are showing signs of fatigue with this issue. However, polls show the public ?s sympathy for the victims? families is still very high. Ft 0N: QQNFE HENTE Wage 2 mf 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884610 Date: 04/26/2016 31 31 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884610 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLA33E Fl 3N: camel KEENTE All.? Wage 3 a? 3 Signature: BASSETT Classified By: Name: Angie Zeidan, Title: Political Of?cer Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Declassify On: 2024/08/27 Drafted By: Angie (Seoul) Cleared By: SeoulzLee, Jinnie Approved By: Seoul:Shoemaker, Lori A (Seoul) Released By: Angie (Seoul) Info: KOREA ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Sensitive (BLA33E Fl 3N: camel KEENTE Al.? Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884610 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884612 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI At.? Wage 4 a? 3 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 8/29/2014 3:52:23 All/I To: Subject: Seoul Daily for Friday, August 30, 2014 NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS Sensitive RED ACTED MRN: 14 MDA 7515 Aug 29, 2014 AUG 14 From: Covert, Kevin (Seoul) E.0.: 13526 TAGS: EAID, ECIN, ECON, ETRD, ELTN, PREL, PGOV, MARR, SENVCaptions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoul Daily for Friday, August 30, 2014 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI At.? Wage 4 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884612 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884612 Date: 04/26/2016 Wage 2 a? 3 NR (SBU) Prominent Hunger Strikes End; Opposition Likely to End Boycott: Kim Young-0h, the father of sixteen ?year-old Yu?rnin who drowned in the Sewol ferry sinking, ended his 46-day hunger strike on August 29 amid growing concerns from his family about his health and prolonged political wrangling over the terms of the special Sewol bill. Kim is now calling for the opposition to stop their boycott and get back to work at the National Assembly ?in efforts to build a safer Korea.? Former presidential candidate and NPAD Rep. Moon ae-in followed Kim?s lead and called it quits to his own ten-day hunger strike. Kim and Moon?s decision to simultaneously end their hunger strikes probably will cause boycott to draw to a close and return to the regular session of the National Assembly scheduled to start September 1. NR Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884612 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884612 Date: 04/26/2016 QQNFEHENTEAL Wage 3 a? 3 Classified By: Name: Kevin Covert, Title: Deputy Economic Counselor Of?ce: Embassy Seoul Agency: Department of State Derived From: DSCG 11?01 Deciassify On: 2024/08/29 Drafted By: Kevin (Seoul) Released By: Kevin (Seoul) Info: Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Sensitive (BLA33E Fl 3N: camel KEENTE Al.? Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884612 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884613 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 4 a? 3 From: SMART Archive Sent: 9/16/2014 3:02:08 AM FULL To: Subject: Seoul Daily for Tuesday, September 15, 2014 NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS SBU REDACTED MRN: 14 MDA 8107 Sep 16, 2014/ 160702Z SEP 14 From: Bassett, Leslie A E.O.: 13526 TAGS: ECON, ETRD, PGOV, KN, KS, PREL, PHUM, CASC, MOPS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoul Daily for Tuesday, September 15, 2014 NR REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 4 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884613 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884613 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft 0N: UNCLASSE Fl are Wage 2 a? 3 NR (U) President Park Breaks Her Silence on Sewol: President Park Geun-hye in her September 16 cabinet meeting called for a swift passage of the Sewol bill and said that she would not give authority to anyone to investigate or indict those responsible for the Sewol ferry sinking because her intervention would violate the separation of powers and damage Korea?s judicial system. (U) NPAD Dismantles Emergency Committee: NPAD on September 16 dismantled its emergency committee, which was led by Rep. Park Young -sun. NPAD will nominate a new chairperson for the post. Rep. Park claims that she will resign from her position after the Assembly reaches a consensus over the Sewol bill. NR Drafted By: SEOUL:Bassett, Leslie A Released By: SEOUL:Bassett Leslie A Info: NR Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy UNCLASSIFIED Ft 0N: UNCLASSE Fl are Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884613 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884613 Date: 04/26/2016 3LA33IFE3ATIQN: UNGLA33EFI33 Wage 3 a? 3 3LA33IFE3ATIQN: UNGLA33EFI33 Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884613 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 4 a? 5 From: SMART Archive gfhE?g?J: PART Sent: 9/19/2014 3:19:18 AM NON-RESPONSIVE - a To. PORTIONS REDACTED Subject: Seoul Daily for daymonthdate, 2014 mm Sensitive MRN: 14 MDA 8245 Sep 19, 2014 190722Z SEP 14 From: Bauman, Kirsten E.O.: 13526 TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PHUM, MARR, ELAB, ECON, ETRD, EFIN, EAID, SHLH, KCRM, KHIV, UNDP, UN, KS, KN, CH, JA, RS, MG, IZ, GIVI Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: SeouI Daily for daymonthdate, 2014 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 4 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 2 a? 5 NR (C iSewol Ferryl Bl I I As an indication of how profoundly the fallout from the ferry sinking has rocked Korean society, cited the ongoing protests on Gwanghwamun square and the total shutdown of the National Assembly due to discord over the Sewol special bill. (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 2 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884616 Date: 04/26/2016 CQNFEHENTEAL Wage 4 a? 5 Classified By: Name: Kirsten Bauman, Title: ESTH Of?ce: ECON Agency: DOS Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Deciassify On: 2024/09/19 Drafted By: Kirsten Reieased By: SEOULzBauman, Kirsten 8 Info: Dissemination Ruie: Archive Copy CQNFEHENTEAL Wage 4 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 5 a? 5 Sensitive (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 5 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884616 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASM Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl are Wage mf 5 From: SMART Archive IN Sent: 10/1/2014 3:47:22 AM To: Subject: Seoul Daily for Wednesday, October 1, 2014 NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS SBU REDACTED MRN: 14 MDA 8675 Oct 01, 2014 l010749Z OCT 14 From: Bassett, Leslie A E.0.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, ETRD, EAGR, EFIN, ECON, EPET, KS, KN, RS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoul Daily for Wednesday, October 1, 2014 (U) National Assembly Deadlock Ends, Over 90 Bitls Passed The stalemate in the National Assembly ended on September 30, after the and NPAD members came to an agreement on a special bill to investigate the sinking of the Sewol ferry accident, ending 150 days of legislative paralysis and allowing the Assembly to pass 91 bills. Under the agreement, the two parties consented to form a seven -member recommendation committee that will pick candidates for special prosecutor to investigate the cause of the April 16 disaster. Each party will choose two members of the committee, and remaining three members of committee will be chosen by the Ministry of Justice, the National Court Administration and the Korea Bar Association. The committee will put forth two candidates and President Park will make ?nal decision of who will serve as special prosecutor. The lawmakers decided to postpone a decision on whether or not the families of Sewol victims will be a part of the recommendation process. After the announcement of the agreement was made, however, the association of bereaved families of Victims publicly expressed their intention to re?ise the agreement. Separately, the lawmakers agreed to hold parliamentary audits from October 7-27. REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASM Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl are Wage mf 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 UNGLASSEFEHQ Wage 4 a? 5 Drafted By: SEOUL:Bassett, Leslie A Approved By: SEOULBassett, LeleeA Released By: SEOUL:Bassett, Leslie A Info: UNGLASSEFEHQ Wage 4 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft Em Wage 5 a? 5 Dissemination RuIe: Archive Copy UNLCASSEEFID SBU (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft Em Wage 5 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884618 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884629 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE FE CATI (EN: QQNFE KEENTE Wage 1 a? 4 From: SMART Archive Sent: 10/24/2014 3:18:59 AM To: COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR WASHDC, Subject: Scenesetter for Admiral Harris Visit to Korea Sensitive NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 14 SEOUL 931 Oct 24, 2014 OCT 14 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.0.: 13526 TAGS: PREL, PGOV, KNNP, MCAP, MASS, MOPS, MARR, EINT, KS, KN, JA, CH, RS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Scenesetter for Admirai Harris Visit to Korea 1. (C) Admiral Harris, Embassy Seoul warmly welcomes you back to the Republic of Korea (ROK). NR ROK Nag Continues a High 0g Tempo Year 2. (C) A combination of domestic riorities and overseas commitments has made 2014 Earlier in the year, as the nation was consumed by the B1 tra ic sinkin of the Sewol Fer on A ril 16th which took the lives of hundreds of students the ROK Na 1 I NR NR REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSE FE CATI UN: QQNFE KEENTE Wage 1 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884629 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884629 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884629 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884629 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884629 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884629 Date: 04/26/2016 FE (EN: COMM HENTE Al?: Wage 4 a? 4 Signature: Bassett Classified By: Name: Dewey Moore, Title: Political Of?cer Of?ce: US. Embassy Seoul Agency: Department of State Derived From: DSCG 11?01 Declassify 0n: 2039/10/24 Drafted By: Philip Moore, Dewey Cleared By: Tikvart, Daniel SeoulzBlackwood, Richard (SEOUL) Seouliee, Jinnie Seoul:Covert, Kevin (Seoul) Seoul: Saito, Henry Approved By: Bassett, Leslie A Released By: Dewey Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Sensitive FE UN: COMM HENTE Al.? Wage 4 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884629 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884631 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASM Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl are Wage a? 3 From: SMART Archive Sent: 11/7/2014 3:23:19 AM FULL To: Subject: Seoul Daily for Friday, November 7, 20l4 NON-RESPONSIVE SBU PORTIONS REDACTED 14 MDA 9927 Nov 07, 2014 070823Z NOV 14 From: Tikvart, Daniel E.0.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, KS, KN, CH, JA, RS, ASEAN Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoui Daily for Friday, November 7, 2014 (U) National Assembly Passes All Three Sewol Bills: The National Assembly on November 7 passed all three Sewol bilis, as promised last week, a huge step forward for both parties. The bills call to dismantle the Korea Coast Guard and National Emergency Management Agency and incorporate them into the new ministerial level National Safety Agency, which is expected to be established under the Prime Minister?s Office. The bills also call for an independent investigation into the ferry sinking. (Please see O?l from November 5). NR REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASM Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl are Wage a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884631 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884631 Date: 04/26/2016 UNGLASSEFEHQ Wage 2 a? 3 Drafted By: SEOUL:Tikvart, Daniel Approved By: SEOUL:Tikvart, DanielJ Reieased By: SEOUL2Tikvart, Daniel Info: UNGLASSEFEHQ Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884631 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884631 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLA33I FE QATI 3N: UNGLA33E Ft 33 Wage 3 a? 3 Dissemination Ruie: Archive Copy UNCLASSIFIED SBU (BLA33I FE QATI 3N: UNGLA33E Ft 33 Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884631 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884627 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI Ft QATI (EN: OQNFI KEENTI At.? Wage 4 a? 4 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 11/28/2014 2:35:31 AIVE To: Subject: Seoul Daily for Friday, November 28, 2014 QQNFEWIE, NON-RESPONSIVE Se?gme PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 14 MDA10515 Nov 28, 2014 280735Z NOV 14 From: BowIes, Ryan E.O.: 13526 TAGS: MARR, MOPS, PGOV, PREL, PHUM, SHLH, EIND, ETRD, EAGR, KTIP, KN, RS, JA, KS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoui Daily for Friday, November 28, 2014 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI Ft QATI UN: OQNFI KEENTI At.? Wage 4 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884627 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884627 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884627 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884627 Date: 04/26/2016 QLASSEFEQATIQN: Wage 3 a? 4 NR (SBU) Japanese Reporter Pleads Not Guilty on Defamation Charges: Sankei Japanese journalist Tatsuya Kato pled not guilty at a court hearing on November 27 on charges that he defamed President Park Geun-hye by reporting rumors about her whereabouts on the day of the April ferry sinking. Kato said during the first trial session at the Seoul Central District Court that he ?wrote the article to inform Japanese people of South Koreans awareness about the president? and that he ?never intended to defame.? The indictment has sparked backlash from Japan as Tokyo claims the move discriminates against foreign media and suppressed freedom of speech. The next court date is scheduled for December 15. NR QLASSEFEQATIQN: Wage 3 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884627 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884627 Date: 04/26/2016 Wage 4 a? 4 against women and children in Korea. Minister Kim emphasized the theme that all Koreans needed to take individual responsibility for eradicating this social problem using apun-?lled slogan Nae ilimian nae/Ii anjeon habnita (?ifit is my business then tomorrow will be safe?). She also noted that a nation that underwent war time sexual slavery is doubly obligated to deal with violence against women and children both domestically and on a global basis. Classified By: Name: Ryan Bowles, Title: Senior Trade Of?cer Of?ce: Embassy Seoul Agency: US. Department of State Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Declassify On: 2039/11/28 Drafted By: Ryan Cleared By: SeoulBowles, Ryan Approved By: SeoulBowles, Ryan Released By: Rvan Info: NR Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Sensitive FE UN: QQNFE Al.? Wage 4 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884627 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884636 Date: 04/26/2016 QLASSIFIQATI Wage 4 a? 4 UN: QQNFI KEENTI From: SMART Archive RELEASE Sent: 12/12/2014 3:48:34 AIVE PART To: WASHDC, Cc: KOREA COLLECTIVE Subject: Park Geun-hye GUNFWENIWL Sensitive NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: DatelDTG: From: Action: TAGS: Captions: Subject: 14 SEOUL 1105 Dec 12, 2014/ 120849Z DEC 14 AMEMBASSY SEOUL WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE 13526 PGOV, KS SENSITIVE ark Geun-hye QLASSIFIQATI Wage 4 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884636 Date: 04/26/2016 UN: REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer GQNFI KEENTI UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884636 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft QATI (EN: QQNFE KEENTE Wage 2 a? 4 7. (SBU) President Park has long been sensitive to issues that touch on leong and/or her family, and has not been afraid to go after those who raise this connection in a public forum. High profile defamation cases involving Japanese reporter Tatsuya Kato of Sankei Shimbun and opposition leader Park ie-won center around rumors of a relationship between President Park and Jeong. The Sankei journalist reported that President Park had been with a key adviser eong in her private residence during the time of the Sewol ferry sinking and that she could not be reached for seven hours. Rep. Park lie-won claimed on a radio show that an unofficial group called ?man-man-hoi? referring to Park i-man, Lee ae-rnan, and Jeong Yun-hoe intervened in personnel decisions at the Blue House. President Park has even cracked down on internet postings about this rumor; most Ft QATI UN: QQNFE KEENTE Wage 2 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884636 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884636 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft QATI (EN: QQNFE KEENTE Wage 3 a? 4 recently a woman only identi?ed as Tak was sentenced to four months in prison for claiming on an online forum that President Park had an affair with both Jeong Yun-hoe, and his father-in-law and her former mentor Choi Tae- min. The prosecutor?s proactive Vigilance and the zero-tolerance approach by President Park?s administration has sparked pushback from the opposition and the public, and raised suspicions about her heightened sensitivity to these particular sets of rumors. NR Ft QATI UN: QQNFE KEENTE Wage 3 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884636 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884636 Date: 04/26/2016 CLASSIFECATIQN: Wage 4 a? 4 QQNFIHENTIAL Signature: Lippert Classified By: Derived From: Declassify On: Drafted By: Cleared By: Approved By: Released By: Info: Name: Ed Dong, Title: POL DSCG 11?01 2024/12/12 Jinnie Seoul:Dong, Edward SeoulzDong, Edward Jinnie KOREA COLLECTIVE ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: CLASSIFECATIQN: Wage 4 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884636 Date: 04/26/2016 Archive Copy Sensitive QQNFIHENTIAL NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884639 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASM Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Ft are Wage a? 3 From: SMART Archive Sent: 1/27/2015 2:19:21 AM FULL To: SMART Core Subject: Seoul Daily for January 27, 2015 SBU NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 15 MDA 779 Jan 27, 2015 270719Z JAN 15 From: Lee. Jinnie E.O.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, PTER, MARR, CO, PE, KS, JA Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoul Daily for January 27, 2015 NR (SBU) Race for NFP Floor Leader: Rep. Lee Ju-young declared his candidacy for ?oor leader of the NFP (Saenuri Party) on January 25. Rep. Lee who resigned as the Minister of Ocean and Fisheries in December is the first to announce his candidacy to replace former floor leader Rep. Lee Wan-goo who resigned from his post after being tapped as the new Prime Minister. Rep. Yoo Seong-min is expected to follow and declare his candidacy for the position later today or tomorrow. The race for NFP party floor leader is now largely between a Pro-Park and a non-Park candidate. Rep. Lee is close to the pro-Park support base. He has been credited for his dedication during the recovery efforts at the Sewol ferry sinking site and is only one of few in the Park administration who was not criticized by the public during the Sewol aftermath. Rep. Yoo, on the other hand, was once a supporter of President Park but has since grown apart from the pro- Park faction and is now close to a cohort that includes NFP party chairman Kim Moo-sung. The new ?oor leader will be in a position to help President Park carry out reforms in the third year of her term and the Blue House is using its party connections to push for the election of Rep. Lee. REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASM Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Ft are Wage a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884639 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884639 Date: 04/26/2016 QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage 2 a? 3 A vote is expected to be held February 2. Drafted By: Jinnie Approved By: Jinnie Released By: Jinnie Info: QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884639 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884639 Date: 04/26/2016 0LA33IFEQATI3N: UNGLA33EFI33 Wage 3 a? 3 Dissemination RuIe: Archive Copy __mU3i 0LA33IFEQATI3N: UNGLA33EFI33 Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884639 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI Ft QATI (EN: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 1 a? 4 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 1/29/2015 2:23:33 AM FULL To: SMART Core Subject: Seoul Daily for Thursday, January 29, 2015 NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED UNCLESSIFID SBU MRN: 15MDA877 Jan 29, 2015 290723Z JAN 15 From: Lee, Jinnie E.O.: 13526 TAGS: Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoui Daily for Thursday, January 29, 2015 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI Ft QATI UN: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 1 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 Wage 2 of 4 (SBU) Defense Industry Corruption Investigations Lead to Arrests and Suicide: The son of former ROK Chief of Naval Operations retired Admiral Jung Ok?geun was arrested on January 28 over allegations that he and his father took bribes from the shipbuilding conglomerate STX Group, according to Yonhap. Retired Admiral Jung and his son allegedly took bribes of $647,000 from STX Group in the form of sponsorship to a October 2008 yacht event which was organized by a company whose majority stake was owned by Jung?s eldest son, according to the government anti-corruption task force investigating the case. Media reports that they have collected enough evidence to show that the sponsorship was a cover-up for bribes in exchange for favorable contracts for the nation's shipbuilding projects. A former Navy commander, Yun Yeon, who currently works as an adviser at STX, was aiso arrested over allegedly collaborating with Jung and his son. In another anti -corruption case, former Rear Admiral Ham, who had been summoned for questioning allegedly involving the on-going investigation of the salvage ship Tongyeong which failed to provide assistance during the Sewol Ferry Tragedy, committed suicide on January 28, according to Hankook llbo. Ham had worked at the bureau in charge of the vessel project at the ROK Defense Acquisition Program Administration, according to the arncie. Wage 2 of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage 3 a? 4 Drafted By: Jinnie Approved By: Jinnie Released By: Jinnie Info: QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage 3 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage 4 a? 4 Dissemination RuIe: Archive Copy __mU3i QLASSIFEQATIQN: UNGLASSEFIHQ Wage 4 a? 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884643 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 CLASSE Ft CATI 0N: UNCLASSE Fl Em Wage 1 a? 5 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN PART NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS Sent: 3/23/2015 5:55:33 AM REDACTED To: SMART Core Subject: Seenesetter for Assistant Secretary Rivkin?s March 30-ApriI 3 Visit to the Republic of Korea UNCLASSEEFID SBU Classified by DAS, on 04/22/2016 Class: CONFIDENTIAL Reason: Declassify on: 03/23/2025 MRN: 15 SEOUL 404 Mar 23, 2015 12309522 MAR 15 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: ECON, ETRD, EFIN, EINT, PREL, KS, PGOV, MARR, KN, CH, JA, RS, 1R Captions: SENSITIVE Pass Line: PASS EB PASS Subject: Scenesetter for Assistant Secretary Rivkin's March 30-April 3 Visit to the Republic of Korea 1. (SBU) Assistant Secretary Rlvkin, Embassy Seoul welcomes you to the Republic of Korea (ROK). NR :Attack on the Ambassador NR REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer CLASSE Ft CATI 0N: UNCLASSE Fl Em Wage 1 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 2 a? 5 NR nmiEnirnmn NR Pushes Entregreneurshig NR Tr 1 NR (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 2 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 annm Ft QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 3 a? 5 TPP ROK Likely to Join Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Maintaining the Strength of the Alliance and Milita? Procurements annm Ft QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Ft m3 Wage 3 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Fl an Wage 4 a? 5 NR ih?Rinii in NR PrinPrkan iPlii 15. (SBU) President Park became the first female head-of-state in Northeast Asia and the first South Korean leader to win the presidency with a majority when she assumed her post in February 2013 for a single, five year term. Her rise to leadership is also notable because of the controversial legacy of her father?s nearly two decades of authoritarian rule? Park Chung-hee (1961-79). Since taking of?ce, President Park has struggled domestically to gain the momentum she needs to push her domestic, mostly economic, agenda forward. Although her ruling New Frontier Party (NF P) maintains a majority in the National Assembly, President Park has been stymied with trying to overcome perceptions that her administration failed in its response to the April 16, 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy where over 300 lives?mostly high school students?were lost. Recent scandals involving the Blue House led to an all-time low approval rating, dipping below 30 percent in February, that brought about a power shift in her party, giving rise to a faction openly critical of her policiesl Ft QATI 0N: UNGLASSE Fl an Wage 4 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl are Wage 5 a? 5 Bl President Park?s strength has been foreign a airs an diplomacy, and a recent successful trip to the Middle East,? i has contributed to B1 President Park?s approval rating rebounding to the high 40 percent range. i 1 Press and Public Diplomacy NR Signature: Lippert Drafted By: Kendrick Cleared By: Kirsten Ryan Kevin Jinnie Sung Daniel Lori A Alexei William Hansen, Dan Approved By: Andrew Released By: Kendrick Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy SBU (BLASSE Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl are Wage 5 a? 5 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884649 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884655 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Ft 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Wage mf From: SMART Archive Sent: 3/23/2015 11:33:26 PM To: SMART Core Subject: Amid Public Outta Investigations on ROK Defense industry Corruption Bl Sensitive RELEASE IN PART NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 15 SEOUL 219 Mar 24, 2015 MAR 15 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.0.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, MCAP, MASS, MARR, KS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: We Industry Corruption l. (C) SUMMARY: Since November 20l4, the South Korean government has been engaged in what the media has started to call a ?war on corruption,? which has primarily targeted the defense industry. In the aftermath of the ferry sinking accident of Aprii 2014, widespread outrage over the government ?s inept rescue response shined a light on procurement irregularities underlying the Tongyeong, a salvage vessel indigenousiy designed and built for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy that was unavailable for deployment during the accident due to substandard equipment. This anger was further fueled by the numerous indictments resulting from investigations conducted by the newiy created anti-corruption Joint Investigation Team (J IT), as well as press reports criticizing the ineffectiveness of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in preventing these corruption cases. 31 IEND SUMMARY. NR REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSE Ft 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Wage mf UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Wage 2 a? NR inIn i inTm ink ,rrn 3. (SBU) In November 2014, the ROK government launched a lO5-member interagency special Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the defense industry for instances of corruption. The JIT is unprecedented in its size and composition, which includes representatives from the Supreme Prosecutors? Of?ce, Ministry of National Defense (MND), National Police Agency, and four other agencies. In eariy March, ROK press widely reported on the team?s progress after the ?rst 100 days, which involve projects that total approximately $176 million in worth and have resulted in 24 indictments, including six general level of?cers. 4. (SBU) The team's primary task has been the investigation of corruption linked to the faulty ROK-made rescue and salvage Navy ship, the 3500-ton Tongyeong, which failed to provide assistance during the Sewol tragedy due to defective parts. According to the December 2014 report by the ROK Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), between 2009 and 2011, a DAPA of?cial, through a retired ROK colonel acting as the broker, colluded with Hackenco/GMB -USA in ?xing the Request for Proposals on the Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) system in exchange for bribes of about $555,000, resulting in the purchase of faulty and overpriced systems that did not qualify under the ROK Navy?s internal review. The GMB -USA President and nine other individuals, including a former ROK Navy Captain, were indicted and, on February 23, the ROKG accepted the resignation of ROK Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Hwang Ki-chul. Although the BAI report concluded that Hwang was not directly involved with the corruption case, the Board recommended MND take personnel action against Hwang for his oversight and responsibility as head of the bureau in charge of the vessel project during the period in question. On March 22, Hwang was arrested and detained by the IT on charges of knowingly approving the substandard equipment and other possible misconduct as head of the bureau, according to DongA llbo, a conservative newspaper. 5. (SBU) In another high-pro?le case, former ROK CNO retired Admiral Jung Ok-geun and his son were arrested over allegations that they took bribes of $647,000 from the shipbuilding conglomerate STX Group. The IT found that the kickbacks were paid in October 2008 while Jung was serving as the CNO, in exchange for favorable contracts related to guided missile patrol boat engines. According to DongA ?Do, the IT is also investigating Jung for possible involvement in the Tongyeong case, which occurred while he was serving as CNO. In late January, press also reported that a former Rear Admiral, identified by the media as RDML Ham, who had served as the head of the vessel development bureau and had been working as a senior adviser for a major defense company after retirement committed suicide after he was brought in for questioning by the IT regarding undisclosed corruption cases. NR Ft 0N: QQNFE KEENTE AL. Wage 2 a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 QLASSIFEQATIQN: QQNFIHENTIAL Wage 4 a? NR NR QLASSIFEQATIQN: QQNFIHENTIAL Wage 4 a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 Wage 5 a? 0M: QQNFE KEENTE 15. (C) COMMENT: On March 12, Chairman Lee Kyu-tae of Ilgwang, a major ROK weapons brokerage ?rm, was charged by the IT with allegedly inflating the prices of the Electronic Warfare Training System (EWTS that was designed to train pilots in the ROK Air Force and using the funds to pay bribes to ROK officials. the tragedy and the series of militam scandals i END COMMENT. Signature: Lippert Classified By: Name: Mark W. Lippert, Title: Ambassador Of?ce: US. Embassy Seoul Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Declassify On: 2025/03/24 Drafted By: Cleared By: Samuel (Seoul) Seoul:Covert, Kevin (Seoul) Tikvart, Daniel Seouliee, Jinnie Seoul:Slioemaker, Lori A (Seoul) NR GLASSE Fl 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Al.? Wage 5 a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884655 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884655 Date: 04/26/2016 Fl 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Aim Wage a? SeoulzDong, Edward Approved By: Slegel, Andrew (Seoul) Released By: Samuel (Seoul) Info: KOREA COLLECTIVE ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Sensmve Fl 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Aim Wage a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884655 Date: 04/26/2016 B6 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI FE QATE 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage a a? From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 4/1/2015 4:47:10 AM To: SMART Core Subject: Scenesetter for Seetetary of Defense Ashton 8. Carter's Visit to Seoul Sensitive NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 15 SEOUL 245 Apr 01, 2015 i010845Z APR 15 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL Action: WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE E.O.: 13526 TAGS: PREL, PGOV, MARR, MASS, ECON, ETRD, EFIN, ENRG, KNNP, KS, KN, JA, CH, RS Captions: SENSITIVE Reference: 15 219 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Pass Line: OSD Reviewer Subject: Scenesetter for Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Cartet?s Visit to Seoul l. (SBU) Secretary Carter, Embassy Seoul warmly welcomes you to the Republic of Korea (ROK) for your ?rst Visit as Secretary of Defense} NR Maintaining the Strength of the Alliance NR (BLASSI FE QATE 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage a a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Fl QATE 0N: QQNFE KEENTE All. Wage 3 a? NR RKMilirFinPli n1 8. (SBU) National Security Advisor and former Minister of National Defense Kim Kwan-jin and Minister Han have faced heavy criticism from the South Korean public and the National Assembly, following a series of high- pro?le scandals that involve the ROK military. In the aftermath of the Sewol ferry sinking accident of April 2014, widespread outrage over the government ?s inept rescue response shined a light on procurement irregularities underlying the Tongyeong, a salvage vessel that was unavailable for deployment during the accident due to substandard equipment. This anger has been further fueled by corruption investigations into the defense industry, which has so far resulted in 24 indictments, including two former ROK Navy Chiefs of Naval Operations. (See reftel A for further details). Serious cases of military hazing and bullying also hit the news in 2014, most notably the death of a private, who suffered from regular and ultimately fatal abuse by his senior comrades, and the shooting spree by another bullied soldier that resulted in the death of five soldiers. In addition to the abuse cases, the Commander of the First ROK Army resigned in September amid controversy over disorderly public behavior and a ROK Army Major General was arrested in October on charges of sexually abusing his female subordinate. A ROK Rear Admiral is also currently under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing a golf caddy. The ROK military has responded to public outrage over these scandals with pledges to reform its system, but the public and press have remained skeptical. ROK-DPRK Relations Remain Tense NR (BLASSE Fl QATE 0N: QQNFE KEENTE All. Wage 3 a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Ft QATE 0N: QQNFE HENTE Wage 5 mf Expanding Global Role President Park and Domestic Politics 14. (SBU) President Park became the first female head of state in Northeast Asia when she assumed her post in February 2013 for a single, five-year term. Her rise to leadership is also notable because of the controversial legacy of her father?s nearly two decades of authoritarian rule and her insular leadership style. Since taking office, Park has had more successes on the diplomatic front than domestically. In 2014, she was stymied in trying to overcome perceptions that her government failed in its response to the April 16 Sewol ferry disaster where over 300 lives?mostly high school students?were lost. The Blue House then endured another crisis with the ?Memo-gate? scandal?a flood of disclosures about her personnel management. This coupled with a controversial tax policy have steadily in?icted damage on her popularity. Under pressure, President Park carried out a reshuf?e of key officials in late February, most notably replacing the Prime Minister with senior lawmaker Lee Wan-koo, and appointing the former director of the National Intelligence Service, Lee Byung -kee, as the new Blue House Chief of Staff. 15. (SBU) Other notable issues in Korean politics include concerns over the National Security Law, which prohibits anti-state activities that praise, encourage, or propagandize North Korean political ideals. A Korean -American woman was deported in January over her pro-North Korea remarks during talk shows and will be barred from entering South Korea for five years. In December, the Constitutional Court disbanded the left- leaning United Progressive Party, marking the first time a South Korean political party has been disbanded by court or government order since South Korea adopted its first constitution in 1948. The ROK is considering bringing charges of violating the National Security Law (in addition to attempted murder charges) against the extremist who attacked Ambassador Lippert. The ROK has applied its libel law against the Seoul bureau editor of the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shim/bun for defaming President Park by reporting rumors that she was in an undisclosed meeting with a former aide as the Sewol tragedy was unfolding, placing a travel ban on the editor while the case is pending. The case has been a source of ongoing friction with Japan, which has raised concerns over the indictment, claiming that the move suppresses freedom of speech. 123 Nggring (BLASSE Ft QATE 0N: QQNFE HENTE Wage 5 mf UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE FE QATE 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Al.? Wage a? KR Tr Pr P11 Dilm Signature: Lippert Classified By: Name: Mark W. Upped, Title: Ambassador Of?ce: US. Embassy Seoul Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Declassify 0n: 2025/04/01 Drafted By: Samuel (Seoul) Cleared By: Zeidan, Angie (Seoul) (BLASSE FE QATE 0N: QQNFE KEENTE Al.? Wage a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884653 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884653 Date: 04/26/2016 FE CATS 0N: CQNFE KEENTE Wage a? Robert (Seoul) Seoul:Choi, Sung (Seoul) Tikvart, Daniel SeoulzCovert, Kevin (Seoul) SeouE:Shoemaker, Lori A (Seoul) Seoul:Dong, Edward Montgomery C. Erfourth Darrell H. Zemitis Dan R. Hanson Approved By: ECONzTamowka, Mary Released By: Samuel (Seoul) Info: KOREA COLLECTIVE ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy Sensitive FE CATS 0N: CQNFE KEENTE Wage a? UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884653 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884659 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl era Wage of 3 From: SMART Archive RELEASE IN Sent: 4/6/2015 4:10:23 AM FULL To: SMART Core Subject: Seoul Daiiy for Monday, Aprii 6, 2015 NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 15 MDA 3309 Apr 06, 2015 APR 15 From: Tikvart, Daniel E.0.: 13526 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, KS, JA Subject: Seoui Daily for Monday, April 6, 2015 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (U) Sewol Ferry Victirns Compensation Package Announced: Leading up to the one year anniversary of the Sewol ferry sinking on April 16, the ROK government announced April 1 a compensation package for the families of the victims: an average of KRW 820 million for families of the Danwon High School students, KRW 1.14 billion for the teachers, and between KRW 450-900 million for others depending on their age, job, and expected income. The compensation is comprised of government funds, public donations, and insurance payments. The support and memorial committee, separate from the compensation committee, announced April 3 provision of financial support, medical treatment, and other administrative support to the victims? families. For example, families of the victims will be given living expenses of about KRW 1.1 million for up to six months. The government wiil also provide free counseling at the Ansan Trauma Center and 212 mental health centers across the country and compensate people who need medical treatment for trauma including time off from work. Some relatives of the victims reacted with anger to the compensation plan, claiming the government was trying to buy their silence, and 48 of them shaved their heads in protest in Gwanghwamun Square, and four more in Jindo, the site of the sinking. Relatives of victims also started a 416?hour protest April 6 that will end on the first anniversary of the accident on April 16. The family members are enraged at the idea of government officials working on the speciai investigation team especially members of the maritime ministry and the Coast Guard who they hold partially responsible for the sinking. They state the government officials will undermine the team?s work and stop the truth from getting out. The families are also calling for the ship to be salvaged. The Blue House has yet to announced if President Park will participate in any of the one-year anniversary ceremonies. NR (BLASSE Ft 0N: UNGLASSE Fl era Wage of 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884659 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884659 Date: 04/26/2016 UNGLASSEFEHQ Wage 2 a? 3 Drafted By: SEOUL:Tikvazt, Daniel Cleared By: Seouliee, Jinnie Tikvart, Daniel Approved By: Tikvart, Daniel Released By: SEOUL:Tikvart, Daniel Info: UNGLASSEFEHQ Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884659 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884659 Date: 04/26/2016 0LA33IFEOATI3N: UNQLA33EFI33 Wage 3 3 Dissemination RuIe: Archive Copy 0LA33IFEQATIQN: UNGLA33EFI33 Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884659 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884662 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 1 a? From: SMART Archive Sent: 4/16/2015 4:09:47 AM To: SMART Core Subject: Tokyo Daily Activity Report: April 16, 2015 NON-RESPONSIVE Sensitive PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 15 FTR1291 Apr 16, 2015 160809Z APR 15 From: Donadieu, Noah A To: SMART Archive E.0.: 13526 TAGS: PREL, PGOV, JA Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Tokyo Daily Activity Report: April 16, 2015 CONFIDENTIAL ici Japan-ROK: the sinking of the Sewol ferr? NR NR REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 1 a? 3 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884662 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884662 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 2 a? Classified By: Name: Jason HyIand, TitIe: DCIVI Of?ce: US. Embassy Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Deciassify On: Drafted By: TOKYO:Donadieu, Noah A ReIeased By: TOKYODonadieu, Noah A Dissemination RuIe: Archive Copy Sensitive (BLASSI FE QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884662 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884664 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI At.? Wage 1 a? 3 From: SMART Archive Sent: 4/16/2015 3:54:34 AM FULL To: SMART Core Subject: Seoul Daiiy for Thursday Aprii 16, 2015 WWDENTWIW NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS 331%?; REDACTED MRN: 15 MDA 3657 Apr 16, 2015 160754Z APR 15 From: Rajic, Denis E.O.: 13526 TAGS: ECON, ETRD, ELTN, EWWT, PGOV, PREL, KS, KN, RS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Seoui Daily for Thursday April 16, 2015 REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer (BLASSI Ft QATI 0N: QQNFI KEENTI At.? Wage 1 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884664 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884664 Date: 04/26/2016 Wage 2 a? 3 (SBU) President Park Visits Sewol Site, Pledges to Salvage Ferry: President Park delayed her departure for South America by two hours to visit Paengmok Harbor in lindo, the site of the sinking of the ferry. Commemorating the one year anniversary of the tragedy, President Park vowed to ?take all measure necessary to recover the nine stili missing? and pledged to salvage the ship as soon as possible. The victims' family members left the port before President Park?s arrival in an apparent sign of protest. Earlier in the day, the bereaved families also refused to meet with Prime Minister Lee Wan?koo who was barred from entering the site. The National Assembly adopted a resolution this morning calling for the speedy recovery of the ferry, stating regardless of cost, it could help heal the suffering of the victims' families and survivors. NR Classified By: Name: Sharyn Fitzgerald, Title: Staff Aide Of?ce: EXEC Agency: Department of State Derived From: DSCG 11-01 Declassify 0n: 2025/04/16 Drafted By: Denis Cleared By: SeouizLiu, Kendrick (SEOUL) Seonliee, Jinnie Approved By: Seoul:Rajic, Denis Wage 2 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884664 Date: 04/26/2016 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884664 Date: 04/26/2016 QQNFEHENTEAL Wage 3 a? 3 Released By: Denis Info: Dissemination Ruie: Archive Copy Sensitive (BLA33E FE 033i 3N: cmw?rt KEENTE Wage 3 a? 3 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884664 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884680 Date: 04/26/2016 (BLASSE Fl QATI (EN: UNGLASSE Fl up Wage a of 4 From: SMART Archive RELEASE Sent: 9/4/2015 2:36:38 AM IN FULL To: SMART Core Subject: Scenesetter for Health and Human Services Secretary Burwell's September 7-10 Visit to the Republic of Korea UNCLASSEEFID SBU NON-RESPONSIVE PORTIONS REDACTED MRN: 15 SEOUL 1492 Sep 04, 2015 040634Z SEP 15 From: AMEMBASSY SEOUL WASHDC, SECSTATE IMMEDIATE DEPT OF HHS WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE E.0.: 13526 TAGS: SHLH, TSPL, TBIO, ECON, KHIV, HHS, NIH, WHO, AID, KS Captions: SENSITIVE Subject: Scenesetter for Health and Human Services Secretary Burwell's September 7-10 Visit to the Republic of Korea REVIEW AUTHORITY: Charles Lahiguera, Senior Reviewer l. (SBU) Secretary Burwell, Embassy Seoul warmly welcomes you to the Republic of Korea (ROK) for the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) High-Level Meeting. Your Visit will help to expand cooperation in public health and health security with the Republic of Korea and could not have come at a more opportune time. The Park Administration and the new Minister of Health and Welfare are hoping to improve South Korea?s public health system and share its experience in responding to the MERS outbreak with GHSA partners as a way to contribute to global efforts to establish an advanced global health security network. (BLASSE Fl QATI UN: UNGLASSE Fl up Wage a of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884680 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884680 Date: 04/26/2016 ?0 0 989% UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884680 Date: 04/26/2016 NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884680 Date: 04/26/2016 Ft (EN: UNGLASSE Ft mm Wage 3 mf 4 Public Perceptions of the Government 9. (SBU) After witnessing the government ?s repeated failures in its emergency and disaster management, public distrust in the Park Administration ?3 crisis management capabilities has been high, while the public ?s expectations for post-MERS reform remain low (although the President?s deft handling of the recent spike in North-South tensions has won her renewed support). The Sewol ferry sinking in April 2014, which claimed more than 300 lives mostly high school students prompted the government to implement an extensive reform of its disaster management 3 stem includin disbandin the Coast Guard and creatin a new Minis of Public Security and Safety. Ft UN: UNGLASSE Ft mm Wage 3 mf 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. 005884680 Date: 04/26/2016 NR NR UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884680 Date: 04/26/2016 GLASSI FE CATI (EN: UNCLASSE Fl m3 Wage 4 Of 4 Signature: Lippert Drafted By: Eugene Lee, Ji Yeoun (ESTH) Cleared By: Benjamin Marc GSO:Yamamura, Joy Kevin Daniel Dewey Robert Daniel Darrell Douglas Approved By: Mark Released By: Eugene Info: DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC DEPT OF AGRICULTURE USD FAS WASHINGTON DC FBI WASHINGTON DC DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC OSD WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy UNCLASSIFIED SBU GLASSI FE CATI UN: UNCLASSE Fl m3 Wage 4 Of 4 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2015-07614 Doc No. C05884680 Date: 04/26/2016