The New East Asian Studies Podcasts in the Age of AI
In this episode, we dive into the concept of "lemon presidencies" in South Korea, exploring how Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye transformed their democratically elected roles into personalized regimes. We examine Park Geun-hye's controversial presidency, from her family history to her ties with alleged cult leaders, the Sewol Ferry disaster, and her eventual impeachment and imprisonment. What makes South Korea’s democracy vulnerable to these semi-authoritarian tendencies? How does history, culture, and judicial power interplay in shaping these outcomes? Join us as we untangle these complex political narratives and uncover the risks of voting for grandiose leaders in a modern democracy.