South Korea, U.S.: The Latest in the KORUS Controversy

After a four-day special session, the South Korean National Assembly formally dissolved May 29 without ratifying the free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States amid ongoing street protests against the clauses covering imports of U.S. beef. The beef question has become the focal point of opposition not only to the FTA, but to the government of recently inaugurated President Lee Myung Bak and his Grand National Party, which will hold a slim majority in the new National Assembly session beginning in June. Despite the ongoing public outcry against the beef provision, public opposition to the overall FTA is not strong, and ultimately the deal is likely to pass — at least in South Korea.