South Korea's ruling party moved swiftly to better deal with the unexpected outcome of the U.S.
presidential election that can bring about major changes for the country's economy and security situation, with some observers viewing the effort as a tactic to divert attention from the scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye's confidante.
Entrepreneur-turned-politician Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States earlier this week, which shocked many here who had expected Hillary Clinton to take over the White House.
The Saenuri Party held numerous meetings and seminars to discuss how South Korea should deal with Trump and the next administration, as he has been making radical remarks on military and economic ties in regards to free trade agreements and military alliances.
"In light of Trump's victory and the uncertainties it brings in security and economics the country needs to be prepared," Saenuri lawmaker Lee Jang-woo said. He stressed that the opposition parties should also try to work together to deal with potential challenges.
Political pundits said Saenuri's push to have Trump as the main agenda comes as the ruling party has been rocked by the Choi Soon-sil scandal. Park's confidante of 40 years is accused of behind-the-scene meddling in state affairs and using her ties to accumulate wealth.
"South Korean politics cannot always be caught up with the scandal," another party official said, adding Saenuri must focus efforts on preparing for a Trump administration.
The scandal has become a major problem facing Saenuri as it gets ready for next year's presidential race.
According to a survey conducted by pollster Real Meter last week, the main opposition Democratic Party, garnered an approval rating of 33 percent, beating the ruling party's 21.4 percent for a second consecutive week.
Opposition parties, on the other hand, said the U.S. election cannot cover up the Choi scandal, adding Park must promptly step back from state affairs to help South Korea better prepare for the future.
"I hope people are not excessively anxious about the election result," said Rep Woo Sang-ho, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, adding Trump's victory will not conceal the scandal in the country.
Rep. Park Jie-won, the floor leader of the splinter People's Party, on the other hand said Trump's victory will rather be an opportunity since the president-elect is a businessman who will seek practical approaches. (Yonhap)
