The Jangmadang is Sino-NK’s marketplace for fresh ideas. In keeping with the tradition established by its eponymous counterpart in North Korea, our Jangmadang, managed by Sino-NK staff, provides short, snappy, but vital information on the latest documentary research and news. Unlike most English-language outlets, you will find that a majority of the sources are in Chinese or Korean, with cameo appearances from places like France, Germany and Japan. Jangmadang articles are a quick read, too. No introductions, just reliable translations and timely analysis.
Anti-Communism and the Rule of Law: #Shigak no. 30
This #Shigak includes a legal battle between a sitting lawmaker, Ha Tae-kyung, and a group of progressive lawyers; Moon Jae-in’s attempts to remind the voting public that only he understands the hardships of working people; new polling that shows Ahn Cheol-soo now ahead of Moon; and environmental concerns.
Education, Education, Education: #Shigak no. 29
This #Shigak sees Ahn Cheol-soo and his wife’s employment record under the microscope, while the Minjoo Party calls into question the Korean language ability and modern Korean historical knowledge of his daughter.
Mind the Gap: #Shigak no. 28
This installment of #Shigak reviews some of the most recent developments in what is shapping up to be a battle between the liberal establishment candidate Moon Jae-in and his former democratic party co-chair, Ahn Cheol-soo.
Unified Candidacy? No, Thanks: #Shigak no. 27
This issue of #Shigak arrives at the culmination of the party primaries. The candidates have now all been confirmed, but the question of who will be president is far from settled. Moon Jae-in is still the favorite, but Ahn Cheol-soo isn’t far behind.
The Road to the Blue House: #Shigak no. 26
With the world’s attention on South Korea following months of dramatic — but peaceful — protest and the subsequent impeachment of Park Geun-hye and arrest of Lee Jae-yong, #Shigak returns with a fresh delivery of concise election analyses, the first of many on the road to the Blue House.
South Korea Clings on to Fear of Kaesong Industrial Complex Future
A year after it closed, South Korea is still eyeing the Kaesong Industrial Complex. The issues are not only financial, but also emotional. Christopher Green translates a recent report about North Korea allegedly trying to attract Chinese businesses into the manufacturing zone.
One Year On: KBS Sends a Helicopter over the Kaesong Industrial Complex
KBS sent a helicopter to hover just inside the southern side of the North-South border and take pictures of conditions in the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC) a year after the complex was closed. Christopher Green reproduces their photos and translates the commentary.
Park Geun-hye: Deeply Unpopular, Just Like All the Rest
Park Geun-hye is mired in a scandal that is capable of ending her presidency. Her approval rating is scraping the floor. However, unpopular presidents are par for the course in South Korea, as Christopher Green notes.
From One Leader to Another, by Way of a Third: Putin’s Gift to Park Geun-hye
Vladimir Putin recently gave a piece of calligraphy by former President Park Chung-hee to Park’s daughter, incumbent ROK President Park Geun-hye. Returning with a new Jangmadang, Anthony Rinna looks at the protagonist and his gift through the lens of the Russian media.
