S. Korea at critical point

South Korea will soon be led by its first female president, Park Geun-hye of the ruling Saenuri Party.

South Korean voters sought change within stability.

With the advancement of Samsung Electronics Co. and other businesses, South Korea appears robust. In reality, however, it is standing at a crossroads.

In South Korea, the aging of society and the declining birthrate are advancing at a pace faster than in Japan. But South Korea's social security systems, such as pension programs, remain fragileFor North Korea, Park advocates a policy of dialogue after judging that incumbent President Lee Myung-bak's hard-line policy did not lead to improved relations.

In South Korea, there are concerns about the historical recognition of Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe, who will become Japan's next prime minister.

Abe emphasized that he will put importance on the Japan-U.S. alliance. Along with South Korea, which is also a U.S. ally, cooperation of the three countries forms the basis of stability in East Asia.

The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo