Seoul (AsiaNews ) - The " East-West Reconciliation Forum" took its first steps in South Korea, a democratic country but divided by an exasperated regionalism that seems to worsen with each passing election . An official delegation of the Forum, composed of members of the Democratic Party and the conservative Saenuri, made an official visit to the tomb of Kim Dae- jung , considered the "noble father " of the progressives . A similar visit to the grave of former President (and military dictator ) Park Chung -hee , father of the current president, is scheduled for March.
Since the end of the Korean War (1950-1953) , the southern part of the peninsula is divided into two political and economic sectors . The east, known as Yeongnam,is of a purely conservative mold and has a greater population density (and therefore a greater number of votes) but is less industrialized. On the other hand there is the western area, the Honam: home to a smaller, more liberal population , but with a greater presence of universities, major population centers and industries. In elections the Saenuri candidate always wins in Yeongnam, while the democrat candidate always wins in Honam.
It is the first time that Saenuri politicians have paid homage to Kim, the creator of the "Sunshine Policy" (the policy of a thaw in relations with North Korea) and the noble father of the Democrats of the country. Similarly, in March it will be the first time that a progressive delegation will present its respects to former dictator Park. The two are considered symbols not only of the two parties, but also of the two macro - regions.
