Photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo. With his family by his side, Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States by Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr. in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2009. More than 5,000 men and women in uniform are providing military ceremonial support to the presidential inauguration, a tradition dating back to George Washington’s 1789 inauguration. U.S. Air Force.

Barack Obama: A Global Leader Remembered Through Numerous Titles

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By Byung Kee Park

Seoul, South Korea — Barack Obama is fondly remembered worldwide through a myriad of descriptions: "A leader acknowledged by the world," "The first African-American president," "Mourner-in-chief," "A leader who instilled pride in America," "A president who never lost faith," "An exemplary, compassionate father and husband," and "A cool leader."

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In 2008, Obama, representing the Democratic Party, made history by being elected as the 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African-American to hold the position. He was re-elected in 2012 and served for two terms. Upon leaving office, his final approval rating was an impressive 59%, surpassed only by Bill Clinton (66%) and Ronald Reagan (63%). This approval rating was significantly higher than his predecessor, George W. Bush (34%), and his successor, Donald Trump (34%).

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Even six years after leaving office, in a 2022 NBC News poll, Obama maintained a 51% positive rating, overshadowing figures like Elon Musk (31%), Joe Biden (42%), Kevin McCarthy (13%), Donald Trump (35%), Nancy Pelosi (31%), and Mark Zuckerberg (8%). In addition, a 2018 Pew Research poll revealed that 44% of respondents ranked Obama as the best or second-best president, placing him ahead of Bill Clinton (33%), Ronald Reagan (32%), and Donald Trump (19%), with John F. Kennedy securing 12%.

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What made Obama such a revered president? While he wasn't without flaws, and some policies contradicted my philosophies, he epitomized democratic leadership. His appeal wasn't merely policy-based; he was a president who communicated and empathized with the masses.

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One key trait that differentiated Obama was his sense of responsibility. A particular documentary by the Korean broadcasting company SBS Special titled "Obama: 8 years, 2920 days" highlighted this quality. The documentary portrayed Obama as a fatherly figure, one with whom people found hope. More than just policy and vision, Obama was forthcoming about the challenges he faced. He was among the U.S. presidents most frequently caught on camera, utilized social media to its full potential, and met with countless citizens.

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Tragedies such as the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting saw Obama approach victims with genuine empathy and warmth, qualities that echoed those of a caring father. In his response, he emphasized the collective responsibility of the nation to share in the victims' sorrow. His approach comforted grieving families, allowing them to view him not just as a distant President but as a compassionate neighbor sharing their grief.

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In 2015, a shooting at an African-American church could have easily escalated into a more significant racial issue. Instead, during a funeral service for the victims in Charleston, Obama sang "Amazing Grace," a song symbolizing repentance and comfort. By doing so, he promoted unity and reconciliation among Americans of all races.

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During his tenure, Obama was often dubbed the "Mourner-in-chief," a play on the president's title as "Commander-in-chief" in the U.S. Constitution. This title was bestowed upon him due to his genuine approach to national tragedies.

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Contrastingly, current leaders in places like South Korea often need help to gain public trust. There's much they could learn from Obama's leadership. For instance, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's absence at the 1-year commemoration of the Itaewon tragedy raises questions about leadership responsibility. Yoon's avoidance starkly contrasts with Obama's consistent presence during national distress.

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On the afternoon of October 29, the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall was abuzz as citizens gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the Itaewon tragedy. The Wesley Flower Orchestra, to which Ms. Choi Kyung-ah, the aunt of one of the victims, Choi Bo-ram, belongs, played the heartfelt tune "Amazing Grace". Yet, a significant absence was noted: that of President Yoon. 

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While the victims' families had reserved a seat for President Yoon, hopeful of his attendance, it remained vacant throughout the ceremony. The poignant rendition of "Amazing Grace" that day underscored the painful absence.

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Earlier that morning, President Yoon attended a memorial service for the 10·29 tragedy at Yeongam Church in Seoul. Instead of an entire congregation, the service saw an attendance of just President Yoon, a few cabinet ministers, aides, and about 30 others. Some labeled it as a contrived service.

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An SNS post, presumably written by a member of the Yeongam Church, revealed that the church had not initially planned a memorial service. According to the post, the Presidential Office had called and requested the church to arrange the service coinciding with the president's visit. The lead pastor had suggested larger, more influential churches, given the ongoing renovations and the church's busy schedule, but the suggestion was declined.

Photo by Shutterstock

The contrasting reactions of former U.S. President Obama and Korean President Yoon to national tragedies are evident. While Obama took up responsibility during crises, President Yoon's absence at the city hall suggested avoidance. Instead of singing "American Pie" at the White House, Yoon should have been at Seoul City Hall, echoing the sentiments of "Amazing Grace."

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Reflecting on presidential speeches and actions, Barbara Perry, a presidential historian at the Miller Center of the University of Virginia, who researched U.S. presidential speeches up to Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Gettysburg Address, remarked in an interview with National Public Radio:

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"The president is not always successful in the persuasion, in terms of policy outcomes, but if he can be successful in at least calming and soothing the nation and showing us a way forward — that someday perhaps we will reach the policy point, as we did with President Kennedy and the '64 Civil Rights Act — he will have been successful. What is the responsibility of a president in critical moments? The president primarily serves to comfort the American people in times of crisis. We look to the president as a father figure. The president is the very first symbol of American government that children comprehend. The president, especially in the modern era, comes into our homes — first by radio, then television, now through all sorts of electronic gadgetry — and so we think of him as part of our life. And that's why it's so important for him to model the proper behavior for us."

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The absence of such a "fatherly figure" during a nation's time of grief in Korea and opting for an unrelated service is bound to hurt the populace's sentiments. Emotionally, a significant majority already seems to have turned their backs on President Yoon.

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A leader's legacy isn't just about policies and accomplishments, but it is also about their ability to empathize, communicate, and take responsibility. Obama exemplifies these traits, making him a revered figure worldwide.