South Korea flips script on North by winning over Cuba

SEOUL -- Before major elections in South Korea, the Korean Peninsula is often buffeted by what has been dubbed a "North Wind" -- a military provocation or another move by North Korea that shakes up the bilateral relationship and sways the vote.

But the April 10 general election, coming amid heightened tensions between the two neighbors, has been preceded by a "South Wind" -- the surprising news last week of South Korea forming diplomatic ties with Cuba.