South+Korea+History

History of South Korea =Overview= toc Since the 1960s, South Korea has developed from one of Asia's poorest to one of the world's wealthiest nations.
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Korea was occupied by Japan from 1910 until the end of World War II. As a result of Japan's efforts to supplant the Korean language and aspects of Korean culture, memories of Japanese annexation still recall fierce animosity and resentment, especially among older Koreans.

After World War II Korea was divided at 38th parallel north, in accordance with a United Nations agreement. The Soviet Union administered the northern part of the peninsula, while the United States took charge of the southern part. As the United States and the Soviet Union could not reach an agreement regarding implementation of the Joint Trusteeship over Korea, two separate governments were established, each claiming to be the legitimate government of all Korea.

South Korea was established on August 15, 1948. Since its independence, South Korea has been characterized with alternating periods of democratic and autocratic rule. Its political history can be divided into 6 republics.

=First Republic=

The First Republic lasted from 1948 until 1960. During this time, relationships between North and South Korea turned antagonistic and culminated in Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953. While the First Republic started out democratically, rule by President Syngman Rhee turned more and more autocratic. He resigned in 1960 after rigged elections resulted in massive protests and revolts led by university professors and students.

=Second Republic=

The Second Republic (1960-1961) saw South Korea turn in a parliamentary cabinet system where the president played a small role in governing the nation. Many leftist and student groups established unions and led many demonstrations during this time. While the government was established with the support of the people, it was not effective at implementing reforms which led a coup d’etat. =Third Republic=

The military coup of May 16, 1961 led to the establishment of the Third Republic lead by Major General Park Chung-hee. During this time, the economy grew rapidly, the education system was reformed, and international relations between Japan and the United States were strengthened.

=Fourth Republic=

The Fourth Republic began with the adoption of the Yusin Constitution of 1972. This constitution gave Park more control over the parliament and the possibility of a permanent presidency. This period is characterized by social and political unrest, but the economy continued to grow because of the government’s export-based industrialization policy. Park’s rule ended when he was assassinated by the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency in 1979.

=Fifth Republic=

Throughout the period of the Fifth Republic, the government was controlled by Chun Doo-hwan, a military colleague of assassinated President Park Chung-hee. Chun Doo-hwan became president as a result of an indirect election and established a new constitution which limited presidents to a single 7 –year term, strengthened the National Assembly and gave powers of appointing judges to the Supreme Court. The economy continued to flourish during this time, but the gap between the rich and poor continued to widen. During this time, the people were disillusioned by a government that promised democratic reform but never delivered. As a result in 1987, government presidential nominee Roh Tae-woo called for a revision to the constitution that would allow the direct election of the president by the people.

=Sixth Republic=

The Sixth Republic of South Korea began in 1987 with the direct election of Roh Tae-woo as president. During this time, laws and policies were revised to stamp out traces of authoritarian rule and establish a more democratic government. Despite these improvements, economic growth slowed down. Relations with North Korea have been a series of ups and downs, as strides were made towards reunification only to be undone by military skirmishes. The current president, Lee Myung-bak was elected in 2008. Lee’s administration seeks to boost the economy, improve diplomatic ties, and stabilize social welfare.