The Transformation of South Korea : Reform and Reconstitution in the Sixth Republic Under Roh Tae Woo, 1987-1992

South Korea underwent rapid economic development under a semi-military, virulently anti-communist government which banned trade unions and kept close checks on the economy. President Roe Tae Woo has, however, since 1987, introduced electoral and social reforms. Strikes and wage rises have followed, leading to a loss of competitive edge, and the growth of opposition parties has resulted in political stalemate. Robert E. Bedeski provides a thorough analysis of the institutions of government in South Korea and how they have been transformed by the introduction of political pluralism, and of the attempt to liberalize without undermining economic success. He also examines the new political parties and their role within the framework of the South Korean political system, as well as their social context. State reforms are compared with developments in Taiwan, the Phillipines, North Korea, China and the former Soviet Union. The major themes of state-building an deconomic development are thoroughly explored. The author also deals with South Korea's international environment and changing foreign policy. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 Preface......Page 8 List of abbreviations......Page 10 State reform in South Korea......Page 12 The institutions of government......Page 40 Political parties and South Korean politics......Page 67 The economic context of reform......Page 89 The social context of Korean politics......Page 105 State reform in a comparative context......Page 131 South Korea's international environment and foreign policy......Page 156 Conclusions......Page 177 Appendix: Roh Tae Woo's declaration of 29 June 1987......Page 180 Notes......Page 182 Selective bibliography......Page 194 Index......Page 202 1. State Reform In South Korea -- 2. The Institutions Of Government -- 3. Political Parties And South Korean Politics -- 4. The Economic Context Of Reform -- 5. The Social Context Of Korean Politics -- 6. State Reform In A Comparative Context -- 7. South Korea's International Environment And Foreign Policy -- 8. Conclusions -- Appendix: Roh Tae Woo's Declaration Of 29 June 1987. Robert E. Bedeski. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [183]-190) And Index. 1. State Reform In South Korea -- 2. The Institutions Of Government -- 3. Political Parties And South Korean Politics -- 4. The Economic Context Of Reform -- 5. The Social Context Of Korean Politics -- 6. State Reform In A Comparative Context -- 7. South Korea's International Environment And Foreign Policy -- 8. Conclusions -- Appendix: Roh Tae Woo's Declaration Of 29 June 1987. J. Robert Brown, Jr. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 246-250) And Index. The failure of foreign banks to penetrate Japanese financial markets is often blamed on stringent Japanese protectionist policies. Brown takes a broader view, arguing that the ineptitude of foreign banks has also played its part A thorough analysis of the institutions of government in South Korea, their transformation by the introduction of political pluralism, and the impact of that on the country's economy.