Korea in Transition

Abstract

Korea observed the first anniversary of its Fifth Republic on March 3.*1 As one American newspaper remarked, South Korea seems to have gained a new sense of vigor in all walks of life since President Chun Doo-hwan assumed office as chief executive a year and a half ago. The country is moving forward with greater determination and self-confidence than ever before. The economy is once again on an upswing, and the political life of the nation is gradually gaining new vitality. Under President Chun's stewardship, the Korean government has been conducting an active, outward-looking foreign policy, improving and strengthening relations with allies and old friends as well as establishing and expanding relations of mutual cooperation with new and not-so-new friends. On the important question of national reunification, President Chun captured the imagination and sympathy of the Korean people, as well as the growing support of the international community, by taking bold, dramatic initiatives never before attempted by a Korean President. In short, Korea finds itself in a confident state, on a steady course in pursuit of its objectives, and certain of its ability to move ahead. Such, however, was not the case when I went to work for President Chun in the Fall of 1980. The difference between then and now in the nation's mood and predicament is so vast and dramatic that I find it difficult to believe that it was only a year and a half ago. When President Chun asked me to work for him as Secretary General, a few days before he assumed his responsibilities as President, I must confess that my feelings were rather mixed, that is, with more trepidation than enthusiasm, more of a sense of overwhelming