Political conflicts and democracy after democratization

Abstract

This chapter explores the post-democratization politics in South Korea, or the era of democratic consolidation. From a minimal or procedural viewpoint, South Korea is undoubtedly a consolidated democracy, as the nation has achieved two peaceful turnovers of power without interruption, and the possibility of a return to dictatorship does not seem feasible. However, the post-democratization politics in South Korea have been marked by political dysfunction, including extreme political, economic, and ideological polarization, rampant political corruption, constrained civil liberties and rights, and security threats from North Korea. After three decades of democratic trials, both ordinary citizens and experts now express a sense of democratic crisis. This chapter focuses on the political processes during the era of democratic consolidation, which has experienced a full swing from two progressive governments (1998–2008) to two conservative ones (2008–2017). Post-democratization politics have suffered from extreme political polarization and an ensuing crisis in democratic governance.