South Korea in 1981: The First Year of the Fifth Republic

Abstract

THE POLITICAL TURMOIL in South Korea stemming from the 1979 assassination of President Park has settled down with the emergence of a military strongman, Chun Doo Hwan. The new leader has instituted a constitution, ordered a slate of new political parties, convened a legislature, replaced seasoned but corrupt politicians with a group of young Turks, and proclaimed a new republic. Chun became the first president of the fifth republic in an election that he was virtually assured of winning, and called his republic the dawning of a new era for Korea. He received early U.S. endorsement of his takeover, which strengthened his image at home and abroad. Further, he made some impressive gains during the first year of his rule; by coercion or persuasion, the populace seems to have acquiesced in his leadership and complied with his numerous purification campaigns. The problems facing Chun include the recovery of the sagging Korean economy and relations with Japan. The slump in Korea's economic development has deeper roots than the political turmoils of 197980; therefore, simple assurances of political stability have not brought rapid economic recovery. Closely related to Chun's economic woes is the relationship with Japan. The Japanese understanding of the Korean problem is more realistic than that of any other country, and Japan has played an important role in the fifth republic and the fifth five-year economic plan. Domestically, Chun may not face any organized political opposition to his programs, but college and university students continue to demonstrate and question the legitimacy of his new republic.