South Korea's Kim Young Sam Government: Political Agendas

Abstract

South Korea took a big step toward the consolidation of its democracy in February 1993 with the inauguration of President Kim Young Sam. It was a watershed event, as Kim's ascension to the nation's highest office after 40 years in the opposition testified that the forces of democracy, unleashed in the last days of the Chun Doo Hwan government through the widely acclaimed June 29 Declaration, were steadily on course.' Roh Tae Woo succeeded President Chun after winning a direct, popular election, thus setting a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power. Kim Young Sam succeeded Roh after the latter's five-year term, further solidifying the process. As the first president with a civilian background since 1961, Kim entered office to public acclamation, and wasted no time in moving to implement his long-awaited agenda. This article will evaluate Kim's performance during his first three years in office, highlighting the most salient political events during the period, and identifying issues likely to be dealt with in the last two years of his term.