I remember the day -- October 26, 1979 -- when the military dictator of the Republic of Korea, Park Chung Hee, was fatally shot by his intelligence chief, Kim Hae-gyu, at a dinner in the safe house of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA). I was glued to the TV in my apartment in Pittsburgh, US to monitor the unfolding events in Seoul.
South Korea, a trusted ally of the US, had reached a low point in her relationship with the US, and was one of the reasons given by the KICIA chief for his killing of his president. The two “theories” competed with one another, one alleging a CIA plot and the other an impulsive act on the part of democracy-loving intelligence chief as President Park’s authoritarian regime was facing protests.
In 2023, South Korea was ranked a “full democracy” (while India and the US were ranked “flawed democracies”) by the Economist Intelligence Unit. South Korea’s democratic journey has been remarkable, transitioning from military dictatorship to a vibrant democracy within a few decades. The 1987 democratic movement marked a turning point, leading to free elections and greater political freedoms. Today, South Korea boasts a high voter turnout, an engaged civil society, and a free press.
Yet, political polarization is a growing concern, with ideological divisions often hindering bipartisan cooperation. Corruption scandals, while less frequent than in the past, continue to erode public trust in political institutions.
On December 3, when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, it took the entire nation, as well as the rest of the world, by surprise. One of his reasons was threats from North Korea.
Geo-politics, driven by its complex relationships with North Korea and the US, significantly influence its domestic and foreign policy. Simultaneously, the role of chaebols (large family-owned conglomerates) and the ongoing evolution of its democracy create a multi-faceted and dynamic political environment.
South Korea’s politics is deeply intertwined with the existential threat posed by North Korea. The Korean Peninsula remains one of the most militarized regions in the world, a legacy of the Korean War that ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and periodic provocations, such as missile tests and cyberattacks, keep tensions high and necessitate a robust security response from Seoul.
The South Korean government’s approach to North Korea oscillates between hardline and conciliatory policies, largely influenced by the ideological leanings of its leadership. Conservative administrations often favor a strong military posture and close alignment with the US, while progressive administrations prioritize engagement, dialogue, and economic cooperation. For instance, President Moon Jae-in’s administration (2017-2022) pursued a "Sunshine Policy 2.0" aimed at fostering inter-Korean rapprochement, while his successor, President Yoon Suk-yeol, has adopted a more hawkish stance, emphasizing deterrence.
The US plays a pivotal role in South Korea’s security and diplomacy -- as a key ally, the US maintains a significant military presence in the country, with approximately 28,500 troops stationed there. The bilateral alliance extends to joint military exercises and a shared commitment to countering North Korea’s threats. However, this relationship is not without friction. Issues such as cost-sharing for US troop deployments and trade disputes occasionally strain ties. Nonetheless, the overarching strategic partnership remains crucial to South Korea’s national security.
Domestically, South Korea’s politics is heavily influenced by its chaebols, which dominate the economy and wield significant political clout. Companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG are not only economic powerhouses but also major stakeholders in the political process. Their influence often manifests in the form of lobbying, campaign financing, and policy shaping.
While chaebols have driven South Korea’s rapid industrialization and economic growth, their dominance has also led to systemic issues such as corruption and inequality. High-profile scandals, including the 2017 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye -- the daughter of the slain president Park Chung Hee -- highlighted the problematic nexus between politics and big business. Park’s downfall was partly due to allegations of collusion with chaebol executives, underscoring the need for greater transparency and reform.
Efforts to curb chaebol influence have seen mixed results. Progressive administrations have attempted to implement reforms to enhance corporate accountability and reduce monopolistic practices. However, the economic importance of these conglomerates often limits the scope and effectiveness of such measures. Critics argue that without addressing the structural issues posed by chaebols, South Korea’s democracy will remain constrained by economic oligarchy.
Public protests and activism are integral to South Korean democracy, reflecting a highly mobilized and politically-conscious citizenry. The peaceful candlelight protests of 2016-2017, which led to President Park’s impeachment, showcased the strength of democratic resilience.
The martial law of December 3 lasted for about six hours, it was literally a night of the generals because by the time dawn broke, the 190 law-makers overturned the martial law and the president was forced to revoke it. It is the democracy-loving people of South Korea who came out to face the military fearlessly to protect democracy.
Now the president is waiting for his departure either voluntarily or by impeachment. Democracy wins in South Korea.
Habibul Haque Khondker is a sociologist and columnist.