What was Korea’s top priority in 1961 under Park’s leadership?
Economic development – not democracy or reunification.
What is “embedded autonomy” in a developmental state?
A technocratic state is autonomous from society (to resist special interests) but also deeply connected (to implement reforms effectively).
Why might some people consider Park Chung Hee "pro-Japanese"?
He served in the Japanese military, made a blood oath to the emperor, and admired figures like Hitler and Mussolini.
How did Park get chaebol (big business) leaders to support economic policies?
He arrested them, then offered freedom in exchange for cooperation with state-led industrial plans.
How did the US contribute to South Korea’s economic growth?
Opened its market to Korean exports, gave direct aid, and indirect support via the Vietnam War.
Besides Park’s efforts, what earlier factors helped Korea’s growth?
Education and land reform laid the groundwork before Park’s era.
What’s the difference between the Third Republic (1963–1972) and the Fourth Republic (1972–1979)?
Third Republic: Direct presidential elections
Fourth Republic (Yushin system): No direct elections, president picks 1/3 of the legislature, authoritarian rule
Two common views of Park Chung Hee’s legacy?
Positive: Brought Korea out of poverty; sacrifices were necessary
Critical: Authoritarianism caused severe human rights abuses and must be remembered from the victim's perspective
What sparked the April Revolution (1960)?
Fraudulent election, followed by the death of a high school student in Masan, which led to nationwide protests.
What key policy from Rhee’s era supported Park’s economic rise?
Land reform: Gave capital to former landowners who became early industrialists.
Why might some people see Park Chung Hee as “pro-Japanese” and thus dislike his legacy?🃏 A:
Served in the Japanese military during colonial rule
Made a blood oath to the emperor to enter Manchurian military academy
Pushed normalization with Japan despite civil society opposition
Last changeda month ago