What is “conservative democratization”?
The idea that although South Korea became a democracy in 1987, not all political groups can participate equally. Cold War-era anti-communism still limits the political space, especially for progressive or leftist voices.
According to the required reading, how can South Korea’s democratization be categorized?
A mix of cooperative and conversion:
Cooperative: Bottom-up pressure from civil society forced change
Conversion: The ruling authoritarian elites managed the transition after showing willingness to democratize
What is the “1958 system”?
A two-party system that emerged in 1958 and still dominates Korean politics, where both parties are conservative, and there's no major progressive or leftist party.
What meaningful changes were achieved through democratization in 1987?
Direct presidential elections
Civil and political rights guaranteed
Military removed from politics
President lost the right to dissolve National Assembly
Creation of an independent judiciary and Constitutional Court
What are some disadvantages of the 1987 Constitution or system?
“Imperial presidency”: President serves one 5-year term, often unresponsive to public
Weak National Assembly: Can’t block presidential minister nominations, and president can introduce bills
Winner-takes-all electoral system: Favors the two major parties, marginalizing smaller ones
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