What are the three types of electoral systems?
Proportional, nonproportional (plurality and majoritarian), and mixed.
What does Duverger’s Law suggest?
Plurality systems tend to produce two-party systems; proportional systems lead to multi-party systems.
What electoral system does South Korea use?
A mixed system: 254 seats by plurality vote, 46 by proportional representation (with 30 reserved for small parties)
What was the “Three-Party Merger” of 1990?
Merger of parties from Kim Young Sam, Kim Jong Pil, and Roh Tae Woo, forming today's conservative party
How did the progressive party form in 1997?
Kim Dae Jung merged his party with Kim Jong Pil’s party.
Which region supports progressives, and which supports conservatives?
Honam (Jeolla) = progressives; Yeongnam (Gyeongsang) = conservatives.
Name 3 roots of regionalism in Korea.
(1) Ancient kingdom divides (Baekje vs. Silla),
(2) Economic favoritism by Park Chung Hee,
(3) Mobilization by the Three Kims.
Why are chaebol controversial?
Due to their historical ties to colonialism and authoritarian regimes, collusion with politicians, and corruption.
Name 3 ways chaebol gained wealth under Syngman Rhee.
(1) Used favorable exchange rates,
(2) Acquired seized Japanese assets cheaply,
(3) Bought humanitarian aid (3 whites) at low prices to resell.
Name 3 current chaebol problems.
(1) Unfair SME treatment,
(2) White-collar crime goes unpunished,
(3) Ownership and inheritance manipulation.
When did economic inequality in Korea begin to rise?
After the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
What is a political cleavage?
A lasting social division tied to political party competition.
What is the dominant cleavage in post-1987 Korea?
The approach to North Korea.
Why might generation be politically important in Korea?
Homogenous society → generational experiences create different political values (materialist vs. post-materialist).
What shift has occurred since the 2022 election regarding youth?
A gender divide has replaced the generational divide.
Why is immigration becoming a major issue?
Low fertility and rising need for labor → increasing migrant population.
What is the modern gender gap in Korean politics?
Younger women lean progressive; younger men lean conservative, especially post-MeToo.
What backlash emerged against feminist movements in Korea?
Claims of reverse discrimination and skepticism of accusations without evidence.
What is the difference between a social movement and a protest?
A protest is a specific action or event, while a social movement is a broader, sustained effort for social or political change, often involving multiple protests.
Describe the difference between the minjung undong and the simin undong.
Minjung undong (1980s) was a radical, anti-authoritarian movement led by students and workers; simin undong (post-1987) is a more moderate, legalistic, rights-based civil society movement.
Describe how social movements in South Korea have become more ideologically diverse since democratization.
Movements now include conservative, liberal, feminist, environmental, and even far-right groups, reflecting a wider ideological spectrum than during the authoritarian period.
Describe the difference between “legacy” or “traditional” media and “new” media.
Legacy media includes newspapers and TV, often centralized and hierarchical; new media includes internet platforms, YouTube, and social media with decentralized, user-generated content.
Name two ways in which the military authoritarian governments controlled the Korean media.
They censored publications and directly appointed editors or closed down dissenting outlets.
What are the “big three” conservative newspapers in South Korea?
Chosun Ilbo, Dong-A Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo.
Do you think YouTube and other social media have had a positive impact on the news environment in South Korea and other countries? (Opinion-based)
Possible answer: They democratize information but also spread misinformation and intensify polarization.
In what ways did the Japanese colonial era and occupation by the US influence Korean popular culture?
Japan suppressed Korean culture, but left structures for modern media; the U.S. introduced American pop culture, capitalism, and liberal values post-Korean War.
What is the “3S” policy of the Chun Doo Hwan government and what was its purpose?
Sports, Screen, Sex – used to distract the public from politics and suppress dissent by promoting entertainment.
Name two ways the K-pop industry resembles or is influenced by the government and reflects Korean society more broadly.
K-pop promotes national image (soft power) and mirrors Confucian hierarchies and discipline; government supports it as cultural export.
Describe how K-pop can be seen both as apolitical and very political.
Apolitical in avoiding controversy to appeal globally; political when idols support causes (e.g. feminism, BLM), or when fans organize social movements.
Last changed24 days ago