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.
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