Challenges Facing South Korea's Attempts to Transition to Democracy (1948-1987)

Abstract

        This Research sheds light on the challenges faced by the attempts at democratic transformation in South Korea during the rule of the five republics during the period (1948-1987), especially since the presidents of those republics, some of whom were from the military, and others were completely under the control of the army. This clearly affected their rule, as they moved far away from the civilian character of government. Despite their promises to the people of democratic transformation, they failed to achieve this. However, the Korean people did not give up, but insisted on achieving democracy, and indeed, they achieved their goal in 1987. After much suffering and patience, Korea achieved a democratic political system.

From the foregoing, it is clear that the political system in South Korea faced numerous challenges that hindered its transition to democracy during the period from 1948 to 1987. It is also evident that during the rule of the Five Republics, South Korea was clearly under the control of the military, a situation unacceptable to the Korean people, who yearned for freedom and democratic systems. Indeed, the existing political regimes clung to power and employed various tactics at the expense of the people to maintain their grip on power. There were widespread violations of citizens' rights, suppression of freedoms, and a ban on any political criticism of the government, including freedom of expression. Despite significant economic improvements, these achievements were marred by repression and political injustice. This is one aspect of the situation.