[KF Korea Workshop 1: Kang Won-taek]

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The East Asia Institute (EAI), in collaboration with the Korea Foundation (KF), is organizing the [KF Korea Workshop] to enhance understanding of Korea and foster greater empathy among foreigners residing in Korea.

As the third session of the 2019 KF Korea Workshop, Professor Kang Won-taek from the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University was invited to deliver a lecture on "30 Years of Democratization: Changes and Challenges in Korean Politics."

Professor Kang Won-taek first noted that Korea's democratization falls within the "third wave of democratization" that saw the collapse of authoritarian regimes across South America and Eastern Europe between the 1970s and 1990s. However, he explained that Korea's democratization is unique because it was achieved through political compromise rather than the downfall of an existing authoritarian regime. Furthermore, he stated that this political legacy has enabled Korea to peacefully resolve constitutional crises, such as the impeachment of former presidents.

Next, Professor Kang Won-taek identified four factors that have allowed Korean democracy to function relatively smoothly. These factors include: 1) the legacy of electoral politics under authoritarian rule, 2) a rejection of compromise and polarization, 3) early experiences of power-sharing between the executive and legislative branches, and 4) the successful resolution of the "adviser problem" and "praetorian problem" that all new democracies face, as described by Samuel Huntington.

Finally, discussing political cleavages in Korea, Professor Kang Won-taek stated that the influence of regionalism has recently weakened, and instead, the primary political divides can be found between generations and concerning issues surrounding North Korea. He concluded by suggesting that Korea can mature its democracy by deepening procedural democracy, promoting political integration, and ensuring more open participation.