Compressed Modernity & Democracy Movement

Coexistence of traditional, modern, and postmodern values and cultures, creating inter-civilizational compression across different time zones, mostly in ideology, culture.

Intense competition and collision between foreign/multinational/global elements and indigenous elements, often observed in the same place and time. This can create diverse social elements from different places.

The cumulative effect of the four dimensions of compressed modernity, with the creation of new social phenomena and cultural elements. It's exemplified by the interaction of the past, present, Asian (Korean), and Western influences in Korea.

South Korea's experience of various historical milestones being intertwined or compressed within its present.

Urban development comes at the expense of rural areas, agriculture, and peasant populations in a way that is unjust or unreasonable.

Modernity was imposed on Korea by Japan to modernize it as a capitalist empire, resulting in a condensed and skewed experience of modern institutions.

American capitalist modernity was transplanted into South Korea as a package, with American military and economic support.

The Korean War's aftermath led to hasty modernization efforts in both North and South Korea, trying to rebuild quickly.

The Korean government attempted to rapidly industrialize while preserving traditional social structures, leading to an uneven and unbalanced modernization.

Postcolonial Korea sought to restore dignity to its past, leading many leaders to redefine modernization as a nationalist project rather than a social revolution.

The rapid and uneven adoption of modernization in Korea, creating a unique combination of traditional and modern elements, often leading to social tensions and inequalities.

The forced and uneven process of adopting modernity in Korea, leading to modernization in certain areas while others remained underdeveloped.

A country's rapid economic growth and modernization occurs after other countries, often experiencing both benefits and drawbacks.

A form of modernization influenced by external forces, often leading to dependence on other countries for technology and resources.

South Korea's unique position in the global economy, benefiting from advanced economies yet facing competition from emerging powers like China.

The flow of goods and technology across countries, where new products are initially produced in advanced economies, but then move to less developed ones for production.

The first government of South Korea, led by Syngman Rhee, lasting from 1948 to 1960.

Rhee Syngman's presidency marked by controversial political decisions, including amendments to the constitution that limited term limits and changed election procedures.

A system where voters directly choose their leaders versus a system where representatives are chosen to select the leader.

The debate over limiting the number of terms a president can serve, as seen in Rhee Syngman's amendment to the South Korean constitution.

A student-led uprising in South Korea in 1960 that challenged the corrupt regime of President Syngman Rhee. Triggered by a rigged election, it gained momentum as students protested against government brutality and ultimately forced Rhee to flee the country.

A fraudulent election in South Korea in 1960, where the ruling party, led by President Rhee, manipulated votes and ballot boxes to secure victory. This event sparked outrage and fueled the April Revolution.

A military takeover in South Korea in 1961 led by General Park Chung-hee, who seized power by force and established a military dictatorship that lasted for 18 years.

A South Korean military leader who led the May 16 coup in 1961 and ruled as a dictator for 18 years. Known for his economic development policies, he fostered rapid growth but also suppressed opposition.

South Korea experienced remarkable economic growth during Park Chung-hee's rule, with per capita national income increasing significantly. This was achieved through industrial planning focused on export-oriented industries.

A development strategy employed by South Korea during Park Chung-hee's era, focusing on producing goods for export to international markets. This allowed the country to overcome limited domestic markets and capital.

Industries that rely heavily on manual labor and produce basic goods like textiles and electronics. These industries played a significant role in South Korea's early economic development during the 1960s.

Industries that produce complex machinery, chemicals, and other heavy goods, requiring significant capital investment. These industries became more prominent in South Korea during the 1970s.

A South Korean military leader who succeeded Park Chung-hee after his assassination in 1979. He continued Park's economic development policies but also maintained tight control over society and suppressed dissent.