Week 7 Tutorial Slides - Korean Division & Economies - PDF

INTRODUCTION The division of Korea in 1945 following Japan's surrender in World War II marked the beginning of two vastly different political and socio economic paths for North and South Korea. With the North coming under Soviet influence and the South aligned with the United States, each adopted p...

INTRODUCTION The division of Korea in 1945 following Japan's surrender in World War II marked the beginning of two vastly different political and socio economic paths for North and South Korea. With the North coming under Soviet influence and the South aligned with the United States, each adopted political structures reflective of their respective ideological leanings. This ideological divide not only entrenched the geopolitical rivalry of the Cold War but also set the stage for the significant disparities in governance, societal development, and quality of life that define the two Koreas today.  THE EMERGENCE OF BOTH KOREA Division at the 38th Parallel (1945): After Japan's surrender in World War II, Korea, formerly a Japanese colony, was divided into two spheres of influence. The Soviet Union controlled the North, while the United States administered the South. Establishment of Governments: In the South, Syngman Rhee, a Princeton and Harvard educated leader, became president in 1948, supported by the U.S. His government focused on anti communism and built a market oriented economy. In the North, Kim Il-Sung, a communist leader, established a dictatorship with Soviet support, promoting a centrally planned economy under the Juche ideology (self-reliance).  THE EMERGENCE OF BOTH KOREA The Korean War (1950–1953): North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, marking the start of the Korean War. While initially successful, the North's advances were rolled back by the U.S.-led United Nations forces. The war ended in a stalemate with the Korean Peninsula remaining divided along the 38th parallel.  POLITICAL STRUCTERED OF NORTH KOREA Totalitarian Dictatorship Leader: Kim Il-Sung established a communist dictatorship with strong Soviet backing. One-Party Rule: The Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) monopolized political power. Centralization of Power: Authority was concentrated in Kim Il-Sung and his successors, creating a dynastic rule (later passed to Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong- Un). Juche Ideology: The self-reliance doctrine (Juche) became the guiding principle, emphasizing national independence and resistance to external influences.  POLITICAL STRUCTERED OF NORTH KOREA CONTROL MECHANISMS: State Surveillance: A repressive system ensured loyalty and eliminated dissent. Propaganda: Heavy indoctrination promoted the infallibility of the leader and the regime. Military Priority: The military was prioritized under the “Military First” policy (Songun), ensuring regime survival and internal control.  POLITICAL STRUCTERED OF SOUTH KOREA Authoritarianism to Democracy Initial Phase – Authoritarian Rule: Leader: Syngman Rhee, an anti communist leader supported by the United States, became the first president in 1948. System: While a republic was established, early governance was authoritarian, with limited political freedoms. State Control: The government maintained tight control to combat communist influence and address the post-war crisis.  POLITICAL STRUCTERED OF SOUTH KOREA Economic Priority: Focus on Development: The authoritarian regimes, particularly under General Park Chung-Hee (1961–1979), prioritized economic growth and industrialization. Suppression of Opposition: Political dissent was often suppressed to maintain stability during the rapid transformation. Transition to Democracy: In the 1980s, strong democratic movements led to a gradual loosening of authoritarian rule. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, South Korea transitioned to a pluralistic democracy with free elections and greater political freedoms.  ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS Inclusive economy Extractive economy Allow and encourage participation Extract wealth and income from from the majority of people. the society to benefit the elites. Foster economic growth by Often suppress private property encouraging investment, rights, enforce unequal laws, and innovation, and the efficient use of restrict market access​. talents​. The Congo - Forced labor and United States - Thomas Edison and resource extraction Henry Ford HOW THESE ECONOMIES OPERATE ? South Korea Adopted a market economy that prioritized private property, industrial growth, and education. Policies encouraged investments and partnerships, fostering rapid technological advancement and high literacy. The government supported economic activities by enabling access to financial markets and encouraging exports​. The Miracle of Han River HOW THESE ECONOMIES OPERATE ? North Korea Implemented a command economy rooted in the Juche ideology. Private property and markets were banned, and resources were centrally controlled. economic stagnation, a collapse in agricultural productivity, and recurring famines, driven by the absence of incentives for productivity and innovation​. The Arduous March  IMPACT ON SOCIETY SOUTH KOREA NORTH KOREA 1. Economic growth 1. Economic stagnation one of the world's fastest-growing widespread poverty, inadequate economies education, and limited human rights​ High levels of education and market freedom 2. Famine and suffering poor agricultural policies and lack of 2. Technological advancement incentives Samsung and Hyundai supportive institutions fostering innovation 3. Isolation and technology transfer​ State-controlled propaganda and restrictions on private activity 3. Improved quality of life better healthcare, longer life expectancy, Kaesong Industrial Region and greater economic opportunities Seoul's transformation into a global city.  SOUTH KOREA Initially under authoritarian regimes Transition into inclusive economic institutions 1. Institutional support Secure property rights and government-backed financial system Supported industrialization and export-oriented growth Samsung - global electronics leader 2. Education Government investment in universal education Advancements in fields like robotics and biotechnology Embraced globalization POLITICAL INSTITUTION Different economic institutions caused by different politics. Their objectives, interest and ideas on how to structure the society differ. Politic is the process by which a society choose the institution to govern them. Political institution will decide who has the power and to what extend that power can be used by them. Would lead to inclusive of extractive political institution.