Study of nationalism and consolidation of democracy in South Korea : 1987-1993

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the factors that contributed to the consolidation of democracy in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) during 1987–1993. The research employed the threshold definition of the consolidation of democracy as the only game in town and focused on South Korean nationalist sentiment that influenced the movement within and outside the National Assembly. It also minimized the risk of democratic interruption and stabilized the democratic government. According to the findings, the South Korean people diverted their focus to the pride of the nation. The Seoul Olympic Games in 1988, Nordpolitik, economic success, and democratization during the end of the Cold War. These aspects evaluated South Korea’s status in the national arena and made it one of the world's leaders. It brought pride to South Korean society. They took this shared value of national pride, and this shared value connected South Korean people and promoted social cohesion. They were aware that democracy was necessary to maintain the country’s status in the world leader community. They tried to maintain and strengthen the democratical governing system. As a result, democracy became the only game in town. South Korean success was an undercurrent that promoted the consolidation of democracy.