Article: South Korea at crossroads // On 40th anniversary, country seeking political stability

SEOUL, South Korea - Forty years after its creation and 35 years after a devastating war, South Korea is trying to end decades of authoritarian rule and build a stable democracy to match its colossal economic achievements.

South Korea, founded on Aug. 15, 1948, has become one of the most modern and rapidly expanding economic powers in Asia, but its politics have not changed as quickly.

Despite liberal reforms in the last year, a powerful elite of government bureaucrats, military commanders and business leaders still dominates the nation, as it has for most of South Korean history.

Political leaders, analysts, intellectuals and others agree the nation must build an enduring democratic ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!