Part 2/7:
The history of South Korea is marred by conflict, foreign domination, and internal strife. After the devastation of the Korean War, which claimed millions of lives and obliterated much of the country's infrastructure, the landscape was left ripe for the establishment of authoritarian rule. The aftermath of Japanese occupation further compounded these challenges, as cultural identity and governance structures were dismantled.
This historical backdrop set the stage for the rise of several regimes that often sacrificed democratic principles to maintain power. While Korea may be seen as a peaceful democracy compared to its authoritarian neighbor, the shadows of past regimes still loom large over its political discourse.