Understanding Korean Politics (Suny Series in Korean Studies) (Suny Series, Korean Studies) [Paperback]

Soong Hoom Kil (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 16, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0791448908 | ISBN-13: 978-0791448908

Presents an indispensable survey of contemporary Korean politics.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary Korea and East Asia, this book provides a comprehensive and balanced introduction to contemporary Korean politics. It explicates the great changes in South Korea, which has gone from being one of the poorest nations to a proud member of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation while making the transition to democracy. The work focuses on the geopolitical and cultural setting, historical evolution, institutional foundation, dynamics of political leadership, and political and administrative processes of Korean politics. It also features chapters on political determinants of the rise and decline of the Korean economy, foreign and unification policy of South Korea, and political development and decay in North Korea.

About the Author

Soong Hoom Kil is a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and former Professor of Political Science at Seoul National University. He is the author of Contemporary Japanese Politics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (May 16, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791448908
• ISBN-13: 978-0791448908
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #976,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good read, February 12, 2009

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J. Wheeler "the anarchitect" (San Francisco, CA usa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Korean Politics (Suny Series in Korean Studies) (Suny Series, Korean Studies) (Paperback)

This book is well written, informative, accessible, and provides a comprehensive picture of the big players in Korean politics over the last few decades, from the US Military to the dictators it supported to the institutional forces that destabilized that dictatorship and the popular mass movements that finally toppled it and have created a strong liberal democracy in its place. I recommend it to anyone interested in getting a handle on the basics of Korean politics and/or East Asian politics in general.