Background
After Liberation and War
The end of Japanese occupation and the partition of Korea caused economic stagnation in Korea after World War II. The Korean government became heavily dependent on U.S. aid. President Syngman Rhee presided over a bloody, repressive, and corrupt regime (1948-1960). Following the devastating Korean War (1950-1953), South Korea's per capita income was only US$67.
"There was a sense that we weren't going to make it as a country."
—Han Seung-joo, former cabinet minister
—Han Seung-joo, former cabinet minister
"The national economy of South Korea is totally bankrupt . . . there are roughly seven million unemployed and semi-employed in South Korea. And each year more than one million peasant households suffer from lack of food during the lean spring months. The people are entirely denied political rights and are exposed to terrorism and tyranny."
—Kim Il-sung, former leader of North Korea
—Kim Il-sung, former leader of North Korea
"There is bound to be a way for our nation — a wide and open highway."
—Park Chung Hee
—Park Chung Hee
Early Life of Park Chung Hee
Park Chung Hee was born on November 14, 1917 in South Korea. He served in the Japanese military before joining the Korean army, and became a respected figure of the military.