Park Chung Hee

Park Chung Hee is worldwide known to be the most controversial president in the history of the Republic of Korea. His economic policy uplifted the country from being one of the poorest in the world to one of the fastest developing nations. Park changed the way South Korea was looked at; from a country dependent on International Aid to a self-reliant exporting economy that was one of the few success stories of its time, especially given the conditions it had faced. Although he is still accused by many of being a dictator, South Korea's chaotic political and social situation, its international position between the great powers in the world, and the desperate economic situation during his time show that his way of leading was necessary. Without a doubt, Park Chung Hee was an exceptional leader who made a miraculous development of a country with the worst conditions.

When the people of South Korea were left with nothing but hopelessness and chaos from the aftermaths of the Korean War and the country’s deteriorating government, Park Chung Hee rose to power to take charge in establishing social and political order for the country’s welfare. Before Park Chung Hee’s entrance into power through the coup d’etat of May 1961, South Korea was facing social and political instability due to the ineffective leadership carried out by the nation’s earlier leaders. The Korean War (19501953) had left the country in utter disorder, leaving its people amidst poverty and confusion. The country was in dire need of a leader who would take a stand and lift the country from the ashes and bring the people together towards a greater future. However, after 15 years of repressive government by the first president, Syngman Rhee, the country was led to more trouble. Syngman Rhee was forced out of office into exile after the April 19 Revolution, which consisted of student mass demonstrations against widespread

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corruption and despotic rule. The incompetence and