Many seem to have forgotten how far Korea has progressed since the spring of 1960 and how much better off the country is than the rest of Asia. When I have the chance to discuss Korean democracy at American universities, I always tell the audience that Korea is a model for countries making the transition from authoritarian rule. Achieving a virtually bloodless democratic transition is no small accomplishment. Secret military societies like Hana-hoi are no more. While individuals may cross the line and meddle in domestic politics, the threat of a coup is virtually nil.
Elections are almost as free and fair as the United States, and much more accurate.
The election of an arch foe of past authoritarian governments in 1997 was unthinkable not so long ago. One can argue that it was the timely election of Kim Dae-jung that actually made long overdue economic reforms possible. Koreans might be surprised to learn that two of the greatest concerns of the world's oldest democracy and lone superpower are education and health care. The widening gap in performance between America's urban and suburban schools would be unthinkable in Korea, not to mention Korea's superior math skills and higher literacy levels. If more proof is needed, look at Korea's neighbors.