Original sentence: However, as the standard of living and income rose considerably in the 1980s, nationwide protests led to the collapse of the authoritarian regime in 1987, and direct and fair elections have been held every 5 years thereafter.Since division and establishment of the modern republic in 1948, South Korea struggled initially with the aftermath of Japanese invasion (1910–1945) and the Korean war (1950–1953).Today, it is an established pioneer of democracy in Asia, with one of the highest levels of civil liberties and political rights in the world
Edited sentence: Since its establishment in 1948, South Korea rapidly recovered from the Japanese invasion (1910–1945) and Korean war (1950–1953) and is now an established pioneer of democracy in Asia, with one of the highest levels of civil liberties and political rights in the world