Yushin Constitution and Its Impact to Korean Political Culture - Essay Example

amline the dipping Korean economy back on right track because he was afraid of the people’s agitation when implementing strict measures to stabilize the economy. He has modified even the constitution to remain in power as long as possible. This paper briefly explains Yushin constitution implemented by Park Chung Hee in order to make his ways clear in Korean politics. Park has adopted dictatorship for implementing strict economic reforms and to silence the critiques. Though his first two terms as president was comparatively better, during his third term he really attained the form of a true dictator by implementing strict regulations on public life.

He declared emergency in South Korea in December 1971, immediately after being chosen as president for the third term. Later he has suspended the constitution and the parliament in order to make his path smooth for implementing authoritarian administration. “A new constitution, (Yushin constitution) which would permit the reelection of the president for an unlimited number of six-year terms, was promulgated in December, launching the Fourth Republic”. (South Korea) “The word Yusin (Yushin) means restoration though what was restored is still debatable”.

(Fourth Republic of South Korea) The main purpose of implementing Yushin constitution was to stick in power as long as possible. The earlier constitution was not suitable for him to implement his reforms and dictatorship and hence he suspended it using the limitless power of president. Park was well aware of the fact that because of his authoritarian approach people doesn’t like him and any political election may result in his failure. Moreover he realized that his defeat in elections would definitely lead to his prosecution by the new government because of the massacres he has committed.

So the only option left for him to remain power was to revise the constitution. In effect the Yushin constitution has given legal authorities to Park’s presidency and