South Korea’s Developmental State at a Crossroads: Disintegration or Re-emergence

Neoliberal reforms and restructuring measures implemented afterthe 1997 crisis started the dismantling process of South Korea’sdevelopmental state; however, the recent global economic crisis of2008 casted doubt on neoliberalism and invigorated the discussion on the future of the state. An argument is made for the return of thedevelopmental state in Korea and this paper examines the possibilityto bring back the dynamics of the developmental state. Thedevelopmental state cannot be revived solely with capable bureaucratsand business leaders; the support of the people for the developmentalstate is vital. Two crucial policies could revitalize the“new” developmental state: the widening welfare state and theimplementation of democratic corporatism. By obtaining legitimacythrough the widening of the welfare state and the implementing ofdemocratic corporatism, it is possible for the new developmentalstate with a strong developmental dynamic to advance democracyand development.