World's political and economic environments are changing dramatically. Economic bloc is commonly recognized as an international trend and all nations are making the best effort to maximize their benefits. In Korea, the private enterprises obtained good achievements in the electronic and motor manufacturing industries despite international intense competitions. They contributed to the development of country's competitiveness and to the accumulation of wealth. The success of Korea's private enterprises resulted from the renovation of management and management's determined working principles. By applying the management models of private industries, state enterprises might bring its efficient management. The majority of state enterprises in Korea was established in early 1970 when GNP per capita was only U$200. However, some state enterprises, such as Korea Telecommunication, were established in 1980's when the GNP per capita was U$1,800.
In: Asia policy: a peer-reviewed journal devoted to bridging the gap between academic research and policymaking on issues related to the Asia-Pacific, Band 18, Heft 3, S. 101-127
executive summary: This article provides insights on how U.S. semiconductor policy is reported, discussed, and perceived in the South Korean public sphere and proposes potential actions for Washington and Seoul as allies. main argumentAlthough not widely known in Washington, the U.S. faces accusations of pursuing "economic nationalism" at the expense of its allies. There are growing perceptions in South Korea that the U.S. is prioritizing its own self-interests while concurrently emphasizing unity among its allies against China. This view has led to grievances about U.S. strategy, particularly in relation to the semiconductor sector and supply chains—sensitive topics in Northeast Asia's trade-focused economies. While the U.S. has advocated for an alliancecentered reorganization of semiconductor supply chains, concerns persist that it is ultimately pursuing semiconductor hegemony. Increasing public discontent in South Korea regarding U.S. semiconductor and technology policies serves as an illustrative example and could develop into a contentious issue for the broader alliance between the two countries unless handled with care and attention to South Korea's concerns. While Washington may disregard South Korean public sentiment as inconsequential, in South Korea's vibrant and vocal democracy, public opinion can quickly shift to the extremes and significantly influence Seoul's policy choices. To maintain a strong alliance with South Korea and effectively advance its policy regarding China, the U.S. must closely monitor South Korean public opinion and confront these concerns. policy implications • Economic sacrifices made by allies will not benefit U.S. national interests and may lead to disenchantment and resentment on the part of these partners. It is imperative that the U.S. engage in dialogue with its allies to enhance economic collaboration and explore new market opportunities. • The public uproar observed so far in South Korea's young democracy has the potential to suddenly turn volatile. Consequently, preventive public diplomacy by Washington can play a crucial role in managing the semiconductor issue. • A technology alliance commits countries to jointly secure their national interests; thus, mutual trust and a shared vision for the future are essential.
South Korea's quest to become a middle power, articulated through autonomy in foreign policy, has been challenged in the ambience of great power competition reality between the USA and China. This article delineates South Korean foreign policy's complex nature in the evolving East Asian regional context, focusing on Seoul's relationship with China in particular. Many observers noted that South Korea has in recent years been increasingly leaning towards China, despite the fact that it is a military-pact ally of the USA. It also comes as a bewilderment to outsiders to notice that South Korea has been 'cold-shouldering' Japan, the world's number three economy. It does not necessarily mean that Seoul maintains good relations with China either. The two nations have yet to overcome the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) dispute. This article also scrutinises how the USA plays an important role in South Korea's relations with its two neighbours. Seoul has been in search of diplomatic autonomy between the world's two most powerful nations. The process has been tumultuous. The future outlook seems uncertain.