> without the transition to a more democratic model
Are you saying that SK has not transitioned to a more democratic model since their colonial independence in 1945? I beg to differ. SK is not SG. Yes, I know they have chaebols. Since their transition in ~1988 to a full democracy, the President and parliament (whatever they call it) have certainly shifted between multiple parties -- peacefully. If you study the development of democracies, this is an important step to a long-lasting, mature democracy.
