This article examines how US foreign policy and political developments in the ROK enabled the establishment of a normalization treaty between Japan and the ROK. It also examines the process by which the Rhee Syngman regime was replaced by Park Chung-h...
This article examines how US foreign policy and political developments in the ROK enabled the establishment of a normalization treaty between Japan and the ROK. It also examines the process by which the Rhee Syngman regime was replaced by Park Chung-hee s military regime. When Park came to power in 1961, the economic relationship became cooperative. The image and the role of Japan changed from arch-enemy to principal economic and security partner. The most important factor in this transformation was Park s decision to incorporate Japan into his political, economic and security equation. This analysis is followed by a survey of the major policy changes in the transitional period: 1960 to 1965.