The Evolution of the ‘Growth First Belief’ and the Unequal Society: In Search of Conversions in the Role of Public Administration(PA)

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

It is controversial to say just what kind of role the government bureaucracy actually had in the social conversions of the Korean society. By emphasizing the 'Growth First Belief' over everything else, the quality of life and happiness of the people have always taken a backseat. In the process of rapid industrialization the unattractive mingling of special privileges and rights with the blind worshipping and idolization towards power and riches which happened has led to the creation of new terms such as 'pariah capitalism' and 'bureaucratic mafia(bureaufia)'. Concentrating the state resources and consequent choices made by the developmental state have also led to the worsening of the inequality and concentration of wealth as a result. South Korea's authoritative bureaucracy is a centralized body of the state and can be seen as the party responsible for providing the seed of the present inequality of the Korean society. This paper will look at the evolution and the effects on how ‘the growth first’ public policy had on the inequality that exists within the Korean society and contemplate upon the measures that can alleviate these problems. The paper also attempts to offer several suggestions that will lead to a fairer and more equal society. First, there should be a conversion of the goal in public administration for the better quality of life which is not of a quantitative nature of the growth. Second, there should be an execution of ‘proper’ regulations that are deemed most necessary in the most effective positions which will heal the side effects of the growth. Finally, there should be a drastic embracement and investment on the part of the social welfare administration to respond to the inevitable low birth rate and aging society.