Interview with an ex-member of the National Assembly, Currently a Chairman of Asia Economic Research Institute, Park Chan Jong

1. How did Korea look like right after the Korean War? The Korean War continued from June 25th 1950 to July 27, 1953 because North Koreans invaded the South Korea. Due to this devastating War, all the factories and industrial facilities were destroyed. Also, 10million people were dead and more than 300million were injured. If I describe Koreas condition in 1960s, it was a total ruin. After the war, Park Chung Hee became a president with his army. As a result, President Park dramatically developed South Koreas industry as well as the economy. Ever since after Park Chung Hee era, South Korea became one of the leading nations of the world which our current GDP is over 20,000 dollars and we are in 12th place in a trade deal.

2. What was the condition of people and how poor were they? In 1960s, one persons income was only about 300 dollars per year. Also, our daily foods were provided from the United States such as rice and wheat. We were extremely poor.

3. I heard you were a National Assembly member during President Parks era. How did people think about him? And how did Park develop the nation? I was elected as a member of National Assembly total of six times which the first two terms that I have served was during the Park Chung Hee era. During that time, President Park developed ship building, Energy Chemical and Heavy Chemical Industry. However, politically people protested against him due to his dictatorship which he was assassinated in October, 29th 1979

4. How do you personally view Park Chung Hee as a president? Even though He did an exceptional job of developing South Korea, because of his dictatorship, I think he was both good and bad.

5. Do you personally know President Park Chung Hee? I had not personally talked with him individually. However, all of the assembly members and I have dined and talked with him. President Park outwardly looked very gentle and kind but he had a very scary and strict personality. Even, he threw his ashtray if he thought that ministers were not working correctly.

6. Do you think South Korea will continue to develop? Right now, Korea is behind by Japans technology and Chinas rapid economic development. So, if we do not develop our technology or invent new technology such as smartphones, South Korea might face the economic crisis.

7. Do you know South Koreas current president Keun Hye Park? If you know, is there any way that we can contact with her? The last time I met her was March, 2004 when she was a representative in the Sae Nuri party. Although I know her but since she became a president of South Korea, I think it will be difficult to personally meet her. Maybe you can write a letter to the blue house.

8. Overall, how do you think Park Chung Hee developed our economy?

Park Chung Hee raised GDP to 1,000 dollars, starting from the devastating war field and promoted Chemical industries to give our country a title, export advanced country. Koreas economic development after Park Chung Hee era is a result of his hard work.

9. I heard companies such as Samsung and Hyundai is hugely developed because of help from Park Chung Hee. Is it true? Hyundais ship building, car industries and Samsungs electronic industries is initiated because of President Parks instructions (orders). Even after Parks era, these companies work hard to achieve a position that they have now.

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