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Historically, the U.S. has acted as a security guarantor. The presence of 30,000 American troops on the peninsula and defense agreements underscore this alliance. However, there's an uneasy realization among South Koreans: without U.S. protection, any attempt to secure vital shipping lanes could be jeopardized, especially if either China or Japan were to go rogue.

Economic Evolution and The Rise of Chaebols

The post-war evolution of South Korea is emblematic of what can be achieved through rigorous planning and a bit of fortune. In the aftermath of Japanese occupation and the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Yet today, it boasts one of the top economies globally, achieving this through a strategic corporatist method.