ABSTRACT
The rapid industrialization process in Japan and Korea was not only spectacular but also unprecedented in modern history. The active role that the Japanese and Korean governments played in bringing about such dynamic economic growth has often been cited as one of their major sources of strength. Both governments were involved in the process by developing industrial policies and fostering close relationships with priority industries and related big businesses. Their interventions were justified on the grounds that they wanted to catch up with advanced industrialized nations within the shortest possible time.
