ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a historical overview of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and the nation's political system, constitutional structure, and both governmental and nongovernmental actors participating in the public policy making process in Korea. The South Korean political system during the period from 1948 to 1987, except for the Second Republic from 1960–1961, was characterized as an authoritarian regime. The presidential system of Korea incorporates several characteristics of parliamentary systems. First, the Korean Constitution introduces the state council. Second, the prime minister, members of the state council, or government delegates may attend meetings of the National Assembly or its committees and report on state administration or deliver opinions and answer questions. Governmental actors participate in the public policy making process because their responsibilities are prescribed by the Constitution or laws, and they have the power to formulate and implement public policies. Nongovernmental actors include those who play roles in the policymaking process without any explicit legal authority.
