The Promised Republic: Developmental Society and The Making of Modern Seoul, 1961-1971
From The Korea Society by The Korea Society
May 15, 2026 · 51 min
About this episode
Dr. Russell Burge discusses the hidden histories of South Korea's urban transformation during the developmental period under Park Chung Hee.
May 14, 2026 - Join us for a discussion with Dr. Russell Burge , author of "The Promised Republic: Developmental Society and the Making of Modern Seoul." In conversation with policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre , Burge delves into the hidden histories of South Korea's rapid urban transformation during South Korea's developmental period under Park Chung Hee. Drawing from a rich archive of memoirs, interviews, photographs, and more, Burge challenges the traditional "miracle on the Han River" narrative by centering the rural migrants who built and inhabited Seoul's shantytowns. He provides a critical lens through which to view the high price of progress and the enduring struggle for a truly inclusive republic. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Kim Koo Foundation. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/2150-promised-republic
People in this episode
Host: Chelsie Alexandre
Guest: Dr. Russell Burge
Topics covered
- urban transformation
- South Korea
- Park Chung Hee
- rural migrants
- shantytowns
- inclusive republic
Keywords
- urban transformation
- South Korea
- Park Chung Hee
- shantytowns
- rural migrants
- inclusive republic
- developmental society
Sponsors
Kim Koo Foundation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Kim Koo Foundation
Books & works: The Promised Republic: Developmental Society and the Making of Modern Seoul
Places: South Korea, Seoul
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