THE IMPACT OF REGIONALISM ON THE PARTY SYSTEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Abstract

This article examines the enduring impact of regionalism on the party system of the Republic of Korea, analyzing its historical roots, institutional manifestations, and continuing influence on contemporary political dynamics. Tracing regional antagonisms back to the era of the Three Kingdoms, the study highlights the long-standing rivalry between the Honam (southwest) and Yeongnam (southeast) regions as a defining feature of South Korean politics. The analysis demonstrates how regional identity shapes electoral preferences, with voters consistently favoring candidates from their own areas regardless of ideological alignment. This tendency reinforces the fragmentation of the party system, impedes the emergence of nationwide political institutions, and influences state personnel policies, where appointments often reflect regional considerations. The study also explores key turning points in modern South Korean politics, including the 1997 election of Kim Dae-jung, the 2007 victory of Lee Myung-bak, and the highly contested presidential elections of 2022 and 2025. These cases reveal both the persistence and gradual transformation of regionalism under conditions of electoral volatility, socio-economic change, and growing distrust of political elites. The findings suggest that while regionalism continues to distort political representation and perpetuate social divisions, it remains a decisive factor in electoral outcomes and party competition in South Korea.