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In contrast to the political systemof NorthKorea, the one inSouth Korea features openness and freedoms, and all citizens have the right to choose government leaders,political ideologies,and religions. Indeed, South Korea has grown into a model of democratic stability and political action due to its citizens’ unhappinesswith government corruption. South Korea has rapidly evolved into a modern, ultra- high-tech nation. Its scientists help to produce new cars, electronics, medicines, and computers. Few nations are more plugged-in than South Korea, since its Internet service is the fastest in the world. Even so, life is not all happiness on the southern side of the 38th parallel. Dissatisfaction over the division between the wealthy and the poor is growing, young people struggle to find good-paying jobs, and the work-life balance is heavily tilted toward work rather than life. Fewer and fewer women are choosing to have children, leading to a demographic crisis that could drastically destabilize South Korea’s progress. As South Korea changes from moment to moment, many are frustrated by the advance of modernity, and others question whether South Korea can retain its independence of culture, language, and ethnicity in the face of the pressures of the world. Many South Koreans feel outside influences should be

Not only are elections legal in South Korea, voting is encouraged.

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