South Korea's Skilled Workers of the 1970s: Pioneers of Korea's Industralization

This study examines the collective role of the first generation of South Korea's skilled work who were initially trained with the state's financial and other support betwen 1972 and 1987. Focussing on their changed image ove rthe past three decades, especially from "Industrial Warriors" in the 1970s through to 1987, to "labor aristocracy" in present-day South Korea, the study analyses the historical significance of their role in South Korea's rapid development. It argues that the collective role of the first generation of South Korea's skilled workers needs to be fully appreciated for their pioneering role in Korea's industralisation despite the ongoing controversy surrounding their employmen privileges as regular workers in large heavy industry firms.