By way of conclusion, let me now restate my main arguments.
I have first argued that whereas the first post-democratic opening presidential election of 1987 is remembered for bringing the issue of regionalism into the spotlight, the 2002 election might well be remembered for ushering in an era of more clear-cut generational and ideological cleavages in Korean politics.
Secondly, Roh Moo-hyun's narrow defeat of the conservative candidate Lee Hoi-chang took place against the background of a confluence of factors, including macro-political changes - most importantly, accumulated generational change, new salient issues - in particular the divisive "sunshine policy", situational factors - an renewed upsurge in anti-Americanism, plus contrasting personalities - the "outsider" Roh versus the establishment figure Lee, and new campaign tactics - in particular Internet-based campaigning.
Thirdly, I have suggested that the 2002 election is only the beginning of partisan re-alignment in South Korea. The conundrum of divided government is, however, likely to persist with the consequence of further political turmoil. This will negatively affect governance in general and in particular the consistency of governmental policies, including foreign and security policy.
With regard to the issue of anti-Americanism, I have first argued that, while in the context of the Cold-war the United States and South Korea basically pulled in the same direction with regard to their policies vis-à-vis North Korea, the US role in inter-Korean relations is now contested.
Secondly, while a streak of radical anti-Americanism has existed for quite some time in South Korean society, recent advances in inter-Korean relations, a row of incidents, and the ill-conceived US-led "war on terror" have helped to propel anti-Americanism into the mainstream of political opinion in South Korea.
And thirdly, whether anti-Americanism will strengthen and become an even stronger strain on the US-ROK alliance depends not in the least on North Korea's future behaviour and the US role in the six-party talks.