You are saying democracy helps S. Korea to grow faster, but it was not really true. Under the era of military dictatorship until 1987, S. Korea economic growth was even faster after they were democraticized.
I think democracy actually slow down the economy, but it was fair to say democracy provided more long-term developing factors such as diversity, freedom of speech, and different ideas.
Many old S. Koreans who experienced military dictatorship miss old days when economic growth was 9% in annual and they would not have to worry about employment opportunities as long as they finished college, which in today's Korea, it is virtually impossible to find a job (high quality job such as high salaries).
Couple of my Korean friends told me that the iron and steel industry ( in particular the company POSCO) contributed greatly to the development of Korea since the 1960s. Which Digong Duterte is pushing as well in one of his interview..
Iron and steel helped Korea’s industrial takeoff..
Let me give you some thoughts since you mention S.Korea and let's compare it with the Philippines..
- The US stationing troops there from the 1950s until today has prevented warfare with North Korea and the nations's annexation by China. (We kicked the US out)
- Koreans reformed their political system in the 1990s. The country from essentially a police to a functioning democracy in less than ten years.(We transition to a corrupt democracy)
- Miminal internal conflicts - Korea has internal conflicts but none so major that they would have prevented the nation from advancing economically.(We have internal problems due to ethnic differences and communism)
- Peaceful foreign relations (North Korea excluded) - South Korea has enjoyed peaceful relations for the majority of its life and with that peace has come prosperity.
- Unfettered access to energy - There has not been an energy crisis in South Korea of any significance. This undisturbed access has translated into economic success.(We have energy problems all over the country and the government is inutile about it)
