This episode provided details the 1988 amendment to South Korea's Agricultural Cooperative Association (NongHyup) Act. This amendment transitioned the election of NongHyup officials, previously appointed, to a direct, democratic system. The text chronicles the implementation of this change, including the procedures for the first direct elections of local and national leaders in 1989 and 1990. It also explores the political and social context surrounding the reform, highlighting debates between direct and indirectelection methods and the challenges of ensuring fair elections. Finally, it describes the resulting changes in the structure and governance of the NongHyup.