How did Pacific Rim nations such as South Korea and Taiwan escape the typical Third World cycle of poverty and dependence?

Production of goods from electronics, automobiles and clothing is relative to the prosperity and development of South Korea’s industry. South Korea is one of the four considered economic tigers of the Pacific Rim whose work week is about 50 hours--considered as the world’s longest.

Taiwan, the world’s twentieth largest, is not recognized by the United Nations, is also one of the economic tigers. The country has major industries and entrepreneurial acts.