South Korea by Desirae Sagurit

## Introduction to South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a smaller country in Eastern Asia. It has a population of over 50 million, is slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, and is regionally (land and maritime) boarded by North Korea, China, and Japan to which they all carry deep and historical relations. With four distinct (and temperamental) seasons, beautiful ecosystems including islands and several mountain ranges, and a largely homogenous but welcoming ethnic population with growing migrations ranging from Japanese, American, and Chinese people; South Korea definitely has come into its own (Im).

The Korean Peninsula has historically been socially and culturally influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism. Although its neighbors and spheres of authority from both China and Japan have had powerful impacts, Korea always maintained its own homogeneous ethic group with their own language, culture, and customs. Over the last century, and especially after the Korean War which separated the peninsula, South Korea has transferred from an agrarian society into an industrial economic pillar and leader so much so that it is properly categorized as one of The Four Little Dragons in Asia along with Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong in the modern world order (Kästle).

The Republic of Korea was able to achieve its success by combining rapid economic growth and significant poverty reduction. Their governmental policies result in a GDP averaging almost 6% between 1988 and 2019, an annual export growth averaging 9.27% during the same period, and GNI of 33,790 in 2019. It has become a model for developing countries in sustainable development, international involvement, and standard of living (Raiser).

South Korea is well known for its unique culture including their music, dramas, and food. They carry a heavy emphasis on respect for ancestors, age, and seniority. Rising faces for the country include the world's current most popular boy band BTS and the popular girl brand Black Pink; Oscar winning director for his movie *Parasite*, Bong Joon-ho; and Netflix's series sensation *Squid Games.*

## Tackling Climate Change

At this UN Climate Change Conference South Korea, who is the world’s 13th largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions and is dependent on carbon intensive industries such as steel and semiconductors, pledged to reduce emissions by 40% and methane emissions by 30% from 2018 levels by 2030 at the COP26.  Korea has been one of the fastest-growing OECD economies over the past decade and has set up an exemplary policy framework for green growth. There has been continued collaboration between the OECD and the Korean government to improve water management, tackle air pollution (a large consequence of China’s pollution), and pursue the green transition. Korea's 2020 Green New Deal worth KRW 220 trillion (USD 188 billion) investment gives priority to green infrastructure, low-carbon and decentralized energy, and innovation in green industries.

## Conflict & Resistance

What started after the end of Japan’s oppressive and cruel rule over the entire Korean Peninsula after WWII and the influence of the Soviet/China communist values on the top half and the American/Western values on the bottom, the Peninsula was eventually separated at the 38th parallel. In 1950 the North invaded into the South in seemingly countless back and forths which included bloody battles and atrocities committed (again from both sides) that ultimately led to an eventual armistice that is still going on today.

## Inequality & Basic Human Needs

As an established democracy South Korea has largely participated in social, economic, cultural, political, and civil rights. With a constitutional structure that is largely influenced on the presidential system of the United States and is based on separation of powers among the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary help provide policies for covering the basic needs of the country, including the remote rural areas. Most people now have some sort of medical insurance coverage and public health and sanitation have greatly improved, thus reducing epidemics. The government provides public pensions, unemployment insurances, workers compensation, health insurance and public assistance. Education is prioritized and virtually all children of school age are enrolled with intense preparation for university. Freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed although there is no national religion and the growth of urban populations have grown greatly (Im).

However, like in most societies, there are still instances of concern. LGBTQ+ rights movement in South Korea is growing but continues to face hostility especially in the armed forces and schools. Inequality against women and girls is widespread in South Korea, especially in regards to work pay and environment. Racial and ethnic minorities continue to face different forms of discrimination such as foreigner exclusion from the country's celebration of National Children's Day. Activists and progressive legislators have actively advocated for the National Assembly to develop and pass a broad-based national anti-discrimination law protecting LGBT persons as well as women, children, people with disabilities, older people, and foreigners but further progress has yet to be seen (HWR).

## Colonization/Decolonization

In August of 1910 Japan officially annexed Korea as one of the latest forms of colonization. It distinguishes it from other colonies where anti-colonial movements and ideas were already spreading. Whereas the pattern of colonialism often "sought" to create and or unite new nations, boundaries, diversities, and societies; Korea was already a strong and self determined nation that included ethnic and linguistic unity. Japan focused on complete imperialistic assimilation under a heavy military policy until its eventual end after WWII. The Japanese control wasn’t a pleasant experience and subjugated them in multiple ways including forced labor, prostitution, and eradication of the language. However, this time period saw to Korean unity as well as a strong industrial infrastructure that rose above much of the third world.

These consequences would soon lead to a divided Korea through the 38th parallel where the soviets influenced from the north and the US from the south during the cold war. This tied with their own process of decolonization would eventually lead to the Korean War in 1950 where a hugely bloody battle with atrocities on both sides. On July 27 1953 an armistice signed between the two parties that is still going on as all an armistice means is that the countries were going to stop fighting, not a formal end to  the war.

Despite the brutal and bitter start of Japanese colonization (which still carries tensions today) that would result in the splitting of Korea and a war at stand still; there is something interesting to note about this history. Korea is able to depict two governmental and political paths of decolonization. South Korea has taken democratic and "Western" strides to push forward by focusing on the wellbeing of their citizens as we can see through their impressive progress. South Korea's government is also similarly set up to match the United States and much of their cultural standards (especially in regards to beauty) tends to lean more western as well. North Korea led to a more dictatorial and isolated approach that centers on hostile fragility inside global institutions. Overall, South Koreas process of decolonization followed much to the Western ideals.

## Infographic & References

Heres a link to my references >>>>[1]

Heres a link to my infographic >>>>[2]