Culture & Society
South Korea scraps traditional age system as society becomes more international
A frequent source of confusion, traditional system reflects how South Koreans establish hierarchies in social settings
December 15, 2022
Planned textbook revision puts South Korea out of step on LGBTQ issues
Removing term ‘sexual minorities’ appears aimed at appealing to Yoon’s base but may contribute to homophobia in schools
December 14, 2022
South Korea must improve mental health services after the Itaewon tragedy
Young people already under chronic stress now face collective trauma, underlining need for universal mental health care
December 9, 2022
One city’s defiance sparks debate on lifting South Korea’s indoor mask rules
Officials have been reluctant to ease measures that won praise early in pandemic but may do so in the coming weeks
December 8, 2022
Anti-China xenophobia spurs ROK proposal to restrict foreigners’ voting rights
New bill reflects how fear of China is stirring up concerns about outside political influence in South Korea
December 7, 2022
Yoon’s attacks on the press betray critical misread of what makes democracy work
Rooted in South Korea’s illiberal past, Yoon and conservatives still view too much freedom as risky and destabilizing
December 2, 2022
Why conferences in Korea are (mostly) a waste of time and resources
Overfocus on prestige signaling makes for pretty settings but little substance or real debate, experts say
November 24, 2022
Security concerns nudge South Korea and Japan closer, with encouragement from US
First official summit reveals Yoon and Kishida want a reset, but nationalism remains a constant risk to progress
November 16, 2022
Drugs on Telegram put South Korea’s ‘drug-free’ reputation to the test
Country needs a serious drug policy, but current measures ignore factors that likely drive Korean use of meth and opiods
November 2, 2022
Why Yoon Suk-yeol may escape blame for South Korea’s Halloween tragedy
History shows local leaders often take fall for disasters, though Sewol underlines consequences of presidential missteps
November 1, 2022
