Culture & Society
Why 2023 could be an inflection point for South Korea’s content industry
Rise of streaming services has produced flood of new shows and displaced film industry, but output may be unsustainable
February 7, 2023
Yoon Suk-yeol pays respect to ROK dictator in latest appeal to conservative base
South Korean president needs conservative stronghold behind him, but paying homage to Park Chung-hee carries risks
February 3, 2023
Why South Korea’s 18-month parental leave is unlikely to reverse fertility woes
The new policy is insufficient to combat entrenched patriarchal values and the gender pay gap
January 26, 2023
Why South Koreans are unified on China but divided over North Korea
Both countries pose major security challenges, but only the North raises difficult questions about national identity
January 25, 2023
How lack of redevelopment provided tinder for a fire in Seoul’s last shantytown
Political disputes have left Guryong Village residents to face poverty and the elements despite ROK’s economic success
January 23, 2023
How the power dynamics of South Korean finance distort stock value forecasts
Most ROK analysts shun negative ratings, producing overly optimistic forecasts that can lead investors astray
January 4, 2023
How hate and prejudice make immigrants think twice about moving to South Korea
Seoul hopes to attract foreign workers to bolster the economy, but resistance to outsiders runs deep in Korean society
December 22, 2022
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
