Culture & Society
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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