Culture & Society
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
What we know so far about the Itaewon tragedy, and what could come next
Crowd crush that killed over 150 has shaken country with collective trauma over past disasters and government failures
October 31, 2022
South Korea has a stalking problem that government seems unwilling to confront
Recent murder of young woman in Seoul subway latest manifestation of high rates of sex and violent crimes against women
October 28, 2022
The cost of South Korean media’s obsession with vows, promises and pledges
Uncritical amplification of political statements and press releases remains commonplace, crowding out original reporting
October 19, 2022
How anti-Japanism stunts South Korea’s ambition to enhance US alliance
Opposition party chief suggests Japan might re-invade Korea, and these views are surprisingly entrenched in the ROK
October 14, 2022
Yoon moves to scrap gender ministry in appeal to anti-feminist supporters
Closing ministry would mark a step backward for South Korean women, though opposition party could block president’s plan
October 13, 2022
