{"id":2202027,"date":"2023-08-18T17:00:08","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T08:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202027"},"modified":"2023-08-21T19:35:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T10:35:17","slug":"reframing-south-koreas-history-yoons-dance-with-the-new-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/08\/reframing-south-koreas-history-yoons-dance-with-the-new-right\/","title":{"rendered":"Reframing South Korea\u2019s history: Yoon\u2019s dance with the New Right"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea is embroiled in a profound debate over its contemporary history, driven significantly by scholars and politicians associated with the \u201c<\/span>New Right<\/span><\/a>\u201d movement. These influential conservative figures advocate for a more favorable view of the nation\u2019s authoritarian past and, following their ascension into positions of power, help directly shape the policies and rhetoric of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.<\/span><\/p>\n Historical debates aren\u2019t new territory for South Korea. Many <\/span>right-wing<\/span><\/a> leaders<\/span><\/a> worldwide aim to reframe their countries\u2019 past positively, leaning on nationalism for political leverage. In South Korea\u2019s case, international media often spotlights Korea\u2019s colonial history, scrutinizing its impact on the country\u2019s relations with Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n It is precisely that <\/span>aspect of history<\/span><\/a> \u2014 the Yoon administration\u2019s <\/span>attempts to overcome<\/span><\/a> them and the Japanese government\u2019s somewhat tepid response to Yoon\u2019s outreach \u2014 that are at the heart of the <\/span>trilateral summit<\/span><\/a> at Camp David.<\/span><\/p>\n But South Korea\u2019s domestic battles over its contemporary history are equally fierce and hold significant consequences for the health of the nation\u2019s democracy.<\/span><\/p>\n THE NEW RIGHT\u2019S NARRATIVE<\/b><\/p>\n Central to Korea\u2019s ongoing debate over history stands the New Right movement. This conservative academic and political wave emerged in the mid-2000s, primarily in response to a series of political setbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n Back then, numerous organizations sprouted to bolster this movement. While many have since dissolved, the New Right\u2019s ideologies still resonate in Korean society. Media outlets consistently label scholars and politicians echoing these views as the movement\u2019s affiliates.<\/span><\/p>\n Champions of the New Right contend that Japanese colonialism was pivotal in Korea\u2019s modernization. More importantly, they also advocate for a more favorable portrayal of <\/span>Syngman Rhee<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Park Chung-hee<\/span><\/a> \u2014 past authoritarian leaders held in high esteem by many conservative factions. For conservatives in post-democratization South Korea, reevaluating these past authoritarian figures is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n The prevailing perception of these leaders is one of a hindrance to Korea\u2019s democratization, suppressors of labor movements and enablers of economic inequality. However, the New Right counters this narrative. They assert that the Rhee and Park regimes\u2019 economic interventions and authoritarianism were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the thriving liberal democracy and robust capitalist economy that defines South Korea today.<\/span><\/p>\n