K-Equality

Courtesy of Mathieu Jarry

By David A. Tizzard

Because people all over the world wear similar clothes, vibe on the same YouTube videos, and speak similar hashtags, it's all too easy to think of them wanting the same things. We try to equalize values globally as much as possible. Often placing them in the universal frame of human rights (an important development, yet at the same time perhaps just a secularized version of the Christian narrative). We also tend to project our own values onto societies. Seeing everything and everyone through the lens we deem most important at that particular time. As individuals, our education, upbringing, and habitus shape how we see the world. Not exclusively, but it certainly plays a role.

Countries with different cultures, histories, and political systems also naturally tend to place greater or lesser emphasis on values. Whether a country's 20th century was marked by colonization, oppression, war, famine, democracy, fascism, capitalism, destitution, individualism or collectivism will shape the national narrative in the modern age. None is static, all are changing. Each is unique.

South Korea's story is well known. From the psychological trauma of Japanese colonization and suffocating grip of military dictatorships, it achieved economic growth, technological modernization, and a transformation of its physical spaces. Hanbok and calligraphy replaced by hoodies and cameras. People in Korea run to the cinema in their millions to see Tom Cruise's white teeth, drink chocolate milkshakes, and wear crop tops. But despite the physical and cultural similarities, it can be suggested that the undercurrents flow in different directions.

Parts of the west are associated with the values of freedom and individualism. The singular person is given primary status in society, not to be impeded upon. This has meant that western societies often (but not always) first sought to realize the practical equality of women, promote free speech, champion democracy, grant gay and lesbian rights, and address trans issues. But this focus on individual liberation is not the central tenet of every country. There are a host of reasons why South Korea has its own position vis-a-vis gender equality, free speech, LGBTQ rights, and other issues. One that should be considered is that the paramount goal for many here is not freedom, but fairness.

How can South Koreans talk about fairness when the country is marked by such inequalities as X, Y, and Z you will no doubt shout. A fair comment. But just as western societies are not characterized by immaculate freedom, so is it here. There is a great deal of economic and social imbalance. This has been brought to life by many, including the work of director Bong Joon-ho and his constant focus on class and capitalism. But just because the country isn't fair doesn't mean that people are not focused on that issue. Consider the 4-character Chinese idioms (sa-ja-song-o) released each year designed to encapsulate social trends: they often address inequality and hypocrisy. Then take a look at the neologisms written about each year in the mainstream press. These too demonstrate an emphasis on wealth disparities and class consciousness: jipgap, yeong-ggeul.

Some analysts and Twitter users viewed the last presidential election purely through the lens of gender. However, this was more likely a reflection of their own interests than the majority of Korean people's. It was important to some, of course. But not the majority. In contrast, the values of fairness and equality frequently appear as the most important or very important values in social surveys and elections. Justice Ministers lose their position if they don't act properly, presidents are overthrown, people are sent to prison. Even personal acts of suicide in the country can be motivated by protest and the search for greater equality. Sit in a physical class with hundreds of young Korean adults in their 20s each year and you will be struck by how fairness and equality come to dominate many issues. Solutions proposed are not found in an individual's right to wield an automatic rifle or smoke a bowl. Instead, it's about securing the same system for everyone. That requires a deal of homogenization of experience. Be it pleasure or pain.

There are nearly 51 million people in the country so you will no doubt know many who value personal freedom over fairness and equality. Moreover, there will be those who care little for any of the concepts mentioned thus far and instead have their own take on things. But spend a week talking to Korean people about fairness and equality and listen to what they say. Watch the Korean news and the Korean dramas and see if you notice these values manifesting. Read Korean comments on Korean language articles and see if, like me and others, you observe the insistence on "pyung-dung" (equality). After all, if we want to understand Korea through Korean eyes, it's only fair to try.

Dr. David A. Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) has a Ph.D. in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University. He is a social/cultural commentator and musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. He is also the host of the Korea Deconstructed podcast, which can be found online. The views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.