Since liberation, South Korea has experienced numerous hardships and social divisions due to ideological conflicts. However, against all odds, it has miraculously risen to become an advanced economy. This remarkable achievement is beyond the comprehension of any global expert.
The Bible states, 'Though one may plan the course of one's life, it is the Lord who guides one's steps.' This perfectly describes the current state of South Korea.
By re-examining Korea's journey, we can craft a narrative that connects the past to the present from a fresh perspective. By gathering diverse viewpoints, we can create an environment where the people can achieve greater unity.
This is akin to numerous small streams from different regions merging to form a large river, which then flows into the sea. From this standpoint, Korean modern history has witnessed a deepening of social conflict since the liberation on August 15th, 1945, followed by the Korean War (June 25th, 1950), the April 19th Revolution, and the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement. The society is increasingly polarized into factions, including the left and right, conservative and progressive, pro-Japanese and pro-American camps, leading to intensified conflicts and social instability.
Critic Kim Gap-soo, acknowledging his past 'errors in opinion', cautiously proposes a revised perspective. This approach should be of interest to conservative and progressive political forces, as well as those with pro-Japanese leanings.
June 22, 2024, Cham Gil
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