Korea

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South Korea was once deemed "the poorest, most impossible country on the planet," yet in just fifty years, it has evolved into an economic powerhouse and a democratic model for others. This remarkable transformation occurred despite a history marked by colonial rule, war, partition, and a lack of democratic tradition. Daniel Tudor, a journalist with nearly a decade of experience in Korea, explores the reasons behind this second "Asian miracle" by delving into the country's history, culture, and society, alongside interviews with experts from various fields. His analysis is structured in five parts, focusing on Korea's cultural foundations, the Korean character, the public sphere encompassing politics, business, and family life, leisure activities such as food, music, and cinema, and pressing social issues that may shape Korea's future, including its interactions with outsiders. Tudor addresses diverse topics like shamanism, clan-ism, the North Korean dilemma, misconceptions about business practices, and the social challenges arising from the country's obsession with English. South Korea has achieved simultaneous miracles of economic growth and democratization. The critical question now is whether it will become a stagnant, aging society like Japan or leverage its dynamism and openness to forge a third miracle, elevating its status in human development, democracy, and wealth.