Session 8b - 1/23/10 - Jung-Kim - Korea since 1945

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Hi everyone,

Please reply to this message and share your thoughts about our January 23 afternoon session on Korea since 1945 by Professor Jennifer Jung-Kim.

-Miranda

[Anonymous]

I wanted to respond to the idea that the Korean War can be viewed with four lenses or perspectives. From my experience, I had viewed the Korean War as part of the larger campaign waged by the United States in the containment of global communism. Through the lecture, I learned that the origins of the Korean War can also be looked at as a war of liberation by the North against US colonialism, a civil war based upon fundamental differences between Koreans themselves, and as an international war involving the United Nations and other international actors. I hadn't known that the Soviet Union was not part of the UN Security Council at this point, and how this contributed to the role of the United Nations at the beginning of the Korean conflict.

[Anonymous]

I now have mixed feelings behind the politics concerning the Korean War--as a child, I was taught to revere America because they were protecting us from the Northern Red. I remember doing bomb-drills at 11pm every night: every household had to turn off their lights and listen to the sirens and wait until it was over. I had conversations with my mom and I remember being told that the reason for doing such drills was so that we practice protecting ourselves in case we are attacked by the North. In school, North Korea was vilified and negatively presented to all of us and I didn't question anything since there were no alternative perspectives. And when I found out that I was immigrating to US, I was overjoyed because I was going to the buddy-nation of Korea.

Now through the lecture, and having studied aspects of the Korean War through lectures/readings, I'm realizing that my views about North Korea, the war had been limiting in perspective. It is sad to think that in the 21st century, Korea still remains divided and many families are prevented from reuniting with their loved ones. Moreover, having spoken to many South Koreans, many express not wanting the US occupation that presently exist today.[Edit by="seun on Jan 26, 3:39:27 PM"][/Edit]
[Edit by="seun on Jan 26, 3:40:13 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed Jennifer Jung-Kim presentation today. It is amazing how high text Korea is come paired to America.
Globalization=Americaniation

[Anonymous]

Someone in class mentioned about the famine situation in North Korea and the professor shared that the population is in better shape. However, I know a couple of friends in Korea who are working on behalf of non-profit organizations to send relief to North Korea. It's hard to disseminate what is valid and invalid information when it comes to the North Korea situation.

Another topic of curiosity is the reunification of families--I know that during the Sunshine Policy Era, there was a big push toward having families reunited and implementing policies that will enable more visiting rights of families. The situation seems more tenuous, nowadays, and I've read that efforts to reignite this effort is forthcoming.

[Anonymous]

To rhitlin:

It was nice meeting you today at USC-China class and I am also looking for more ideas on elementary lessons. I'm trying to figure out how to directly respond to particular participants within this forum to ask questions and the like. Does anyone know how to do this?[Edit by="seun on Jan 24, 12:16:56 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I am thankful for the clarification that Jung-Kim gave regarding the
role of Korean women and the view of Koreans regarding reunification with the North.

Since most Westerners do not know about Korean culture (for some
it appears to be an insular and unapproachable), we are usually left with stereotypes from
movies, or advertisements of Asian women as being docile.

Fortunately, when one steps outside of damaging stereotypes, one discovers
the heart and soul of the Korean culture.

I will say of Korea what I have said about Japan:
it took longer for them to develop democratically, and economically,
yet they have surpassed the US in technology, and in math and science education.

Both countries have one common thread: the government was able to convince the populace
as a whole to unite to build their own economy, and the people themselves
eventually united to democratize their country.

[Anonymous]

Yesterday was an excellent session. I came away with an even better understanding of Korea, its history and its place in East Asia.
One thing I am still puzzled by is the success Christianity has made in Korea since the 19th c.
When questioned about this Professor Jung-kim suggested it was possibly an avenue for socialization through the Church. I find this confusing. IF Korea 'imported' a foreign religion (Buddhism) and Confucian values, and still kept its shamanistic tradition, WHAT about Christianity was so appealing that such a large percentage of Koreans would convert? Could it have something to do with the idea that Christianity is centered around a human figure, the Christ, that would make it more 'real' and appealing? I am still puzzled by this question.[Edit by="sbartosiak on Jan 25, 5:11:45 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Hopefully you have figured out that to 'respond' to a particular blog entry, all you need do is hit 'respond' to that person's entry.
As for elementary lessons, a very simple, yet 'entertaining' lesson might be the use of chopsticks. Most (I think) Asian countries use wooden chopsticks. When I was in Korea a few years ago, all we were offered was metal chopsticks (MUCH more difficult to maneuver). When I asked why the difference I was told that wood was scarce in Korea, hence the use of 'washable', therefore, 'reusable' metal ones.
Just a thought.

[Anonymous]

I have another film to suggest to you all. This is definitely NOT one you would be able to share with your students, but one which is visually opulent and filled with intrigue and action. It is called 'Untold Scandal' (Joseon namnyeo sangyeoljisa in Korean). It is a re-working of the English language films, 'Dangerous Liasons' and 'Valmont', both based on an 18th c. novel about life in the French court at the end of the Ancien Regime. It has been transposed to Korea of the Joseon Dynasty, 18th c. and is the story of two cynical and bored noblepersons (a woman and her cousin) who destroy others' lives on a bet. If you liked
'Dangerous Liasons' and 'Valmont', you will LOVE this film.

[Anonymous]

I just want to say that I am absolutely impressed by the significance of Korea culture in our contemporary world. Professor Jung Kim shared with us important true facts, cultural believes, traditions, and values. One aspect that really called my attention was formatily, a cultural value that covers social etiquette, greetings, etc. that give lots of space for misunderstanding. Thanks, Professor Kim for all your contributions to the China Seminar.

[Anonymous]

To respond to sbartosiak's respond regarding Christianity in Korea, I've also wondered about why there has been a kind of openness in Korea regarding this religion as opposed to China and Japan. I've experienced Christmas in Japan as well as Korea and the contrast was very interesting. I think less than 1% of Japanese are Christians compared to 30% or more in Korea. It is interesting.

[Anonymous]

I too, am intrigues about the importance of Chrisitianity in the Korean culture, and from what I have seen among my students, a true committment and belief in Christianity that they are living day in day out. I too, got no sense of Chrisitianity being even an option when I visited Japan.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Stan. I asked the question about how/why Protestant Christianity is so prevalent in Korea, and since we were short on time, didn't push for a more complete answer. Maybe I should have. I had read somewhere that about 80% of S. Koreans considered themselves Christians so I was surprised that Dr. Kim said only about 1/3 were. Maybe I have some old statistics or something.

Other than that, I really enjoyed hearing about Korea--I think I took 10 pages of notes! I teach the Korean War as part of 10th grade World History so am very happy to have so much more background information and the different perspectives Dr. Kim gave.

I also learned much more about the governments of North Korea and South Korea. Dr. Kim did a wonderful job of weaving all those scandals into history! She's right; you couldn't make that stuff up!

[Anonymous]

"the debate over foreign English teachers is symbolic of a social shift taking place in a nation that has long prided itself on its racial purity and singular culture" south korean anaylsts say....la times 1/31010
I would never had read this article with the same interest if I had not heard Jung-Kim sharing her Korea expertise with us.
The Vietnam brides came to mind instantly, but Jung-Kim's presentation helped to crystallize the similarities, yet wide differences between the S. Korea's govt. and what our democracy is here in the U.S.

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