[Reading Notes] Like Taiwan's twin brothers, we should try to learn more about Korea - "Korea: Choke Kimchi that Shakes the World"

The modern state of South Korea was born in a rather harsh environment, it was once very poor, decades of colonization had drained its energy, not only had it been ravaged by war, but also lacked in natural resources, but also from a country with a long history, Become a country with only half of its territory left. But it not only survived, it created an unexpected success story. In these short fifty years, the people of South Korea have transformed their country into one of the most advanced countries in the world.

From mobile phones, electrical appliances, to the cultural industry of movies and dramas, Made in Korea has penetrated into the lives of modern people, not only in Taiwan, but all over the world. Especially after the start of the US-China trade war, Korean elements have replaced China and become the representative elements of Asia. With Hollywood movies and various audio-visual platforms, the "Korean Wave" has been widely promoted to all parts of the world. However, do we really understand Korea? For this country that is like Taiwan in terms of culture and historical process, perhaps we need more understanding than simply learning the language.

"Korea: The Choke Kimchi that Shakes the World", written by Daniel Tudor, the correspondent of The Economist in Korea for nearly ten years, can be said to be an encyclopedia about Korea. From the perspective, it deeply analyzes the culture, history, society and nationality of this emerging scientific and technological power. Although it has been almost ten years since it was published, it is still possible to discover many aspects of Korea that Taiwan's mainstream society does not know.

By 918, the post-Goguryeo had become the most powerful country in the Three Kingdoms, but Gongyi gradually became a morbid and suspicious tyrant, and later even killed his wife and two sons, and declared himself a Buddha. Four of his generals conspired to assassinate him, and put Wang Jian, the chief minister of Dai Gongxi, as the new king. Wang Jiancheng became the great ancestor of Goryeo and changed the country name to Goryeo, which is the origin of the Korean English "Korea".

Let the reporters stationed in Korea show you things that are not detailed in Korean dramas

From the origins of English country names, religion, "emotional" culture, workaholics, diet, to women and gay issues, "Korea: The Choke Kimchi that Shakes the World" contains a variety of aspects, although some of the information stacks can feel blunt to read. What is more is the author's admiration and admiration for the deep understanding of South Korea. If you like watching Korean dramas like the author, you may be able to use the passages about "clan", Gangnam District, etc., and then discover the details that you have never thought about when watching Korean dramas in the past.

Of course, after all, it was a book published ten years ago. Events including the Seyue, Park Geun-hye’s dismissal, and BTS’s UN speech have not yet appeared. The description of the “Golden Age of Film and Television” and the current Korean drama on Netflix have not yet appeared. The comparison is even more debatable. Even the "Kimchi" in the title of the book should now be changed to "Xin Qi". However, many realities that still exist in Korean society can still be seen from it, and even a comparison between the past and the present can better prove the author's insights. The relatively objective evaluation of the book by outsiders makes it a work that should be read carefully regardless of whether you like the country or not.

Kim Goo, a South Korean independence fighter, once said: "I don't want our country to be the richest and most powerful country in the world... It is enough that we have wealth that can enrich our lives." Beautiful country", a country that can bring happiness to the people of Korea and other countries. If he were still alive today, he might have been disappointed by some of the scenes before him. However, he also has to admit that this "impossible country" has made great progress.

Just like Taiwan's history and cultural context, Korea is worth knowing more about

From the beginning of learning Korean, to gradually understanding the country, and even recently writing related articles on media platforms, the more I know about South Korea, the more I find its similarities with Taiwan, including the influence of Confucian culture, divided politics, and low birthrates. , emerging powers in science and technology, and even the history of being ravaged by many powers. It is precisely because of this that whether it is "Korean" or "anti-Korean", we should all know more about this country, not only because it has always been Taiwan's number one competitor, but also because of the problems and challenges that South Korea faces, perhaps for Taiwan. Existing problems provide solutions and even guide the way forward.

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