Asian Values and Korea

I'd like to talk about the "Asian values" that Sen brings up and bring in some personal insights. The question that Sen poses is whether freedom-oriented perspectives are absent in Asian traditions. In many ways, I think so. I was born in South Korea, and my family moved to America when I was six. Every time I visit my relatives in South Korea, I realize how different South Korean culture is compared to America. The culture definitely encourages uniformity and a collectivist attitude, from the style of dress to career pathways. It does not place heavy emphasis on individual rights and liberties as the United States, and there is an emphasis on duty toward your family and the country. However, I do think starting from the millennial generation, it is different. Millennials in South Korea are more likely to rise up for rights and freedoms, and "loyalty to family and obedience to the state" as mentioned by Sen seems to be of less importance.

Sen uses South Korea as one of the examples of countries that used an authoritarian government to bring about great economic success. One of the most controversial presidents in South Korea is Park Chung-Hee, who served as president from 1962 to 1979  (he is also the father of the current South Korean president). Park came to power through a military coup d'etat that overthrow the Korean Second Republic. He is credited with having brought about the "Miracle on the Han River," the period of great economic growth in South Korea until 1979.  However, his rule also brought about numerous human rights abuses. He formed powerful relationships with the "chebols," large conglomerate family-controlled firms  in South Korea, and he struck down all labor rights movements. Because of the low wages paid to laborers harsh working conditions, the companies were able to make their products so cheap that it attracted the business that led to the economic prosperity in South Korea. Opinions are pretty split about Park. Many Koreans think that South Korea would not be where it is right now without Park. Others believe that it still does not justify the human rights abuses that his rule brought about. This goes back to the fundamental question of whether the ends justify the means. Obviously Sen would say that it does not, and the case in South Korea is an exception to how development should and is brought about.