Papers by Park Chang Kyoo
International Journal of East Asian Studies, Dec 15, 2014
For centuries, Korea has viewed itself as an ethnically homogenous society but now globalization ... more For centuries, Korea has viewed itself as an ethnically homogenous society but now globalization has pushed South Korea to be increasingly multicultural in composition. The issue of how to integrate migrants into society so as to achieve a healthy balance between diversity and national unity has become problematic. Korean Society as a whole has responded well to this new multicultural reality. Policymakers have taken actions, albeit slowly, to accommodate the needs of migrant workers and marriage migrants. However, the existence of many different interpretations of norm. However these policies are inconsistent and discriminatory, making it inappropriate for the foundation of coexistence among peoples of different cultural background. Thus, the article argues for more universal and inclusive policies of social integration that can be applied to all members of Korean society.
Faced with the challenge of an increasingly multicultural society, South Korea has adopted an inc... more Faced with the challenge of an increasingly multicultural society, South Korea has adopted an incoherent policy of assimilating immigrants and mixed marriages into Korean society, rather than accepting the cultural diversity of the migrants. Yet, Seoul’s lack of policy coordination in assimilation has failed to provide a clear roadmap for the long-term, even whilst its society is grappling to understand and accept multiculturalism. Rather, a comparative study suggests that Singapore’s policy of harmonisation, in which peoples of differing backgrounds are embraced as part of a nation that is bound by shared civic values, may help offer a more realistic approach to dealing with multiculturalism.
Since the death of Kim Jong-Il in December 2011, it is apparent that his successor, Kim Jong-un, ... more Since the death of Kim Jong-Il in December 2011, it is apparent that his successor, Kim Jong-un, Has embarked on a strategy of ‘Byongjin’, or parallel development of nuclear weapons whilst simultaneously undertaking economic reform. It is apparent that the new leadership in Pyongyang is seeking an approach to increase agricultural output to ease food shortages and improve the peoples’ standards of living, amidst continuing diplomatic isolation. Such circumstances appear set to continue, given the continuing poor relations that Seoul and Washington have with Pyongyang, and the deterioration of Sino-North Korean relations. Set against this backdrop, we argue that there is potential for North Korea to look south, to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in attempting to develop a new model for economic reform. In particular, we note the success of Vietnam’s Doi Moi, in enabling that country to overcome food short shortages, raise living standards, stimulate rapid economic growth, and emerge from diplomatic isolation.
International Journal of East Asian Studies, 2019
International Journal of East Asian Studies, 2011
International Journal of East Asian Studies, 2014
Journal of Asian and African Studies, 2016
The process of engaging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stands at a crossroads that pre... more The process of engaging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stands at a crossroads that presents challenges as well as opportunities. We believe that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can indirectly help to facilitate North Korean reforms in three ways: (i) Political: via ASEAN’s ability to function as a neutral facilitator of dialogue; (ii) Economic: as models of economic reform for North Korea (particularly based on the experiences of Singapore and Vietnam); (iii) Social: the Choson Exchange based in Singapore is an ideal location for enabling North Koreans to study abroad and thus gain a greater understanding of other countries.
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Papers by Park Chang Kyoo