A South Korean Conservative Identity Crisis As Political Tides Shift

2025-03-18 03:25:33

(MENAFN- Asia Times) On May 5, 1951, during a joint hearing of the US Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, General Douglas MacArthur was asked whether the Japanese could be trusted to defend the freedoms they had gained under the post-surrender occupation. He responded affirmatively, stating that Japan was capable of maintaining its liberal Democratic system.

While MacArthur's statement referred to Japan, many aspects of his observation can be applied to South Korea – particularly regarding Political ideology.

Despite South Korea's rise as an advanced industrialized nation, many South Koreans still struggle to grasp the fundamental meaning of conservatism. Notably, conservatives in South Korea often avoid calling themselves“conservatives” and instead refer to themselves as“rightists.” This distinction stems from two key misconceptions.

1. Misunderstanding conservatism

South Koreans often define conservatism strictly by its dictionary meaning:“a commitment to traditional values and ideas with opposition to change or innovation.” This interpretation makes conservatism seem rigid and unappealing – especially to younger voters – causing conservative leaders to distance themselves from the label altogether.

According to this definition, the opposite of conservatism is progressivism, which is widely associated with forward-thinking ideals and societal advancement. This presents a branding issue for conservatives, as progressivism inherently carries a more positive connotation.

To address the misunderstanding, South Korean conservative leadership must reflect deeply on the core principles of the ideology they claim to represent. For example, the American Conservative Union defines conservatism as“the political philosophy that sovereignty resides in the person.” This perspective – emphasizing individual liberty and personal responsibility – succinctly defines conservatism. It could resonate with modern South Korean voters if effectively communicated.

MENAFN18032025000159011032ID1109329685

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.