Fact Check: "Koreans have never reckoned with everyday fascism in their society."
What We Know
The claim that "Koreans have never reckoned with everyday fascism in their society" suggests a lack of acknowledgment or confrontation with the authoritarian legacies that have shaped South Korea's political landscape. According to a column by Kim Nu-ry, a professor of German literature, the transition from military dictatorship to democracy in South Korea did not fully address the underlying fascist tendencies that persist in societal attitudes. The author argues that while the military junta's overt fascism ended, a form of "post-fascism" remains, characterized by attitudinal fascism that has not been adequately confronted or transformed into democratic values.
In a doctoral dissertation titled Korea's Fascist Moment, the author S. Yang discusses the ideological underpinnings of South Korean authoritarianism from 1945 to 1979, emphasizing the historical context in which these fascist elements developed and persisted (source-1). The dissertation highlights that the societal structures and mindsets formed during the era of military rule have not been fully dismantled or critically examined.
Analysis
The assertion that Koreans have not reckoned with everyday fascism is supported by evidence from both academic and journalistic sources. The column by Kim Nu-ry articulates that the remnants of fascist ideology are still present in Korean society, suggesting that many citizens have not critically engaged with their historical experiences under authoritarian rule (source-3). This perspective aligns with Yang's dissertation, which provides a historical framework for understanding how authoritarianism has shaped contemporary Korean identity and governance (source-1).
However, the claim could be seen as an oversimplification. While there is a significant argument that societal reckoning has been inadequate, there are also movements and discussions within South Korea that aim to confront its past. For instance, various civil society organizations and educational initiatives have emerged to promote awareness and critical thinking about authoritarianism and its implications for democracy (source-5). This indicates that while the reckoning may not be comprehensive, it is not entirely absent.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally strong. The academic dissertation provides a rigorous historical examination, while the opinion piece reflects contemporary discourse on the issue. However, it is essential to recognize that opinion columns may carry inherent biases based on the author's perspectives.
Conclusion
The claim that "Koreans have never reckoned with everyday fascism in their society" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating that South Korea has not fully confronted the fascist legacies embedded in its society, it is also important to acknowledge that there are ongoing efforts to address these issues. The complexity of societal attitudes towards authoritarianism suggests that while significant gaps remain, there is a growing awareness and dialogue surrounding the need for reckoning with the past.
Sources
- Korea's Fascist Moment: Liberation, War, and the Ideology of South Korean Authoritarianism, 1945–1979 - Harvard Dash
- Column: How Korea can kick fascism to the curb - Hankyoreh
- Was Korea fascist? - Journal NEO
