History of South Korean Independence
• Historical Background
August 15 marks South Korea's Independence Day, marking the end of Japanese occupation after 35 years of colonial rule. In both South and North Korea, the day is commemorated with tributes to those who fought for national freedom. Japan colonized Korea in 1910, but the peninsula was liberated in 1945 by the Allies in World War II. Two independent governments were established in 1948, led by Syngman Rhee in the south and Kim Il-sung in the north. The celebration includes official ceremonies, singing of the national song, flag-raising, and free access to public services and museums for descendants of independence activists.
• The March 1st Movement
The March 1st Movement in Korea refers to the resistance against the Japanese occupation that took place on March 1, 1919. The term "Samil" literally means "March 1, 1919." This mass mobilization has been celebrated as a public holiday in Korea since 1949.
History of the Independence of Central American Countries
• The Independence Process
September 15 marks the anniversary of Independence for most Central American countries except Panama. The struggle for independence lasted for almost a decade and culminated in the signing of the Central American Act of Independence in 1821. This symbolic date commemorates the end of Spanish rule in the region. Panama, on the other hand, gained its independence almost a month later on November 28, 1821, and joined Bolívar's Gran Colombia instead of becoming an independent republic.
Comparison of Independence Dates: Korea and Central American Countries
• Independence Dates
Korea: August 15, 1945
Guatemala: September 15, 1821
El Salvador: September 15, 1821
Honduras: September 15, 1821
Nicaragua: September 15, 1821
Costa Rica: September 15, 1821
Panama: November 28, 1821 (from Spain) and November 3, 1903 (from Colombia)
Comparison and Reflection:
• Duration of Foreign Rule:
The Central American countries were under Spanish rule for approximately 300 years before gaining their independence. In contrast, Korea was under Japanese rule for 35 years, but this occupation was extremely brutal and oppressive.
• Nature of the Independence Movement:
The independence of the Central American countries was largely the result of agreements and the influence of independence movements in the region. On the other hand, the independence of Korea was a consequence of a global conflict and the defeat of Japan in World War II.
• Immediate Aftermath:
While the Central American countries tried to form a federation that eventually failed, Korea faced an immediate division that resulted in a war and a separation that persists to this day.
Korean Traditional Music
The term Gugak, meaning “national music” in Korean, encompasses traditional music and other art forms such as singing and dancing, whose history dates back to the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty in the 15th century. Foundations such as the musical scale system and jeongganbo sheet music were established. Music is classified into various categories, from the legitimate music of royalty to folk music and poetic songs practiced by literati elites. In addition, a wide range of traditional musical instruments have been developed. Folk dance and painting, which have been essential in Korean culture since ancient times, are also prominent. Ceramics, such as celadon, buncheong, and white porcelain, represent an important heritage, as do other crafts such as furniture, basketry, masks, and lacquerware. Together, these art forms reflect Korea’s rich cultural heritage throughout the centuries.
Origins and Evolution
South Korea has a rich musical tradition, which has evolved over time, distinguishing itself from other cultures. Traditional Korean court music, which dates back to the Unified Silla period, was consolidated during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. This music was essential in Confucian rituals and is classified into three genres: aak, dangak, and hyangak. Aak, Confucian ritual music, is still preserved and promoted today, especially at Confucian shrines such as Munmyo Shrine in Seoul. Court music employed a variety of percussion and wind instruments, each with its specific function in the performance of ritual melodies.
Haegeum
Haegeum is a word with two meanings: on the one hand, it is a term denoting the action of lifting a prohibition or restriction, and on the other hand, it is a stringed musical instrument used in Korean traditional and folk music. This two-stringed violin-like instrument originated during the Goryeo Dynasty. Agust D's (SUGA of BTS) song, titled "Haegeum," references both the instrument and the act of lifting bans, reflecting a message of liberation from the restrictions imposed by conservative Korean society, especially targeting the new generation influenced by globalization and exposure to foreign ideas. This song challenges social norms and advocates for individual freedom in the face of judgment from others.
Gayageum
A traditional Korean musical instrument composed of twelve strings, the gayageum has gained international prominence for its history dating back to the 6th century. Originally reserved for the upper class, the gayageum has been characterized by its soft melody and playing technique while sitting cross-legged and plucking the strings with the tips of the fingers. Mason, known as Seong-ju Kim, is a Korean language teacher and musician who has dedicated over 20 years to this instrument. Through his experience and performances, Mason has fused Korean culture with Western influences, receiving a positive response from foreign audiences. Although learning the gayageum can present challenges for foreigners, Mason hopes that more people around the world will become interested in learning this traditional instrument. His inspiration comes from figures like Hwang Byungki, whom he admires as a representative of Korean culture in the world. With his commitment to teaching and spreading Korean culture abroad, Mason sees playing the gayageum as a way to “be a part of South Korean history.”
Janggu
In traditional Korean music, especially in the pansori genre, rhythm is central, with the janggu as the main instrument to mark it. The janggu, with its hourglass shape, is preferred in other folk and classical genres.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the global economy, and their impact on South Korea's economy is particularly significant. Although giant conglomerates and multinational corporations often grab the headlines, SMEs are critical to the country's employment, innovation and economic growth.
Characteristics of SMEs
SMEs are distinguished by their diversity in the sectors in which they operate, their limited number of employees, usually less than 250, and their relevance in the national economy. They are independent and have the capacity to carry out activities in their specific sector or industry. In addition, they tend to have relatively low investment and little involvement in international markets.
Contribution to global competitiveness
South Korea is pushing for the creation of global medium-sized companies with a technological focus to revitalize its economy, which has shown signs of slowing down. Its business network is notable for its technology and innovation, and its economic transformation has been astonishing since the devastation caused by the Civil War in 1953. Today, South Korea is the world's eleventh-largest economy and has become a center of innovation and technological development. The South Korean government is committed to strengthening the business network, especially by supporting SMEs and startups with a strong technological component, with the creation of the Ministry of SMEs and New Enterprises. These emerging companies are expected to play a crucial role in the digital transformation and in the expansion of South Korea's global presence.
Strategies to support SMEs
South Korea has led the development of 5G worldwide through public and private initiatives, with the aim of becoming a global technological benchmark. The national strategy for economic recovery, known as the Korean New Deal, has been fundamental in promoting innovation and technology policies. South Korea's vision focuses on achieving an industrial output of 150 billion dollars, prioritizing sectors such as telecommunications, virtual reality, digital health and autonomous vehicles. This strategy, aligned with the Korean New Deal, highlights the importance of 5G as a central infrastructure for national development.
South Korea's economic growth - 2023
South Korea has achieved an impressive increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in six decades, going from poverty in the 1950s to being one of the most developed and resilient economies in the world. Unlike the dictatorial regime in North Korea, South Korea has experienced remarkable economic growth, with a GDP per capita exceeding 31,000 dollars, placing it among the largest economies globally. This rise is attributed to key political decisions, such as the protection of key industries, opening up to international trade and improvements in the educational system during the 1960s, 1970s and part of the 1980s, led by General Park Chung-Hee. These policies facilitated the emergence of large industrial conglomerates, such as Samsung, Hyundai or LG, which have been fundamental in the country's economic transformation. Although this strategy has had its costs, such as the decline of some companies outside the priority sectors, South Korea's economic success has persisted through various crises, including the Asian crisis of 1997, the financial crisis of 2008 and the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to its export and innovation capacity.
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