Left, Right, and Everything Between: Decoding Korean Political Culture
What does “left” or “right” even mean in South Korea today?
Join us for an evening with Colin Marshall, acclaimed Seoul-based essayist and author of "No Summarizing Korea," as he unpacks the complexities of South Koreans' sense of political identity. Drawing on years of sharp cultural observation, Marshall argues that South Korean politics can't be understood through familiar Western frameworks.
Through this discussion, we’ll explore how language, cultural context and indirect signaling shape political expression in the ROK — from the rise of political YouTubers to the blurred boundaries between “conservatism” and “progressivism.” Why do major parties now position themselves as “centrists?” Why are political views often implied rather than stated? And what does all of this say about the country’s deeper social undercurrents?
Date:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time:
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Includes:
Venue to be sent upon confirmation
Location:
Pizza, pasta and salad
An engaging and casual dinner discussion
- Drinks are not included in the ticket price, and are payable to venue.
- The payment details will be sent to you via email upon confirming your registration.
- In-person attendance has limited spots, and KOREA PRO Members receive RSVP prioritization.
- Korea Business Forum Members enjoy complimentary access as part of their subscription benefits.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 48 hours of the event or for no-shows.
How to register
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We'll be joined by
Colin Marshall,
Essayist and cultural critic
Colin Marshall is a Seoul-based essayist and cultural critic whose work appears in Dong-A Ilbo, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and Los Angeles Review of Books. He is the author of No Summarizing Korea (2024) and host of the podcast Colin’s Korea, where he interviews writers, architects, and thinkers on Korean society and culture.
Jeongmin Kim,
Editorial Director of Korea Pro
Jeongmin Kim is the Editorial Director at KOREA PRO and the Lead Correspondent at NK News, based in Seoul. She is also the co-host of the weekly Korea Pro Podcast. Kim specializes in political, security, and military issues concerning the two Koreas and has covered the ROK 2020 General Election and the 2022 Presidential Election from on the ground.
Registration form
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Left, Right & Everything Between: Decoding Korean Political Culture
We'll be joined by
Colin Marshall,
Essayist, Cultural Critic
Colin Marshall is a Seoul-based essayist and cultural critic whose work appears in Dong-A Ilbo, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and Los Angeles Review of Books. He is the author of No Summarizing Korea (2024) and host of the podcast Colin’s Korea, where he interviews writers, architects, and thinkers on Korean society and culture.
Jeongmin Kim,
Editorial Director of Korea Pro
Jeongmin Kim is the Editorial Director at KOREA PRO and the Lead Correspondent at NK News, based in Seoul. She is also the co-host of the weekly Korea Pro Podcast. Kim specializes in political, security, and military issues concerning the two Koreas and has covered the ROK 2020 General Election and the 2022 Presidential Election from on the ground.
Seoul Circuit
Seoul Circuit
What does “left” or “right” even mean in South Korea today?
Join us for an evening with Colin Marshall, acclaimed Seoul-based essayist and author of "No Summarizing Korea," as he unpacks the complexities of South Koreans' sense of political identity. Drawing on years of sharp cultural observation, Marshall argues that South Korean politics can't be understood through familiar Western frameworks.
Through this discussion, we’ll explore how language, cultural context and indirect signaling shape political expression in the ROK — from the rise of political YouTubers to the blurred boundaries between “conservatism” and “progressivism.” Why do major parties now position themselves as “centrists?” Why are political views often implied rather than stated? And what does all of this say about the country’s deeper social undercurrents?
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