Korea's Compressed Modernity and Its Risks

Korea's Compressed Modernity and Its Risks

Author: The Korea Society October 8, 2025 Duration: 1:15:12

October 8, 2025 - Join us for our second conversation with Seoul National University sociology Professor Chang Kyung-Sup who will discuss various challenges posed by South Korea's "compressed modernity." He writes that the same strategies and conditions that enabled explosive development and modernization in South Korea and other Asian societies also produced "existentially hazardous consequences in virtually all areas of public and private life, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles to sustained advances in the future." And he argues that South Korea's dynamism flows from the methods that it utilizes to overcome such challenges. This program is a collaboration with the Society's Policy Department and the Education Department. 

Professor Chang is joined in conversation with education senior advisor Linda Tobash, policy director Jonathan Corrado, and policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre. 

Paperback copies of Professor Chang's newest book, The Risk of Compressed Modernity, are available for purchase online at a 20% discount using the code 20KSC. You can view our first discussion with Professor Chang in 2023 here. 

This program is made possible by the generous support of our individual and corporate members and the Korea Foundation. Promotional support for this program is provided by The Institute of Social Sciences at Seoul National University (SNU ISS). 

For more information, please visit the link below:
https://koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/2037-koreas-compressed-modernity-and-its-risks


Tune in to The Korea Society for a series of conversations that go beyond the headlines, exploring the dynamic relationship between the United States and Korea. This podcast, presented by the nonprofit organization of the same name, serves as an auditory forum where experts, policymakers, artists, and thinkers from both nations share their insights. You’ll hear discussions that span current events, historical context, cultural exchanges, and policy challenges, all aimed at fostering a deeper mutual understanding. Each episode feels like attending a thoughtful lecture or an intimate roundtable, providing nuance to complex topics that often get simplified in daily news cycles. The natural flow of dialogue in this podcast makes intricate subjects in politics, business, and the arts accessible and engaging. By focusing on genuine conversation rather than soundbites, these recordings build a bridge across the Pacific, offering listeners a reliable source for education and informed perspective. It’s an essential listen for anyone curious about the evolving ties, shared histories, and future collaborations between these two countries. The Korea Society organization ensures the content remains nonpartisan and dedicated to its mission, making each episode a trustworthy deep dive into the issues that shape this vital international partnership.
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