Anti-elitism and Anti-intellectualism Strong in Roh Government

“The most noticeable social change since the launch of the new government is the expressions of anti-elitism and anti-intellectualism. It is a huge problem that we lack rational dialogues to get through our national difficulties together.”

Lee In-ho, professor emeritus of Seoul National University and named endowed professor of Myongji University, made this comment in his presentation of “The Crisis of Intellectuals and Its Historical Background” at a panel discussion held by the professors’ association at Seoul National University on October 29.

The discussion is a yearly event the association holds. This year, the discussion was held under the theme of “Are We Preparing for the Future?” at the law school’s 100 Anniversary Hall. The lively discussion covered issues on crises that the Korean society is currently facing and its realistic countermeasures, the university’s role, as well as other topics.

Lee said, “Korean intellectuals in the future should not lose their intellectual and moral focus when faced with violence under the name of reforms and should prepare their minds to help the society transform rationally.”

Ahn Byung-jun, adjunct professor at the Korea Development Institute Graduate School of International Policies, in his presentation, “Changing International Society and Korea’s Future Course,” commented, “Many countries in the world are trying their best to achieve their own national security and competitiveness and preserve their national identity in this militarily unipolar system and economic globalization centered around the U.S. However, Korea is walking the path against this trend.”

“The criticism held by young generations toward the U.S. and their emphasis on independence are expressions of ‘hurt nationalism’ formed after the financial crisis,” added Ahn, who further advised, “We need a strategic approach to international relations, not an emotional one, and we need to let the international society know that Korea is promoting ‘soft power’ based on knowledge and cultural competitiveness.”

In addition, Chung Un-chan, president of Seoul National University, said in his presentation entitled, “The Future of Korean Society and Universities’ Responsibility,” “It is of utmost importance to cultivate human resources of the excellent quality that can face up to the unpredictable future challenges in our society.”

“Korean universities should be reborn through growth in quality through knowledge and creation from the old ways through imitation,” said Chung, who further pointed out, “For this purpose, we need government and society-level support in drastically investing in education, funding for basic education, closely connecting secondary education and higher education, securing universities’ autonomy, and as well in other areas.”

Ji-Won Jun podragon@donga.com