Recently brought to this blogger’s attention, it seems that our own Hyeonju Son (Program Graduate 2003) was published in the August 2013 issue of Futures.
In “Images of the future in South Korea,” Son discusses both the pre-modern and modern images of the future of South Korea. The pre-modern era of the Joseon Dynasty contented with two main images – a Confucius utopia imagined by the ruling class, and a classless society thought up by the oppressed. In the modern era, Son identifies five alternative images of the future, including a scenario where Korea becomes a developed country based on economic modernization; two bleak views in which the aging population/demographic decline and environmental deterioration severely harm the country; a future where Korea is finally unified; a scenario in which Korea becomes an advanced information society; and finally a future based on radical feminism.
Then Son, using Dr. Dator’s alternative futures method, presents “Alternative future scenarios for South Korea in 2030.” In his continued growth scenario, “The Republic of Samsung,” business organizations continue to dominate Korean society with economic factors as the main driving force. “The Great Han flood in a Warmer Korea,” Son’s collapse scenario, describes a Korea beset by catastrophic weather events that lead to the collapse of the government and of society. The disciplined society scenario: “The Big Human Global Family Phenomenon” presents Korea, driven by socio-cultural factors, embracing a universal human community without borders. In “The Age of Biotechnology,” a transformational society scenario, Koreans’ quality of life, healthcare practices, and businesses have been radically altered by advancing biotechnology. Finally, in Son’s preferred future scenario, “Peaceful Unification as a Dream Come True,” both North and South Korea support a peaceful unification with gradual economic integration and institutionalized peaceful coexistence.
Pick up the Futures vol. 52 and check out the articles for yourself. Excellent job, Hyeonju Son!
