THINKING ALOUD: CAN ART BE DIVIDED BY GEOGRAPHY?

 

 

During the Covid pandemic, a friend suggested I watch my first Korean drama. I accepted almost out of curiosity, with no idea that one recommendation would open the door to an entirely new cultural world. One series led to another, then to Korean cinema, Korean literature and, eventually, to BTS.

Around the same time, I discovered that Michela Murgia—whose work and public voice I deeply admired—shared the same passion for Korea, K-dramas and BTS. Listening to her speak about K-pop changed something in me. She argued that a genuine passion is never superficial: if it drives us to learn, to understand and to explore, it becomes an act of knowledge. Those words stayed with me. They gave me permission to stop apologising for my curiosity.

Yesterday's news brought them back to mind.

THE KOREAN WAVE: AN AUTHENTIC FUSION OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY

 

I recently had the privilege of taking an online course on Korean philosophy, and I must say it was a truly enlightening experience. This course, rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Korea, delves deep into concepts that resonate with anyone seeking a new perspective on life.

One of the most captivating aspects of this course was the exploration of the "Korean Matrix." It's a concept that beautifully illustrates how Korea has absorbed and transformed external influences, crafting a cultural identity that is uniquely Korean. Understanding this process allowed me to appreciate the depth and authenticity of Korean thought. What follows is my final assignment, an article which had to combine present-day culture and the aspects of philosophy we considered as the most interesting in the course.