Dr. Minsoo Kang: Han and Intellectual History| Korea Deconstructed #026

This is a conversation which explores the concept of “han” (한/恨) – something previously ubiquitous in Korean literature and western writing about the country but which Dr. Kang challenges. He argues that Koreans are being condemned to passive suffering and then manifesting that through a perceived essentialist concept which is believed unique to them. He points to its destructive nature as well as the damaging effects on gender relations and women in society. Instead, he draws on the reality of what “han” is as well as its origins while also acknowledging the scars, suffering, and inter-generational trauma that many have faced. He also addresses how elements of the Korean diaspora might have reclaimed the term in a different setting. From there, we looked at intellectual history and the creation of myths more broadly and how this applies to Korea. Minsoo is a charismatic, engaging, and honest speaker. We stopped after 3 hours but it could’ve been much longer. Discussion Outline 0:00 What is ‘han’? 36:44 The connection between han and history 51:17 Seopyeonjae and han 1:04:38 Gender and han 2:12:41 Do we have free will? 2:35:16 What is the meaning of life? Dr. Minsoo Kan Against Han: https://aeon.co/essays/against-han-or-why-koreans-are-not-defined-by-sadness The Story of Hong Gildong: https://www.amazon.com/Story-Hong-Gildong-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143107690 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minsoo_Kang Korea Deconstructed by David Tizzard ▶ Get in touch: datizzard@swu.ac.kr ▶ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62047873 ▶ Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidTizzard ▶ Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/co/podcast... ▶ Listen on Spotify: https://koreadeconstructed.libsyn.com... ▶ Artwork: Chan https://www.instagram.com/chans_desig... ▶ Music: disorientalz https://www.instagram.com/disoriental...