The New Korea - Libro en Inglés

The New Korea – Myung Oak Kim

In just a few decades, South Korea transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world, devastated by war, into a wealthy, high-tech democracy and a global economic and cultural powerhouse.

In The New Korea: An Inside Look at South Korea’s Economic Rise, journalists Myung Oak Kim and Sam Jaffe explore how this remarkable transformation happened and what it means for the world. Drawing on their reporting and interviews, they trace the country’s journey from the aftermath of the Korean War through rapid industrialization, the growth of powerful family-run conglomerates known as chaebol, the struggle for democracy and the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s.

The authors examine the forces behind South Korea’s success, including a strong emphasis on education, a hardworking population, government-led industrial policy and a fierce competitive drive. They also look at companies such as Samsung, Hyundai and LG, the country’s leadership in technology and broadband, and the rise of Korean popular culture abroad.

At the same time, Kim and Jaffe discuss the challenges the country faces, from intense pressure in schools and workplaces and an aging population to relations with North Korea and the balance between big business and democracy.

Informative and accessible, The New Korea is a valuable read for business people, investors, students and anyone interested in Asia, economic development and one of the most dynamic nations in the world.