Korean smart power
By Adam Borowski
I never thought I would experience the world on lockdown. Even as someone who enjoys dissecting conspiracies ― I imagined epidemic scenarios many times ― I still dismissed previous pandemics as media hyperbole.
This feels different.
In 2020, there is a sinister vibe in the air which is palpable. We are living in surreal times. This is the moment when many people start thinking about their place in the grand scheme of things.
I am sure you have asked one, maybe more, of these questions: Is this God's punishment for mankind? Is my shortness of breath a symptom of coronavirus? Does the global elite want to usher in the new world order? And most importantly: when does this madness end?
We do not know when this bedlam is going to end. As psychologists will undoubtedly tell you, this is the worst kind of a crisis, with no clearly defined end. Dictatorial regimes are a tangible, visible threat. You can definitely see a nuclear strike, just as you can see a chemical attack. Our minds can deal with clearly-defined, tangible threats, no matter how terrible those threats are.
The virus is an invisible enemy. It is biological, lurking in the air, on various surfaces. We need to exercise constant caution not to get infected. Our minds immediately conjure up images of people on ventilators. Developing mild paranoia is perfectly justified in 2020. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. It is a survival mechanism. There really are ''zombies'' roaming around: infected people who don't know it.
Avoid them like the plague.
The coronavirus crisis shows us that Confucianism works, while the rugged, American, individualism is a recipe for disaster. This crisis is also an opportunity for countries to show off their smart power, i.e. the ability to be a shining example for the world in difficult times. The fantastic South Korean response to the virus only strengthens the country's international influence ― from K-pop stars to medicine, the world looks up to Korea for answers and guidance.
Many people around the world decry cultural imperialism which is inextricably linked with linguistic imperialism. This is why K-pop is seen as an instrument of cultural domination by some. It is understandable. Poland was under the yoke of foreign powers for a long time. For example, you can tell which part of the country belonged to Austria even today, just by looking at the roads and buildings.
If we assume there is an infinite number of alternate realities and Korea is an empire in one of them ― this is the kind of world I could be taken to.
At this point in human history, anything is possible. Let's hope this madness ends soon.
Adam Borowski (adam.borowski1985@gmail.com) is a technical Polish-English translator and an international relations aficionado. He is the author of a novel titled: ''Perfect lives. Perfect selves.''