Why 2017 was important for Korea's statehood

By Eugene Lee

The year of 2017 has been quite a rocky journey for South Korea. It had to face multiple stresses and pressures. South Korea's statehood, or nationhood, if you like, also has been under excessive pressure, and some of the challenges are likely to be protracted. Nevertheless, this year has been especially important for South Korea.

First of all, it was the 25th year of democratic consolidation in South Korea. In 1992, Kim Young-sam won his presidency in popular elections after years of brutal dictatorial rule. Democracy, first introduced to the Korean Peninsula in the late 1940s, was back.

Second, it was an important year as a generation of veterans who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War was likely to see such a historically large and symbolic year for the last time, as that generation was getting older and dying. One may wonder how that could be important for Korea's nationhood. But if you apply generational continuity, the connection becomes obvious.

This generation of veterans represents a foundation of Korean sovereignty that defended it against communism in the 1950s. The current generation, or the "815 generation," which fought for South Korea's democracy and defended it against authoritarianism in 1980-1990s, is a mainstream political force that has regained its leadership at the national helm and is the second generation in the historical chain.

And then there are the "millennials," those who don't know the calamities of war nor persecution, but effectively are the ones who are the future of South Korea. They will have to realize big hopes and overcome challenges for the country in time to come. They represent the third link in that generational chain.

The third reason, or rather the most important event of 2017, was the impeachment of Park Geun-hye and the election of the Democratic Party leader, Moon Jae-in. Seemingly normal, this event was of immense importance because, in the face of global setbacks for democracy worldwide, South Korea remains a live beacon and a bastion of democracy in Asia. These historical milestones when put together consummate a virtual consolidation of South Korea's democracy and nationhood.

There are many events that will challenge South Korea's nationhood next year. The North Korea nuclear program, China's increasing military stance in the region and the world, and maybe bitcoin, are just a few. Nevertheless, with strengthened democratic leadership, the country can boldly face these issues if backed up with all its accumulated knowledge and expertise. South Korea will shine not only in Asia, but globally. On this note, one can only wish it the best and work harder for the bright future of the country.

A happy New Year and best wishes to you for 2018, South Korea!

Eugene Lee (mreulee@gmail.com) is an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Governance at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul.