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Definition of Anarchism in Korea Anarchism in Korea refers to an ideological and activist movement that advocates for a society without centralized authority or hierarchies. It promotes the principles of individual freedom, voluntary cooperation, and the elimination of oppressive power structures.
The definition of anarchism in Korea aligns with the broader international understanding of anarchism. It rejects the notion of a coercive state and opposes all forms of hierarchy, including but not limited to governmental, capitalist, and patriarchal systems. Anarchism in Korea seeks to create a society based on principles of mutual aid, direct action, and self-governance.
Korean anarchism emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy, self-determination, and the right to make decisions without interference from external authorities. It advocates for the redistribution of power, resources, and wealth in a manner that promotes equality and social justice
History[edit]
The history of anarchism in Korea dates back to the early 20th century and has been shaped by various socio-political movements and historical events. Here is a brief overview of the history of anarchism in Korea:
1. Early Influences: Anarchist ideas began to influence Korea during the Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945). Korean intellectuals, students, and activists were exposed to anarchist theories through translations of Western anarchist literature, including the works of Peter Kropotkin and Mikhail Bakunin. Anarchism appealed to many Koreans due to its critique of both Japanese imperialism and the traditional social hierarchy within Korean society.
2. Emergence in the 1920s and 1930s: The 1920s and 1930s saw the emergence of Korean anarchist thinkers and activists who actively promoted anarchist ideas and engaged in anti-colonial struggles. Shin Chaeho, an influential nationalist and anarchist, criticized both Japanese colonialism and the oppressive structures within Korean society. He emphasized the importance of individual autonomy, self-reliance, and anti-authoritarianism. Park Yeol, another prominent figure, participated in the Korean independence movement and carried out a failed armed uprising against the Japanese occupation in 1923. He advocated for the abolition of all forms of oppression and envisioned a society based on voluntary cooperation.
3. Post-World War II Era: Following World War II and the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, anarchism faced challenges as political ideologies such as communism and nationalism gained prominence. Anarchist activism was largely suppressed during the early years of the Korean War (1950-1953) and subsequent periods of political instability.
4. Anarchism and Democracy Movements (1960s-1980s): The 1960s and 1970s marked a significant period for anarchism in Korea, as it became intertwined with broader democracy movements and labor struggles against military dictatorships. Anarchist principles and tactics were embraced by student activists, workers, and intellectuals who challenged the authoritarian regime and fought for social justice and individual freedoms. Anarchist groups and collectives emerged, advocating for workers' rights, peasants' rights, gender equality, and environmental protection. They promoted direct action, autonomous organizing, and non-hierarchical decision-making processes.
5. Contemporary Anarchism: In recent decades, anarchism in Korea has continued to evolve and adapt to changing societal contexts. Contemporary anarchist groups and individuals in Korea engage in diverse forms of activism, such as labor organizing, feminist and LGBTQ+ struggles, environmental campaigns, and anti-war movements. Korean anarchists emphasize the importance of direct action, mutual aid, community organizing, and envisioning alternative models of social organization.
It is important to note that the history of anarchism in Korea is characterized by repression, ideological diversity, and a continuous struggle for social justice. While anarchist ideas have influenced various social movements, anarchism itself has remained a minority ideological current within Korean society. Nonetheless, Korean anarchists have made significant contributions to anti-colonial struggles, democracy movements, and social justice activism throughout the country's history.
Methodology of Korean anarchism[edit]
The methodology of Korean anarchism encompasses the strategies, tactics, and approaches employed by Korean anarchists in their pursuit of social transformation and the realization of anarchist ideals. While methodologies may vary among individuals and groups, here are some common elements:
Direct Action: Korean anarchists prioritize direct action as a means of effecting immediate change and challenging oppressive systems. Direct action involves taking autonomous and immediate steps to address social issues without relying on traditional hierarchical institutions or political processes. Examples include protests, strikes, occupations, and acts of civil disobedience.
Autonomous Organizing: Korean anarchists emphasize autonomous organizing, whereby individuals and communities self-organize and make decisions collectively without reliance on centralized authority. They promote non-hierarchical structures and decision-making processes that allow for equal participation and the sharing of power.
Mutual Aid and Solidarity: Mutual aid is a central concept in Korean anarchism, emphasizing the importance of individuals and communities supporting each other through cooperation, solidarity, and the sharing of resources and skills. Korean anarchists engage in mutual aid initiatives and foster networks of support to address immediate needs and build resilient communities. Grassroots Activism: Korean anarchists engage in grassroots activism that prioritizes action at the local level. They work closely with affected communities, organizing from the bottom-up, and promoting self-empowerment and collective mobilization. This approach aims to address immediate issues and build long-term transformative capacity.
Prefigurative Politics: Korean anarchists often practice prefigurative politics, striving to embody the principles they advocate for in their daily lives and organizing efforts. By creating alternative communities, organizing practices, and relationships based on anarchist values, they seek to demonstrate and prefigure the possibilities of a liberated society.
Intersectional Struggles: Korean anarchists recognize the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and strive to engage in intersectional struggles. They work towards challenging not only economic and state oppression but also intersecting systems of patriarchy, racism, imperialism, and other forms of social hierarchy.
Education and Propaganda: Korean anarchists engage in educational initiatives and propagandistic efforts to raise awareness, promote anarchist ideas, and challenge dominant narratives. This includes producing and distributing literature, organizing study groups, and engaging in dialogues to foster critical thinking and promote alternatives to oppressive systems. It is important to note that methodologies within Korean anarchism can be diverse and adaptable, shaped by the specific needs and contexts of social movements and communities. Anarchists in Korea continuously explore innovative approaches while remaining committed to core anarchist principles of non-hierarchy, individual freedom, and voluntary cooperation.
Korean anarchists[edit]
Korean anarchists encompass individuals in Korea who identify as anarchists and actively engage in anarchist thought, activism, and organizing. They are diverse and may come from various backgrounds, including students, workers, intellectuals, artists, and activists. Korean anarchists are united by their shared commitment to anarchist principles and their efforts to challenge oppressive systems. Specifically, some notable figures in Korean anarchism include:
Shin Chaeho: A prominent nationalist and anarchist during the early 20th century. Shin Chaeho criticized Japanese colonialism and advocated for individual autonomy and self-reliance.
Park Yeol: An anarchist activist and independence movement participant who led a failed armed uprising against Japanese occupation in 1923. Park Yeol emphasized the abolition of oppression and envisioned a society based on voluntary cooperation.
Baek Jeong-gi: An influential figure in the 1970s and 1980s who advocated for anarcho-syndicalism. Baek Jeong-gi played a key role in promoting workers' rights and labor movements in Korea.
References[edit]
2. ^ Marshall 1993, pp. 527–528.
4. ^ Graham 2013, p. 539.
5. ^ a b Graham 2013, p. 540.
6. ^ "Anarchism's Global Proletarian Praxis". The Anarchist Library. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
7. ^ MacSimoin 2005, pp. 3–4.
8. ^ Graham 2013, pp. 540–541.
9. ^ Graham 2013, p. 1.
10. ^ Graham 2013, p. 2.
11. ^ Hwang 2016, p. 312.
12. ^ Graham 2013, pp. 4–5.
Further reading[edit]
- Every, Eric; Sumione, Lucky; Veerapan-Lewis, Leila (22 January 2014). "The Story of the Korean Anarchists and the Anarchist Revolution in Manchuria, 1929–1931". Zabalaza. Johannesburg: Tokologo African Anarchist Collective. OCLC 1112074027. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- Gu, Seung-hoe (2022). Tigers Unchained: 100 Years of Korean Anarchism. AK Press. ISBN 978-1849354240. OCLC 1252411373.
- Kim, Jeong-tak (15 April 2022). "[김정탁의 인문지리기행] 산과 물의 선계, 한국의 아나키즘을 키우다" [[Kim Jeong-tak's Human Geography Tour] The realm of mountains and water, fostering anarchism in Korea]. The JoongAng (in Korean). Retrieved 21 October 2022.
External links[edit]
- Korean Anarchism History from the Anarchy Archives. Transcript of a talk given by Alan MacSimoin to the Workers Solidarity Movement in 1991.
- "Non-Western Anarchisms : Rethinking the Global Context" by Jason Adams.
