Promoting Trust Building in a Unified Korean Society: the Arts-Based Policy Strategy for Social Cohesion Dissertation Presented
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Promoting Trust Building in a Unified Korean Society: The Arts-based Policy Strategy for Social Cohesion Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Hyesun Shin, M.A. Graduate Program in Arts Administration, Education, and Policy The Ohio State University 2015 Dissertation Committee: Margaret J. Wyszomirski, Advisor Anand Desai Wayne P. Lawson Copyright by Hyesun Shin 2015 Abstract With trust building and social cohesion as an essential part of a unification process on the Korean peninsula, this study is guided by the following research question: How can the arts contribute to the social cohesion of a unified Korean society and what arts-based policy strategy can be developed and operationalized? Thus far, most scholarly research regarding a Korean unification has dealt with political and economic factors. However, precedent cases of unification (e.g., Germany) exhibit that solely institutional integration cannot create a truly cohesive society, which is central to unification. It is essential to acknowledge that political and economic unification cannot encompass the social cohesion of two societies that have developed in irreconcilable directions over the last 60 years of division. Also, the true meaning of unification can be articulated only after building a unified civil society where trust and a sense of belonging have been restored amongst citizens from both South and North Korea. Although the two Koreas historically stem from one nation – the Joseon Dynasty, South and North Korea have developed distinctive cultures under their different political regimes. In the discourse of unification, therefore, the chasm in politics and culture between the two separate societies must be at the center of discussion. Recognizing the importance of social cohesion, this research asserts that the arts can facilitate bridging people who hold different ideological and cultural values, building trust, and constructing one national identity for Korean citizens. It employs concepts related to ‘soft power,’ ‘trust,’ ‘public purposes of the arts,’ and ‘nonprofit.’ This study engages in qualitative research designed to inform the creation of an arts- based policy strategy to stimulate social cohesion in a unified Korean society. It is designed ii based on document analysis and case studies using grounded theory. It aims at understanding the cultural gap between South and North Koreans and ultimately developing an arts-based policy strategy, which employs the arts as a catalyst for restoring trust between people of the divided societies on the Korean peninsula, as part of a peaceful unification. iii Dedication To my mom and dad iv Acknowledgements Above all, I give all honor, glory and praise to the Lord, my God. “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9a; NASB). I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my advisor, my dissertation committee members, and all of the interview participants for giving me their time, insights, and support. I especially would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Margaret J. Wyszomirski, who guided me with questions and feedback that encouraged me to think critically and grow as an independent scholar during the entire process. I am also grateful for Dr. Anand Desai who consistently and carefully listened to my different thoughts and ideas regarding my dissertation and stimulated me to widen my sights. My gratitude also goes to Dr. Wayne P. Lawson for sharing his invaluable experience and knowledge about the field of arts administration and policy. In addition, I also would like to express my gratitude to all my interview participants, who helped and shared their experiences and knowledge with their passion and cause for the North Korean defectors’ performing arts and a peaceful unification of the Korean peninsula. Without their participation and commitment, this research would not have been possible. In particular, I appreciate all of the members and directors of the Pyongyang Baek-du Halla performing arts group for their trust and patience during the more than two-months of observation period. To Y. Kim, I also learned a lot not only from our conversations, but also through your leadership. My appreciation goes to my beloved friends and KBS members in many different places, who always encouraged me with their thoughts and prayers. Thanks Kirsten Thomas, our v precious graduate program coordinator at the Department of Arts Administration, Education, and Policy, who serves not only with her knowledge and expertise but also with her hearts caring for others. My Mom and Dad, who always believe, encourage, and support me wholeheartedly with everything; I can never express enough appreciation to you. I love you both and thank you so much. My closest friend and my beloved sister, Hyemin; and my brother-in-law, Choong-ho, thank you. vi Vita February 2003 .................................... B.Mus. Voice in Music, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea 2004 ........................................... Sookmyung Women’s University Graduate Student Scholarship 2006 ....... M.A. Culture and Arts Administration, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea 2009 ......................................................................... M.A. Arts Management, American University 2010 – present ..................................... Department of Arts Administration, Education, and Policy, The Ohio State University 2010 – 2013 ................... Graduate Teaching Associate, Art Education, The Ohio State University 2011, 2013 ........... Arts & Humanities Graduate Research Small Grant, The Ohio State University 2014 .......... Council of Graduate Students Career Development Grant, The Ohio State University 2014 ..................... The Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Dissertation Fellowship, Department of Arts Administration, Education, and Policy, The Ohio State University Publications Shin, H. (2013). Post-9/11 International Artist Exchanges between the United States and the Middle East. Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society, 43(4), 203-214. Kim, S. and Shin, H. (2006) Market Segmentation of Musical Audience-Focused on University Students. Journal of the Korea Contents Association, 6(5), 131-144. Fields of Study Major Field: Arts Administration, Education, and Policy Specialization: Arts Policy and Administration vii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Dedication ....................................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgments............................................................................................................................ v Vita................................................................................................................................................. vii List of Table ................................................................................................................................... xii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... xiii CHAPTER 1 I. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................. 2 Narrative: The Arts as an Instrument ..................................................................... 3 Rationale of the Study ............................................................................................ 4 1.3 Research Questions ....................................................................................................... 7 1.4 Methodology and Research Design ............................................................................ 10 Methodology ........................................................................................................ 10 Design of the Study.............................................................................................. 12 1.5 Significance and Limitation of the Study ................................................................... 14 CHAPTER 2 II. Korean Historical and Cultural Frame ...................................................................................... 15 2.1 The Division: turmoil on/around the Korean peninsula .............................................. 15 2.2 North Korea: the Juche Idea ...................................................................................... 17 viii Concept of the Juche Idea ................................................................................... 19 Social Control through the Juche Idea................................................................. 20 2.3 South Korea: Democratization and Civil Society ....................................................... 22 Emergence of Different Civil Society Groups ..................................................... 23 Social Movement Participation of the Middle Class and New Civil Movements 26 2.4 Chronological Survey of the Korean Unification