The significance of this general election, taking place at a critical juncture for Korea’s future, is particularly profound. Its outcome may determine whether Korea advances toward a nation of dignity and civilization, where freedom and opportunity flourish and the values of community are respected, or retreats into an authoritarian system dominated by outdated ideologies.

Other fundamental choices are also at stake. First, will Korea move beyond narrow ethnonationalism and the sentimental notion of “our nation among ourselves,” and strengthen value-based solidarity with the world’s advanced democracies? Second, will it overcome populist politics, shed the legacy of an outdated “big government,” and move away from a paternalistic “nanny state”? Third, will it leave behind unproductive political confrontation, establish a culture of bipartisan cooperation, and achieve greater national unity?

The election may also determine whether Korea can curb the prevalence of falsehoods and deception, fraud and false accusations; restore basic social order where it has weakened; and foster a stronger sense of civic responsibility in place of an increasingly pervasive “every person for themselves” mentality.

This eBook is the culmination of an effort to bring together Korea’s key policy priorities and concrete policy proposals for advancing toward a nation of dignity and civilization. It is intended both to help voters make informed choices and to serve as a guide for the policy platforms of political parties.

(※ Available for purchase on the Kyobo eBook website: https://ebook-product.kyobobook.co.kr/dig/epd/ebook/E000006413577)