For All Those Asking Where Korea Should Head in an Age of AI-Driven Civilizational Transformation A New Conservative Philosophy for a New Era, Embracing Technology and Morality, Freedom and Community

Twenty-first-century civilization is reaching a major turning point with the AI revolution. As humanity enters an age of technological singularity, in which technology increasingly surpasses human capabilities, the structures of industry, the economy, and national security are being rapidly reshaped. At the same time, the world is struggling to find direction amid moral confusion and intensifying competition among major powers.

The Mission of Korea 2026: Conservative Renewal proposes a path of self-reliance (自强), rather than dependence on external powers, as the direction Korea should pursue amid these profound changes.

The book argues that, at a time when freedom, responsibility, and community values are fading and moral standards are weakening, the renewal of conservatism requires the defense of the Constitution and the rule of law, the restoration of morality and public-mindedness, and stronger ties with young people and civil society.

It maintains that the essence of conservatism lies in preserving what must be preserved while reforming what must be changed, and proposes Communitarian Liberalism, which seeks a balance between freedom and community, as its guiding philosophy.

The book also presents a 2025–2030 roadmap for conservatives to develop a new national vision and establish moral leadership for Korea.

Part I. The AI Singularity and Korea’s Path to Self-Reliance (自强)

1. The First Step toward New Leadership · 20

2. A World on the Path to Self-Destruction · 21

3. Korea: An Advanced Country, Yet an Unfinished Nation · 36

4. Korea’s Path to Self-Reliance · 46

Part II. Diagnosing and Reflecting on the Crisis of Korean Conservatism

1. The Decline of Korean Conservatism · 58

2. The Fundamental Causes of the Crisis of Korean Conservatism · 63

3. The Erosion of Public Support for Korean Conservatism and the Challenges Ahead · 68

Part III. Rebuilding Conservatism and Communitarian Liberalism

1. The Philosophy of Conservatism and Its Mission in Our Time · 78

2. National Priorities and Strategies for Conservatism · 86

3. Leadership and the Spirit of the Times for a Conservatism of Dignity · 94

4. Harmonizing Conservatism and Communitarian Liberalism: Linkages and Applications · 98

Part IV. Principles and Practical Strategies for Conservative Renewal

1. Five Principles of Conservative Renewal: Freedom, Responsibility, Creativity, Community, and Dignity · 104

2. Political Party Reform: Restoring Intra-Party Democracy, Reforming the Candidate Nomination System, and Building a Platform to Foster Young and First-Term Politicians · 135

3. A Strategy for Embracing Centrists and Reasonable Progressives · 158

Part V. A Phased Roadmap, 2026–2030

1. Framing the Issue · 186

2. Another Crisis of Democracy: The Lee Jae-myung Administration’s Anti-Constitutional Unilateralism · 187

3. A Phased Agenda for Conservative Action: Short, Medium, and Long Term Roadmaps · 198

4. Designing the 2030 System through Constitutional Reform · 214