The article discusses a new initiative focusing on prominent Korean thinkers and their philosophies as responses to contemporary global crises and societal issues in South Korea.
In an era where capitalism is revealing its anti-civilizational nature, the article emphasizes the pressing question of how South Korea can confront various global crises and domestic issues. The initiative, titled 'Changbi Korean Thought Series', aims to explore this significant question through the insights and philosophies of notable Korean thinkers. Over three years, the project plans to compile a collection of 30 books featuring the thoughts of 59 philosophers, with a goal to complete the anthology by 2026, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Changbi publishing house. The first part will focus on thinkers from before the 19th century, while the second part will highlight primarily 20th-century thinkers.
The second volume in the latter part of the series, titled 'Han Yong-un and Shin Chae-ho: Bold Practice and Intense Revolution', centers on key works by these influential figures from the Korean independence movement during the Japanese occupation. Han Yong-un is portrayed not only as a poet but also as a thinker advocating for the transformation of the plight faced by the populace under colonial and capitalist systems through Buddhist reform and 'Buddhist socialism'. Conversely, the exploration of Shin Chae-ho emphasizes his role as a nationalist who integrates anarchism with the tradition of East Asian classics. Both thinkers stressed the need for a mental transformation corresponding to the material upheaval in their time, showcasing how philosophy can offer pathways towards revolutionary change and national awakening.
The anthology will also include discussions on several other key figures, such as Kim Gu and Yu Won-hyung, who explored left-right collaboration and Korean unification, and Jo So-ang, who envisioned the ideology for a new republic in Korea. The series seeks to offer insights into Korea's reality and the need for civilizational transformation in light of current global crises including climate change and social conflicts, highlighting the enduring relevance of Korean philosophy and thought today.
