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Political slogans popular among South Korean conservatives, such as "small government" and "individual liberty," often originate from U.S. political discourse. Some of these adaptations have been positive, as they have challenged South Korean conservatives to shift from the statist political legacy of past military rule. Other adaptations have received scrutiny for not being applicable to Korea's economic and political context.
On March 10, Yoon Suk-yeol, a conservative People Power Party candidate, was inaugurated as South Korea's new president. Yoon invoked multiple political themes familiar to South Korean and U.S. conservatives in his inaugural speech. Yoon said "freedom" 35 times, describing it as the most important core value. Yoon declared political and economic freedom to be foundations for growth and prosperity. To overcome domestic division and conflicts, Yoon proposed the solution of rapid economic growth to expand economic opportunities and improve social mobility.
On foreign policy, Yoon rejected a fragile peace that simply avoids war. Rather, Yoon promised to achieve a "real, lasting peace" through achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Furthermore, Yoon advocated international solidarity against "any attempt that aims to take our freedom away, abuse human rights or destroy peace," including abuses of political power and armed conflicts.
President Yoon's speech, however, also included themes different from that of many U.S. conservatives. Specifically, Yoon invoked economic equity, international cooperation and the importance of intellectualism in the political process.
First, Yoon emphasized that freedom should be enjoyed by all people, not just the "winners:" "For everyone to enjoy freedom, everyone must be allowed to enjoy a certain level of economic freedom; everyone must be guaranteed the right to receive a quality education." Yoon encouraged the spirit of fraternity and solidarity to ensure no one is denied basic necessities fundamental to being "free citizens."
Second, Yoon acknowledged that South Korea cannot achieve scientific progress and innovation alone. Additionally, the climate change, food and energy crises are complex global challenges that individual countries cannot solve on their own. Rather than differentiating domestic and international issues, Yoon urged the international community to work together in solving common challenges and pledged that Korea would also take upon a greater role as a global leader.
Third, Yoon warned against the spread of anti-intellectualism as a challenge to democracy. Yoon affirmed "scientific facts and truth" as the basis for policy discussion to achieve political compromise among people with different views. An anti-intellectual sentiment that distorts facts or silences those who hold opposing perspectives will prevent rational and intellectual discussion, and deepen the political divide.
There have been U.S. conservatives who have articulated themes similar to Yoon's inaugural address. While advocating the traditional conservative stances in favor of strong national defense and the free market, some conservatives have envisioned "compassionate conservatism" for reducing poverty and improving educational opportunities for all.
Perceiving the U.S. as an indispensable global leader, some conservatives have championed defending the liberal world order and expanding democracy and human rights abroad. However, in current U.S. politics, such conservative visions have largely been sidelined. In particular, since Trump's presidency, skepticism toward international involvement and populist resistance against established political institutions have become more prominent themes among some U.S. conservatives.
Could Yoon's presidency present an alternative version of political conservatism different from past Korean conservative governments and from current U.S. conservativism ― a conservative government that advocates market-driven growth and assertive security policy as well as also favors social safety nets, international cooperation and the deliberative policymaking process?
A skeptical response might be that presidents rarely fulfill their inaugural pledges. Even if a president is sincerely committed to a particular political vision, domestic and international political trends could alter that president's political course. The proposal for economic equity could face budgetary constraints. The South Korean domestic politic circle might be uninterested in global leadership and cooperation. Partisan gridlock and polarization could exacerbate, obstructing efforts to promote political unity and pragmatic policy solutions.
The consequences of President Yoon's failure, however, might result in more adverse impacts for South Korea than similar setbacks might have on U.S. politics. While for U.S. policymakers, international cooperation might seem to be a choice, for South Korea, it is a necessity. As a country dependent on the global economy and geopolitical stability, South Korea's national interest requires international cooperation in maintaining the rules-based international order.
Put it simply, "Korea First" or "Fortress Korea" is not a viable foreign policy alternative for Yoon or any other South Korean president. As a geographically small, densely populated country, economic equity and political unity are critical for South Korea, which has already experienced multiple political upheavals since its independence.
Whether or not Yoon was sincere in his inaugural address, Yoon's administration will face similar expectations as his predecessors to achieve economic equity, political unity and international cooperation. Therefore, it is perhaps not a surprise that the Yoon administration's first policy initiative was to approve additional COVID-19 relief aid to small business owners and the self-employed.
Will Yoon's presidency succeed, and achieve Korea's version of a "compassionate conservative" government that is more compassionate at home and more assertive abroad? Though the future is still to be seen, if Yoon succeeds, perhaps roles will switch between U.S. and South Korean conservatives, with the latter offering relevant political lessons to their U.S. ideological counterparts.
Lee Jong-eun (jl4375a@student.american.edu), a Ph.D. candidate, is an adjunct faculty member at the American University School of International Service. Prior to this, he served as a South Korean Airforce intelligence officer. His research specialization includes U.S. foreign policy, South Korean politics and foreign policy, alliance management and East Asian regional security.
