South Korea and A2K

Abstract

In this chapter, Shubha Gokhale takes us to South Korea and discusses the murky events that led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-Hye, and her eventual sentencing to serve 24 years in prison for corruption. Gokhale traces the scandal as it unfolded in South Korea, noting the government’s efforts to censor news and curb the spread of information. However, citizens resorted to using mobile social media in a variety of ways to spread news and awareness, plan protests and organize logistics for the protests. In doing so, they very successfully overcame the state-imposed restrictions and were able to bring the president to trial. Despite the lower status accorded to women in South Korean society, Park Geun-Hye rose to being president, due to a combination of history and lineage, and South Koreans were initially happy to accept her. However, as has happened in many instances during South Korea’s history, Park Geun-Hye eventually fell into the web of corruption and cronyism, which led to disenchantment of citizens. This chapter offers a deep look into South Korean society, the status of women, and the citizens’ savvy use of mobile social media to engineer social change.