EPISODE 6. DEVELOPMENT

Korea’s rapid technological development is both convenient and something to be proud of. Many East Asian countries have successfully absorbed and internalized the scientific and technological advancements pioneered by European nations. Japan, Korea, and China, among others, have already secured a significant share of the global science and technology market.

However, this technological development is closely linked to the educational issues I discussed in Episode 2. The various discoveries, experiences, reflections, and shifts in values that emerged and evolved over time in Europe did not unfold in the same way in East Asia. Knowledge was transmitted as mere information, and we memorized it quickly, as if chasing after it. We continued to learn as we had in the past, without adapting our conceptual understanding or perspectives, and perceived knowledge primarily as a means to become exceptional elites.

As a result, while science and technology dominate our society, in many aspects, our way of thinking remains rooted in pre-industrial traditions. Access to scientific and technological advancement has often been seen as a privilege reserved for a select few, while others are expected to admirte it from a distance. This outdated mindset, which reflects the elitist consciousness of the political and academic spheres, further marginalizes disadvantaged groups. Yet, we have lacked the process of critically examining this issue and seeking ways to improve it—because our priority was to catch up with Europe’s development.

The knowledge and education I have encountered in Italy, however, are based on experience and observation. A closer look at European history reveals how profoundly this approach has shaped its society. It is fundamentally different from the traditional East Asian method of memorizing and accepting ancestral wisdom. I believe this is what has been overlooked in modern East Asian education and what continues to contribute to challenges in its politics, culture, and society today.