Now that Seoul has hosted its 3d Summit for Democracy, aimed at opposing the encroachment of undemocratic forces in the region and globally, the South Koreans would do well to look in the mirror and assess their own democratic fundamentals.
Only through steadfast commitment to democratic principles, coupled with proactive measures to address internal vulnerabilities, can South Korea assert its position as a bulwark against the tide of authoritarianism sweeping the region.
Beneath the veneer of progress at home, South Korea finds itself contending with challenges that pose significant threats to its democratic bedrock and its capacity to resist external pressures. Concerns range from erosion of civil liberties to increasing polarization within the political landscape.
These internal fissures not only weaken the nation’s democratic resilience but also leave it vulnerable to external influences seeking to undermine democratic norms.
In light of these challenges, it is incumbent upon South Korea to engage in rigorous introspection and fortify its democratic institutions against internal and external threats alike.
Despite the country’s vibrant democracy in recent decades, there are growing signs of regression. Politicians may attempt to paint a rosy picture, but the reality is stark: South Korea’s democratic health is in decline. Corruption scandals, erosion of press freedom, and a widening trust deficit between the government and the people have fueled disillusionment among citizens.
Moreover, the social fabric of South Korea is fraying, exacerbating internal divisions and weakening societal cohesion. Issues such as income inequality, youth unemployment, and mental health crises are festering, posing profound challenges to the nation’s stability.
The Korean economy, once hailed as a model of rapid development, is now confronting structural impediments that threaten long-term growth and prosperity. Without concerted efforts to address these underlying issues, South Korea’s democratic resilience will continue to erode.
In the realm of national security, South Korea faces an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The collapse of peace talks with North Korea has left the peninsula in a state of perpetual tension. Meanwhile, the growing alliance between North Korea, China, and Russia poses a formidable challenge to South Korea’s security interests. As regional dynamics shift, South Korea’s ability to assert its sovereignty and defend against external pressures is diminishing.
As China solidifies its position as a global economic powerhouse, it presents both opportunities and challenges, especially concerning South Korea’s democratic integrity. Economically, while initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative fuel growth, they heighten concerns over debt dependency and geopolitical manipulation. Politically, China’s influence shapes South Korea’s regional security stance, particularly regarding North Korea.
China’s influence in South Korea has risen notably across economics, politics, culture, and security in recent years. Economically, China’s role as South Korea’s top trading partner has boosted growth but also leaves it vulnerable to shifts in China’s policies. Politically, China’s sway affects South Korea’s stance on regional security and diplomatic issues like North Korea. Culturally, Chinese entertainment’s popularity raises questions about South Korea’s cultural sovereignty, amplifying concerns over democratic erosion.
In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, South Korea has emerged as a pivotal player caught in the crosscurrents of a power struggle between two formidable forces: China and the United States. As China’s economic and political prowess burgeons on the global stage, its influence over South Korea has grown ever more conspicuous. This escalating influence has sparked apprehension regarding the potential erosion of South Korea’s cherished democratic principles and institutions, which have been painstakingly cultivated over decades.
Furthermore, the intertwining of economic interests between China and South Korea has raised concerns about the subjugation of South Korea’s economic policies to Chinese dictates. The significant economic ties between the two nations have left South Korea vulnerable to external pressures, potentially constraining its ability to assert its independent economic agenda and safeguard its national interests.
While the United States continues to stand as a stalwart ally and offers vital assistance for South Korea’s security and defense, it is essential to recognize the limitations of American support in countering Chinese influence, both within the country and on the Korean peninsula. The escalating sway of China poses a nuanced challenge that South Korea must navigate autonomously.
South Korea finds itself in a precarious position, necessitating a meticulous balancing act between preserving its alliance with the United States and effectively managing its burgeoning relations with China. This delicate equilibrium requires astute diplomatic maneuvering and a nuanced understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
In essence, the geopolitical tug-of-war between China and the United States has placed South Korea at a critical juncture, where the preservation of its democratic ideals and national sovereignty hangs in the balance. Only through astute diplomacy, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles can South Korea navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger on the global stage.
While China’s significant investment has driven South Korea’s growth, it comes with risks. Chinese influence has led to self-censorship in South Korea’s media and interference in its political affairs, undermining democratic values. Additionally, China’s authoritarian model clashes with South Korea’s democracy, posing further challenges. China’s military assertiveness in the region also threatens South Korea’s security and sovereignty.
The erosion of South Korea’s hard-won democratic values and institutions under the weight of China’s influence underscores the urgent need for a robust defense of democracy and sovereignty. South Korean leaders must navigate this complex geopolitical landscape with vigilance and fortitude, upholding democratic principles while fostering constructive engagement with both China and the United States.
In response to these challenges, South Korea must remain vigilant in safeguarding its democratic institutions and values from external interference. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening legal protections for freedom of expression, enhancing transparency and accountability in political processes, and diversifying its economic ties to reduce dependency on any single country.
Furthermore, South Korea must deepen its engagement with like-minded democracies, including the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, to counterbalance China’s influence and promote a vision of a free and open international order. By standing firm in defense of its democratic principles, South Korea can resist the encroachment of authoritarian influence and uphold the integrity of its democratic system for future generations.
The political elite of South Korea must heed the warning signs before it is too late. They must prioritize safeguarding democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and protecting fundamental freedoms against internal pressures and external interference. This requires a concerted effort to strengthen legal protections, enhance transparency and accountability and diversify economic ties to reduce dependency on China.
Moreover, it is imperative for Korea’s strategic allies, notably the United States, Japan, and India, to observe keenly the rapidly evolving dynamics on the Korean peninsula. The current engagement with South Korea has predominantly rested on outdated perceptions of its economic dynamism and prosperity. However, the landscape has significantly transformed since then, encompassing profound shifts in social, economic, and political realms alongside swiftly changing power dynamics across the region. Consequently, there arises an urgent necessity for a recalibration of policy alignments.
The Indian government, although displaying eagerness to deepen its partnership with Korea, has yet to internalize the swiftly shifting ground realities in South Korea and the broader Korean peninsula. This was glaringly evident during the recent interactions between the Indian government and the South Korean government. It is high time for Indian policymakers to undertake a fundamental reassessment of their approach. Urgent measures are warranted to bolster Korea’s position as a democracy .
In this precarious environment, symbolic gestures alone, such as hosting a summit for democracy, will not suffice to safeguard South Korea’s democracy or regional peace, security, stability and prosperity. Korean political leaders must demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of the country’s social, economic, and security challenges. This requires bold and decisive action to strengthen democratic institutions, promote transparency and accountability, and foster inclusive growth.
The stakes could not be higher. Failure to address the underlying vulnerabilities in South Korea’s democracy risks ceding ground to authoritarian forces and compromising the nation’s sovereignty. The endgame has already begun, and South Korea must act decisively to reverse course.
The imperative for South Korea’s democratic renewal is clear. Only through concerted efforts to tackle internal challenges and strengthen democratic institutions can South Korea safeguard its democratic future and resist the encroachment of authoritarian influence.
If appropriate action is not taken in time, the consequences of neglecting these challenges could be dire. South Korea risks sliding further into authoritarianism, thereby undermining the hard-won democratic gains of the past decades. Regional stability and security may also be compromised, with far-reaching implications for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The time for action is now.
Lakhvinder Singh is director of peace and security studies at the Asia Institute in Seoul.