This thesis examines the role of Tokto/Dokdo in the creation and maintenance of South Korean nationalism, and the way in which Tokto narratives are created and disseminated in Korean society. It...Show moreThis thesis examines the role of Tokto/Dokdo in the creation and maintenance of South Korean nationalism, and the way in which Tokto narratives are created and disseminated in Korean society. It aims to answer the question: how is the Tokto/Takeshima conflict portrayed and communicated through South Korean Tokto-related children’s literature? Based on a critical discourse analysis of a selection of the most popular Tokto children’s literature, this thesis identifies a set pattern that characterizes Tokto children’s literature as a genre. Furthermore, this thesis challenges the modernist notion that nationalism is a top-down affair, as the analysis of Tokto children’s literature shows that nationalist sentiment stems from an interplay between governmental and civil efforts. In the case of Tokto children’s literature, that is the effort to promote and proclaim Tokto as a vital part of South Korean national identity. Lastly, this thesis argues that Tokto children’s literature reflects the agenda of Tokto activists, who seek to strengthen a particular notion of South Korean national identity that centres on the idea of Japan as continuous external threat.Show less
This thesis looks at the Park Chung Hee's legacy in the context of collective memory theory. After 40 years Park's legacy still lives on. This can partially be explained by collective memory theory...Show moreThis thesis looks at the Park Chung Hee's legacy in the context of collective memory theory. After 40 years Park's legacy still lives on. This can partially be explained by collective memory theory. Elements of collective memory theory can help us understand the continuing existence of Park's legacy. Yet the collective memory theory gives no guarantees for the future.Show less
Korea has been struggling with the wide-scale corruption issues since the democratization in 1987. Many presidents have been trying to improve the situation and implemented many anti-corruption...Show moreKorea has been struggling with the wide-scale corruption issues since the democratization in 1987. Many presidents have been trying to improve the situation and implemented many anti-corruption measures. However, the Korean government have been struggling to improve their policies and this is also reflected in international corruption assessments. The anti-corruption system which the Korean government has implemented has many loopholes and are therefore easy to evade. Many undermine the measures as many high-ranking public officials and chaebôls have consistently taken part in illicit transactions. Even when illicit activities are reported through the reporting system, the current legislations have not enough power to subject the offender to a corresponding punishment due to the lenient Korean Law system and power of connections to reduce any sentences to a minimum.Show less
In this thesis, I have analyzed the meaning of family, mother(hood), and mothering as depicted in Gong Ji-young’s novel My Happy Home (chŭlgŏun naŭi chip). The analysis of this novel is based on...Show moreIn this thesis, I have analyzed the meaning of family, mother(hood), and mothering as depicted in Gong Ji-young’s novel My Happy Home (chŭlgŏun naŭi chip). The analysis of this novel is based on various literature on the concepts of household, family, mother(hood), single motherhood, and types of mothering, in addition to a discussion of the situation of South Korean families and mothers. I discuss the various methods Gong uses to indicate how family, mother(hood), and mothering are conceptualized by society and how she herself defines these concepts. The analysis indicates a level of rejection, but also agreement with society’s view on these concepts and Gong’s own interpretation.Show less
De Zuid-Koreaanse Nationale Inlichtingendienst heeft een notoire reputatie op het gebied van het beïnvloeden van de binnenlandse politiek in Zuid-Korea. Door middel van hervormingen die voortkwamen...Show moreDe Zuid-Koreaanse Nationale Inlichtingendienst heeft een notoire reputatie op het gebied van het beïnvloeden van de binnenlandse politiek in Zuid-Korea. Door middel van hervormingen die voortkwamen uit het transitieproces van een autoritair regime naar democratisering werd hier verandering in gebracht. Deze hervormingen hebben echter geen verdere politisering van inlichtingendienst kunnen voorkomen. Zo heeft de inlichtingendienst nog invloed kunnen uitoefen over de 2012 presidentiële verkiezingen in Zuid-Korea. Deze scriptie richt zich daarom op het beantwoorden van de volgende vragen: hoe de Zuid-Koreaanse nationale inlichtingendienst kon inmengen in de presidentiële verkiezingen van 2012. En waarom dit heeft kunnen gebeuren.Show less
