South Korea has had the stigma of having the highest suicide rate among OECD countries for 20 years. The suicide problem in South Korea is very complex, involving social and personal reasons. This paper aims to analyze the concept of "han," or suffering experienced by Koreans, from a theological and philosophical perspective. The emotion of suffering that Koreans uniquely experience, "han," was addressed in great depth from a social perspective in the minjung theology of the 1970s. Although minjung theology is old, han is like DNA for Koreans, so we expect minjung theology to resonate with modern Koreans. However, when we analyze han, we cannot overlook the existential aspect. The Kierkegaardian philosophy will be employed to examine the personal and existential distress experienced by contemporary Koreans. Contemplating the emotion of suffering "han," the paper will reflect in depth on how minjung theology can address han, the emotion of suffering Koreans in social aspects. Furthermore, on the existential level, the paper will address "han" through anxiety and despair as analyzed in Kierkegaardian philosophy. In conclusion, this paper will discuss the hope that can be found in the suffering of the Korean people through minjung theology and Kierkegaardian philosophy.

Authors:
Kwangmyung Lee, Duke University, United States

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Posted by James Alexander Gordon

Last updated: 2023-02-23 23:45:00

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