Sentiment of an Early Summer Night

Through honeysuckle vines the soft winds lightly glide,
While birds in silent dreaming sleep on branches wide.

The crimson sunset fades beneath the pale moon’s glow,
And deeper grows the summer night in gardens still and slow.

初夏夜情 / 초하야정

後園忍蔓帶微風 / 후원인만대미풍

宿鳥深枝夢已同 / 숙조심지몽이동

落照殘紅新月白 / 낙조잔홍신월백

滿庭幽興入宵中 / 만정유흥입소중

초여름 밤의 정취

뒤뜰 인동덩굴 사이로 산들바람 스치고
깊은 가지 잠든 새들 꿈결마저 고요하네.

붉게 물든 저녁노을 서서히 사라진 자리엔
하얀 초승달 떠올라 뜰 가득 밤기운 젖어드네.

{솔티}

2026년 5월 21일

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남!)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Executive Summary

Sustainable enterprise partnerships are built not only on complementary capabilities, but also on trust, transparent governance, and strategic alignment among stakeholders. Long-term collaboration succeeds when partners balance execution, relationship management, and institutional credibility while maintaining accountability and mutual respect. Enterprises that cultivate clear roles, constructive communication, and shared purpose are better positioned to create resilient and high-performing partnerships in complex environments. This paper develops a multi-level framework linking relational trust, governance structures, and strategic alignment to explain how sustainable partnerships evolve across individual, organizational, and national contexts.

Keywords: Trust, Governance, Strategic Alignment, Collaboration, Sustainability

1. Introduction

In today’s turbulent geopolitical environment — marked by energy disruptions, rising fuel costs, supply chain instability, and cascading economic uncertainty — the ability to develop and sustain collaborative partnerships has become critical across individual, organizational, and national levels. Volatility in global energy markets, reflected in sustained increases in fuel prices, has generated far-reaching consequences across industries. For example, escalating operating costs in the aviation sector — where fuel represents a major expense — have contributed to severe financial strain, as illustrated by the bankruptcy of Spirit Airlines. These developments demonstrate how external shocks propagate across interconnected systems, reinforcing that no organization, industry, or nation operates in isolation. In this context, resilient and strategically aligned partnerships are essential for managing uncertainty, mitigating systemic risk, and sustaining operational continuity, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

Evidence from multinational corporations, global supply chains, and innovation ecosystems shows that partnerships often fail not due to insufficient resources, but because of misaligned expectations, unclear governance, weak communication, and unmanaged power dynamics. In contrast, high-performing collaborations emphasize strategic alignment, transparent decision-making, mutual accountability, and adaptive leadership that balances execution with relational sustainability. Such partnerships function as systems of shared value creation, where integrating diverse competencies, institutional credibility, relational trust, and governance enables resilience and sustained competitive advantage in complex environments.

These dynamics align with relational and dynamic capability perspectives in strategic management, where value is co-created through inter-organizational collaboration rather than internal resources alone (Dyer, Singh, & Hesterly, 2018; Teece, 2018). Research further shows that external shocks — such as the COVID-19 pandemic — have intensified the need for integrated approaches across entrepreneurship, supply chains, and strategy, underscoring the importance of resilient and adaptive partnerships (Ketchen & Craighead, 2020).

2. Foundations of Sustainable Enterprise Partnerships

Sustainable enterprise partnerships evolve progressively from relational trust to governance alignment and strategic integration, where trust, governance, and shared purpose dynamically reinforce one another to strengthen organizational resilience, coordinated decision-making, and long-term sustainability.

Figure 1

Partnership Trajectory Toward Sustainable Collaboration

Figure 1 illustrates the developmental trajectory of sustainable enterprise partnerships, showing how long-term collaboration evolves progressively from trust-based relationships to governance alignment, strategic integration, and ultimately organizational sustainability. The framework emphasizes that sustainable partnerships are not built through isolated capabilities alone, but through the continuous reinforcement of transparency, coordination, shared purpose, and adaptive collaboration across relational, structural, and strategic dimensions.

This evolutionary perspective aligns with relational and integration-based views of inter-organizational collaboration, which emphasize that long-term performance depends on the alignment of relational trust, structural coordination, and strategic integration across organizational boundaries (Schoenherr & Swink, 2012; Dyer et al., 2018).

2.1. Trust as the Cornerstone of Long-Term Collaboration

Trust is the foundational element of sustainable enterprise partnerships because it enables organizations and individuals to collaborate beyond short-term transactions and immediate self-interest. In global business environments characterized by uncertainty, interdependence, and rapid change, trust reduces transactional friction, strengthens communication, and supports collaborative decision-making across organizational and cultural boundaries. Partnerships grounded in trust are better positioned to navigate crises, adapt to disruptions, and sustain long-term strategic cooperation because trust creates confidence that partners will act responsibly even under pressure or uncertainty. Trust also reflects perceptions of fairness and relational integrity, which have been shown to significantly influence cooperative behavior and long-term commitment among exchange partners (Kumar, Scheer, & Steenkamp, 1995).

Research and case observations from multinational firms demonstrate that trust is not established through rhetoric alone, but through consistent behavior over time. Transparency, accountability, reliability, ethical conduct, and responsiveness contribute significantly to the development of relational capital among partners and strengthen collaborative resilience. Sustainable partnerships also create psychological safety that encourages constructive dialogue, innovation, mutual learning, and the effective integration of complementary strengths across interdisciplinary and cross-functional collaborations. Behavioral antecedents such as transparency, reciprocity, and shared expectations play a critical role in shaping collaborative intent, particularly in environments where cooperation and competition coexist (Czakon, Klimas, & Mariani, 2020).

2.2. Governance and Strategic Role Alignment

While trust is essential, sustainable partnerships cannot rely solely on interpersonal goodwill or informal understanding. Effective governance structures provide the organizational discipline necessary to sustain collaboration, manage complexity, and prevent destructive power imbalances. Governance establishes clarity regarding decision rights, accountability mechanisms, communication protocols, and conflict-resolution processes, allowing partnerships to function with consistency and transparency over time. In complex enterprise environments, governance serves as the structural foundation that aligns diverse stakeholders around common objectives while reducing ambiguity and operational friction. Without clear governance, even highly capable partnerships may struggle with confusion, inefficiency, or internal conflict. From a systems perspective, governance mechanisms function as integrative structures that align processes, information flows, and decision-making across organizational boundaries, reinforcing both operational coordination and strategic consistency (Schoenherr & Swink, 2012).

Case studies of successful enterprises reveal that clearly defined roles and strategic alignment significantly strengthen long-term partnership sustainability. Partnerships are more resilient when participants understand their responsibilities, the scope of their authority, shared performance expectations, and collective strategic objectives. Governance also protects partnerships from the risks associated with informal power concentration, where highly capable individuals may gradually dominate decision-making through expertise, charisma, or operational control. Sustainable partnerships therefore require balanced leadership systems that integrate execution capability, relational coordination, and strategic oversight. In global supply chain networks and entrepreneurial ecosystems alike, enterprises that combine trust-based relationships with robust governance frameworks are better positioned to achieve long-term adaptability, innovation, and organizational sustainability. These governance structures also enable dynamic capability development by supporting coordinated adaptation, resource orchestration, and long-term value creation in changing environments (Teece, 2018).

2.3. Complementary Strengths and Adaptive Leadership

Sustainable enterprise partnerships are strengthened when partners contribute complementary capabilities rather than duplicating identical roles, perspectives, or expertise. High-performing collaborations often emerge from the strategic integration of diverse strengths, including operational execution, relational coordination, strategic vision, technical expertise, and institutional credibility. Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, sustainable partnerships recognize that diverse competencies create synergy, enabling organizations to respond more effectively to complex market conditions, technological disruptions, and evolving stakeholder expectations. The integration of complementary capabilities across organizations reflects the relational view of competitive advantage, where value is generated through the combination of unique resources and collaborative synergies that cannot be achieved independently (Dyer et al., 2018).

Global case studies across multinational enterprises, supply chain networks, and entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate that partnerships become more resilient when leaders recognize and leverage the unique competencies of each participant. Operationally driven individuals may accelerate execution, relationship-oriented partners help maintain trust and organizational cohesion, and strategic leaders contribute long-term perspective and institutional stability. Sustainable partnerships therefore require adaptive leadership, emotional maturity, constructive communication, and respect for diverse perspectives to create environments where innovation, trust, and long-term collaboration can thrive. Empirical evidence from global firms further demonstrates how strategic alignment of complementary strengths contributes to sustained competitive positioning and international expansion, as illustrated in the evolution of Korean multinational enterprises such as LG and SK (Hong et al., 2025).

3. Power Dynamics and Organizational Sustainability in Enterprise Partnerships

As partnerships evolve toward long-term sustainability, effective collaboration depends not only on shared vision and complementary strengths, but also on how influence, authority, communication, and accountability are balanced within organizational relationships and systems. Power dynamics within partnerships can also be understood through relational and behavioral perspectives, where cooperation, competition, and coordination interact to shape performance outcomes and long-term sustainability (Czakon et al., 2020).

3.1. The Role of Power Balance in Collaborative Performance

Power dynamics are an unavoidable component of enterprise partnerships because differences in expertise, institutional reputation, financial resources, social networks, and operational influence naturally shape how decisions are made and how authority is exercised. Sustainable partnerships do not eliminate power differences; rather, they manage them through balanced governance, mutual accountability, and transparent communication. In many organizational settings, operationally dominant individuals often emerge as primary drivers of execution and decision-making. While such leadership can accelerate innovation and organizational performance, excessive concentration of informal power may gradually weaken collaboration, reduce transparency, and discourage constructive dissent within the partnership.

Partnerships become vulnerable when authority depends primarily on personality rather than collectively agreed structures, roles, and processes. Conversely, partnerships characterized by balanced influence tend to foster stronger organizational resilience and long-term adaptability. Strategic thinkers, operational leaders, relational coordinators, and institutional stakeholders each contribute different forms of value creation that strengthen collaborative systems. Enterprises that successfully integrate these diverse forms of influence are better positioned to sustain trust, adaptability, innovation, and long-term performance in complex and interconnected business environments.

3.2. Communication, Conflict Management, and Relational Resilience

Effective communication serves as the connective infrastructure of sustainable partnerships. Long-term collaboration requires not only frequent interaction, but also clarity, responsiveness, psychological safety, and mutual respect among stakeholders. Miscommunication, selective information sharing, and unresolved interpersonal tensions are among the most common contributors to partnership deterioration. Sustainable partnerships therefore depend on communication systems that encourage transparency, accountability, and continuous dialogue across organizational and interdisciplinary boundaries.

Case observations from global enterprises indicate that resilient partnerships normalize constructive disagreement rather than suppressing it. High-performing teams encourage participants to challenge ideas, raise concerns, and engage in critical dialogue without fear of retaliation or relational damage. Conflict itself is not inherently destructive; when managed appropriately, it often strengthens organizational learning, innovation, and strategic alignment. Leaders who demonstrate emotional intelligence, active listening, tactful feedback, and timely follow-up contribute significantly to partnership stability and relational trust. Enterprises that cultivate communication cultures emphasizing inclusiveness and professionalism are more likely to sustain long-term collaborative resilience.

3.3. Long-Term Sustainability Through Shared Purpose and Institutional Trust

Sustainable enterprise partnerships ultimately depend on the development of shared purpose and institutional trust. While short-term collaborations may succeed through transactional incentives alone, enduring partnerships require alignment around broader strategic vision, ethical standards, and long-term organizational objectives. Shared purpose provides direction and cohesion, enabling partners to move beyond immediate self-interest toward collaborative value creation that benefits both organizational performance and long-term stakeholder relationships.

Institutional trust develops gradually through consistent behavior, demonstrated competence, fairness in decision-making, and respect for collective contributions. Enterprises that maintain high standards of governance, transparency, and ethical leadership strengthen their reputational capital among internal and external stakeholders alike. This credibility becomes particularly important within global supply chains, innovation ecosystems, and international business networks where long-term collaboration depends heavily on trustworthiness and reliability. As enterprises continue to operate within increasingly interconnected and interdisciplinary environments, sustainable partnerships will remain a critical source of strategic advantage, innovation capacity, and organizational resilience.

4. Sustainable Korea–United States Collaboration Across Multiple Levels

The evolving partnership between South Korea and the United States demonstrates how sustainable collaboration can be strengthened across individual, firm, and national levels through trust, strategic alignment, complementary capabilities, and shared long-term purpose amid growing geopolitical and technological uncertainty.

4.1. Individual-Level Partnerships: Human Capital, Trust, and Cultural Synergy

Sustainable collaboration between South Korea and the United States increasingly begins at the individual level through relationships built on trust, shared learning, and cross-cultural understanding. Scholars, entrepreneurs, engineers, students, executives, artists, and professionals from both countries contribute to collaborative ecosystems that extend beyond formal institutional agreements. Universities, professional associations, leadership networks, and interdisciplinary research collaborations serve as important bridges connecting human talent, innovation, and long-term relational trust. As global challenges become more interconnected, people-to-person partnerships play an increasingly critical role in strengthening communication, adaptability, and collaborative resilience across national and organizational boundaries.

Korea’s expanding global cultural influence has also significantly strengthened these individual-level connections. The rise of Korean soft power through entertainment, media, digital platforms, and global cultural enterprises such as BTS has increased international familiarity with Korean culture, values, and creativity, particularly among younger generations worldwide. These cultural dynamics complement academic and professional exchanges by fostering mutual respect, openness, and long-term engagement. Sustainable collaboration therefore depends not only on formal agreements or economic interests, but also on the development of human-centered relationships grounded in trust, communication, and shared purpose.

4.2. Firm-Level Partnerships: Innovation, Supply Chain Resilience, and Industrial Collaboration

At the firm level, sustainable collaboration between Korean and American enterprises has become increasingly important in strengthening global supply chain resilience, technological innovation, and industrial competitiveness. Korean firms have emerged as globally respected leaders in semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, consumer electronics, biotechnology, and defense industries. As global industries confront rising geopolitical uncertainty, technological competition, and supply chain fragmentation, American firms and institutions increasingly recognize the strategic importance of long-term partnerships with highly capable and dependable Korean enterprises.

Collaborative initiatives involving semiconductor investments, advanced battery production, clean energy technologies, digital infrastructure, and defense manufacturing demonstrate how Korean and American firms are evolving beyond transactional relationships toward strategic ecosystems of joint value creation. Such partnerships combine Korea’s manufacturing excellence, operational discipline, and technological capability with America’s research infrastructure, capital markets, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and global institutional reach. Sustainable industrial collaboration requires more than contractual agreements; it depends on trust, transparent governance, complementary strengths, and long-term strategic coordination. Enterprises that successfully integrate these dimensions are better positioned to strengthen innovation capacity, reduce systemic risk, and sustain competitive advantage in increasingly interconnected global markets. These collaborative ecosystems reflect dynamic capability development and inter-organizational value creation processes, where firms jointly adapt to technological change and global market dynamics through coordinated investment, innovation, and governance structures (Teece, 2018; Dyer et al., 2018).

4.3. National-Level Partnerships: Strategic Trust and Alliance Sustainability

At the national level, the Korea–United States relationship has evolved beyond a traditional security alliance into a multidimensional strategic partnership grounded in shared democratic values, institutional trust, and long-term geopolitical alignment. In an era characterized by supply chain disruptions, technological rivalry, regional instability, and economic uncertainty, both nations increasingly recognize the importance of reliable and dependable collaboration partners. South Korea’s rise as a globally respected nation in semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, digital innovation, and defense industries has elevated its role from regional ally to critical strategic partner for the United States.

This evolving relationship reflects a new level of sustainable collaboration built on mutual interdependence rather than one-sided dependency. South Korea contributes advanced industrial capability, technological competitiveness, and growing global cultural influence, while the United States continues to provide geopolitical leadership, institutional stability, advanced research ecosystems, and global market access. As global uncertainty increases, the Korea–United States partnership represents an important model of sustainable collaboration strengthened through complementary capabilities, strategic trust, and shared long-term vision.

5. Conclusion

Sustainable enterprise partnerships are built through the integration of trust, governance, complementary strengths, and shared strategic purpose, enabling resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation in increasingly complex environments (Dyer et al., 2018; Teece, 2018; Ketchen & Craighead, 2020). The evolving collaboration between South Korea and the United States exemplifies this model, where Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities in shipbuilding, semiconductors, batteries, and defense industries — combined with its growing cultural influence — complement the United States’ leadership in research, capital markets, and global institutions. In an era of geopolitical uncertainty and systemic risk, this partnership reflects a broader shift toward collaborative resilience, where sustained success depends not on unilateral strength, but on trusted, well-aligned partnerships across technological, industrial, and strategic domains. The strategic implications and evolving dynamics of this important collaboration will be examined further in subsequent research.

References

Czakon, W., Klimas, P., & Mariani, M. (2020). Behavioral antecedents of coopetition: A synthesis and measurement scale. Long Range Planning, 53(1), 101875.

Dyer, J. H., Singh, H., & Hesterly, W. S. (2018). The relational view revisited: A dynamic perspective on value creation and value capture. Strategic Management Journal, 39(12), 3140–3162.

Hong, P. C., Singh, N., Kim, S. C., Lee, A., & Park, Y. W. (2025). Pathways to global leadership for Korean firms: Unveiling the strategic evolution of LG and SK in the market dynamics. Asia Pacific Business Review. Advance online publication.

Ketchen, D. J., Jr., & Craighead, C. W. (2020). Research at the intersection of entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and strategic management: Opportunities highlighted by COVID-19. Journal of Management, 46(8), 1330–1341.

Kumar, N., Scheer, L. K., & Steenkamp, J.-B. E. M. (1995). The effects of supplier fairness on vulnerable resellers. Journal of Marketing Research, 32(1), 54–65.

Schoenherr, T., & Swink, M. (2012). Revisiting the arcs of integration: Cross-validations and extensions. Journal of Operations Management, 30(1–2), 99–115.

Teece, D. J. (2018). Business models and dynamic capabilities. Long Range Planning, 51(1), 40–49.

About the Author

Distinguished Professor, Dr. Paul Hong — University of Toledo

Paul C. Hong is a Distinguished University Professor and Chair of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management at the University of Toledo. His work focuses on leadership, governance, and decision-making in the AI era, integrating strategy, technology, and institutional trust. He has published extensively in leading academic journals and writes on how individuals and organizations navigate complexity, disruption, and global transformation.

© K-Global Scholars and Professionals Forum. All rights reserved. Content published in the K-GSP Forum may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the K-GSP Forum, except for brief quotations with full attribution.

In Korean intellectual history, “Silhak” (Practical Learning) does not simply refer to practical studies or technology-oriented scholarship. Rather, it represents an intellectual attitude that sought to solve the problems of the age in the realities of human life, emphasizing real human and social concerns over empty ideological formalism. Although Korean Silhak is generally associated with later Joseon thinkers such as Yu Hyeong-won, Yi Ik, and Jeong Yak-yong, the seeds of this intellectual movement can already be found in earlier figures. Among them, one of the most significant was the mid-Joseon scholar, statesman, and literary figure Choi Rip.

Within the framework of Neo-Confucianism, Choi Rip demonstrated a remarkable sense of realism, human-centered thinking, cultural openness, and practical administrative insight. He was not merely a literary stylist, but a pioneering intellectual who prepared the intellectual soil for the later spirit of Silhak. His ideas directly and indirectly influenced later practical scholars, eventually forming a broader genealogy of Korean Silhak.

Choi Rip: The Early Beginning of the Spirit of Silhak

Choi Rip (1539–1612) was one of the representative literary scholars and officials of mid-Joseon Korea. He was active in literature, poetry, calligraphy, diplomacy, and administration, while consistently demonstrating a strong concern for real-world problems. His intellectual spirit may be summarized as an early form of “seeking truth from facts” and “promoting practical welfare.”

At a time when many Confucian scholars were absorbed in ideological disputes within Neo-Confucian orthodoxy, Choi Rip focused on the realities of human life and social administration. Through his experiences in local governance, he sought to understand the lives of ordinary people, while viewing war and diplomacy with sober realism. The experience of the Imjin War especially convinced him that real national capability mattered more than empty theoretical discourse.

His writings reveal a balanced attention to nature, human psychology, social realities, and artistic criticism. Such integrated thinking deeply anticipated the later Silhak ideal of making scholarship relevant to real life.

Yu Hyeong-won: The Institutionalization of Reformist Silhak

Yu Hyeong-won emerged after Choi Rip as one of the first major architects of systematic Silhak. Through his monumental work Bangyesurok, he proposed comprehensive reforms of land systems, military service, and governmental administration.

If Choi Rip laid the intellectual foundation of realism and practicality, Yu Hyeong-won developed these tendencies into a concrete theory of institutional reform. He believed that stabilizing the lives of the people formed the true basis of the state and emphasized effective administration over abstract ideological justification.

In this sense, Silhak did not suddenly emerge in the late Joseon period; rather, it developed from a continuous stream of realism already visible in mid-Joseon intellectual life.

Yi Ik: The Deepening of Human-Centered Silhak

Yi Ik further developed Silhak into a broader philosophical and ethical movement through the formation of the Seongho School.

Yi Ik studied agriculture, economics, education, science, and astronomy, emphasizing scholarship for the benefit of the people. He believed that learning should contribute directly to society.

Like Choi Rip, Yi Ik connected scholarship with human life itself. Both thinkers sought to understand the realities of human existence while integrating literature, philosophy, and politics into a unified intellectual vision.

Park Ji-won: Social Criticism and Cultural Openness

Park Ji-won was a leading figure of the Northern Learning School of Silhak. He advocated the active acceptance of Qing Chinese culture and technology while satirically criticizing outdated customs within Joseon society.

Choi Rip had likewise warned against intellectual rigidity through his diplomatic experiences and broad cultural sensibilities. His openness toward literature and art bears a striking resemblance to Park Ji-won’s culturally expansive vision of practical learning.

Park Ji-won’s willingness to confront reality and embrace change represented a major turning point in Korean intellectual history.

Park Je-ga: Economic Silhak and Practical Welfare

Park Je-ga emphasized commerce, industry, and technological innovation in his influential work Bukhakui.

He believed that poverty resulted from insufficient production and viewed economic activity and technological advancement as essential foundations for national prosperity. This demonstrated that Silhak was not merely philosophical speculation, but a movement dedicated to solving real economic problems.

Choi Rip’s realism and concern for statecraft can therefore be regarded as intellectual groundwork for later economic Silhak.

Jeong Yak-yong: The Culmination of Silhak

Jeong Yak-yong is often regarded as the greatest synthesizer of Korean Silhak. He proposed reformist ideas in administration, law, science, architecture, philosophy, and ethics.

His Mongminsimseo articulated a philosophy of governance centered on the welfare of the people, while Gyeongseyupyo outlined concrete institutional reforms. He consistently emphasized practical and implementable policies.

The realism and human understanding visible in Choi Rip ultimately reached systematic completion in Jeong Yak-yong’s thought.

The Core Spirit of the Silhak Tradition

The intellectual flow beginning with Choi Rip was not merely an academic genealogy. It represented the inheritance of several enduring principles:

1. Solving real-world problems

2. Prioritizing the lives of ordinary people

3. Practical governance

4. Connecting scholarship with life

5. Cultural openness

6. Integrated thinking

7. Human-centered philosophy

These values remain deeply relevant today. Even in the age of AI and digital civilization, the effort to solve real human problems continues to be a central intellectual mission.

Re-reading Choi Rip and Silhak in the AI Era

Today humanity faces a major turning point driven by artificial intelligence and digital technology. Yet technological advancement alone cannot guarantee human happiness or social justice.

In this context, the spirit of Choi Rip and the Silhak scholars offers profound insights for modern society. They sought to connect scholarship with human life and prioritized the solving of practical problems. Their vision resonates strongly with contemporary discussions surrounding AI ethics, the digital divide, and human-centered technological development.

Thus, the tradition of Korean Silhak should not be viewed merely as a relic of the past, but as an intellectual resource for the future.

Viewed through the figure of Choi Rip, the genealogy of Korean Silhak is far more than a simple academic lineage. It represents a major intellectual journey in which Joseon thinkers continuously confronted reality and sought ways to improve human life. Although Silhak is commonly understood as a reform movement that emerged after the seventeenth century, its spiritual foundations had already begun to form within the realistic consciousness of mid-Joseon intellectuals. Among them, Choi Rip occupied a uniquely important place by connecting tradition and reality, literature and administration, philosophy and human understanding.

The greatest significance of Choi Rip lies in the fact that he understood reality as a living human space. He did not remain confined to repeating Neo-Confucian doctrines or merely interpreting classical texts. Instead, through practical administrative experience and direct engagement with social realities, he carefully observed the lives of ordinary people while reflecting on the concrete problems of governance during war and diplomacy. Such attitudes were deeply connected to the later Silhak ideals of “seeking truth from facts” and “practical statecraft.”

Moreover, Choi Rip was an integrated intellectual who sought to understand human life in its totality. His interests extended beyond politics and administration to literature, poetry, calligraphy, artistic criticism, nature, and human psychology. From a modern perspective, such interdisciplinary thinking appears remarkably contemporary. It demonstrates that the creativity and intellectual integration demanded by today’s world already existed within the Korean intellectual tradition centuries ago.

The spirit of Choi Rip was later developed and systematized through the institutional reform theories of Yu Hyeong-won, the human-centered Silhak of Yi Ik, the culturally open Northern Learning ideas of Park Ji-won and Park Je-ga, and finally the comprehensive reform philosophy of Jeong Yak-yong. Although these thinkers faced different historical circumstances, they all shared the conviction that scholarship must exist for the realities of human society.

Choi Rip’s thought becomes even more meaningful in today’s age of artificial intelligence and digital civilization. Modern society experiences extraordinary transformations through AI, big data, and automation, yet technological progress alone cannot guarantee ethical maturity or human fulfillment. Instead, new problems such as alienation, inequality, technological dependence, and cultural fragmentation continue to emerge. In such an age, the human-centered wisdom of Silhak becomes increasingly relevant.

Choi Rip’s life also demonstrates the social responsibility of intellectuals. He did not pursue scholarship merely for personal reputation, but sought to apply knowledge and experience for the benefit of society and the state. His life reminds modern scholars, scientists, policymakers, and technologists that true knowledge should serve humanity rather than exist as mere accumulation of information.

Culturally, Choi Rip was equally significant. While grounded in traditional Confucian culture, he also valued art, emotion, and human refinement. His literary works, calligraphy, and artistic criticism reflected not simply technical skill, but a pursuit of spiritual dignity and cultural depth. Thus, Silhak should be understood not merely as a movement for economic or administrative reform, but as a broader cultural movement seeking to enrich human life as a whole.

Ultimately, the genealogy of Korean Silhak beginning with Choi Rip can be understood as a history of intellectual efforts to create a more humane society. It was a uniquely Korean intellectual tradition that sought to preserve both realism and human dignity at the same time. This tradition remains profoundly meaningful even today. In the age of AI, discussions about education, ethics, technological policy, cultural convergence, and human-centered innovation increasingly require the very spirit that Silhak embodied.

Therefore, to regard Choi Rip merely as a literary figure of mid-Joseon Korea would be to underestimate his historical significance. He was a pioneering intellectual who laid the early foundations of Korean practical learning and represented a crucial turning point in Korean intellectual history by bringing reality and humanity together. Reexamining his thought and life is not simply an exercise in historical scholarship, but a profoundly modern task that invites reflection on what kind of knowledge and civilization humanity should pursue in the future. +++

{Solti}

May 20, 2026

최립으로 시작하는 한국 실학의 계보

조선 지성사의 흐름 속에서 본 실학의 정신적 계승

한국 사상사에서 “실학(實學)”은 단순히 현실적 학문이나 기술 중심의 학문만을 뜻하지 않는다. 그것은 시대의 문제를 실제 삶의 현장에서 해결하려는 지적 태도이며, 공허한 명분보다 인간과 사회의 실제 문제를 중시하려는 정신이었다. 일반적으로 한국 실학은 17세기 후반 이후의 유형원·이익·정약용 등으로 대표되지만, 그 사상적 씨앗은 그보다 앞선 인물들에게서 이미 발견된다. 그 가운데 중요한 인물이 바로 조선 중기의 문인·관료·사상가인 최립 이다.

최립은 전통적 성리학의 틀 안에 있으면서도 현실 감각, 인간 중심 사고, 문화적 융합성, 실용적 행정 감각을 보여 준 인물이었다. 그는 단순한 문장가가 아니라, 후대 실학 정신의 토양을 형성한 선구적 지식인이었다. 그의 사상은 이후 조선 후기 실학자들에게 직·간접적으로 이어지며 한국 실학의 계보를 형성하게 된다.

최립: 실학 정신의 선구적 출발

최립(崔岦, 1539–1612)은 조선 중기의 대표적 문인이자 관료였다. 그는 문장과 시, 서예, 외교, 행정 등 다양한 영역에서 활동했으며, 특히 현실 문제를 중시하는 사고방식을 보여 주었다. 그의 핵심 정신은 “실사구시(實事求是)”와 “이용후생(利用厚生)”의 초기 형태로 요약될 수 있다.

당시 많은 유학자들이 성리학적 명분 논쟁에 몰두하던 시대에 최립은 인간의 실제 삶과 사회 운영에 관심을 기울였다. 그는 지방 행정 경험 속에서 백성의 삶을 이해하려 했고, 전쟁과 외교의 현실을 냉철하게 바라보았다. 특히 임진왜란 시기의 경험은 그로 하여금 공허한 이론보다 실제 국가 역량의 중요성을 절감하게 만들었다.

그의 글에서는 자연 관찰, 인간 심리, 사회 현실, 예술 감식 등이 균형 있게 나타난다. 이러한 통합적 사고는 후대 실학자들이 보여 준 “학문의 현실화”와 깊은 관련성을 가진다.

유형원: 제도 개혁 실학의 본격화

유형원은 최립 이후 등장한 본격적 실학의 개척자였다. 그는 『반계수록』을 통해 토지 제도, 군역 제도, 행정 조직 개혁 등을 체계적으로 제안하였다.

최립이 현실 감각과 실용 정신의 토대를 마련했다면, 유형원은 그것을 국가 제도 개혁론으로 발전시켰다. 그는 백성의 삶을 안정시키는 것이 국가의 근본이라고 보았으며, 추상적 명분보다 실제 행정 효과를 중시했다.

이러한 태도는 최립이 보여 준 현실 중심적 관료 정신과 연결된다. 즉, 실학은 갑자기 등장한 사상이 아니라 조선 중기부터 축적된 현실 인식의 흐름 위에서 성장한 것이다.

이익: 인간 중심 실학의 심화

이익은 성호학파를 형성하며 실학을 더욱 철학적이고 사회윤리적인 방향으로 발전시켰다.

이익은 농업, 경제, 교육, 과학, 천문학 등 다양한 분야를 연구했으며, 특히 “백성을 위한 학문”을 강조하였다. 그는 학문이 현실 사회에 기여해야 한다고 보았다.

최립 역시 학문을 인간 삶과 연결하려 했다는 점에서 이익과 정신적으로 이어진다. 두 사람 모두 인간의 실제 삶을 이해하려 했고, 문학·철학·정치를 통합적으로 사고했다.

박지원: 현실 비판과 문화 개방

박지원은 북학파 실학의 대표 인물이다. 그는 청나라 문물을 적극적으로 수용해야 한다고 주장했으며, 조선 사회의 낡은 관습을 풍자적으로 비판했다.

최립 역시 외교 경험과 폭넓은 문화 감각을 통해 폐쇄적 사고를 경계하였다. 특히 예술과 문학에 대한 개방적 태도는 박지원의 문화적 실학 정신과 닮아 있다.

박지원은 현실을 직시하고 변화를 두려워하지 않았으며, 이는 조선 지성사에서 매우 중요한 전환점이었다.

박제가: 경제 실학과 이용후생

박제가는 『북학의』를 통해 상공업 진흥과 기술 혁신의 중요성을 강조했다.

그는 “가난은 생산 부족에서 온다”고 보았고, 경제 활동과 기술 발전을 국가 발전의 핵심 요소로 인식했다. 이는 실학이 단순한 철학 논의가 아니라 실제 경제 문제 해결을 추구했음을 보여 준다.

최립의 현실 감각과 국가 운영에 대한 관심은 이러한 경제 실학의 토양이 되었다고 평가할 수 있다.

정약용: 실학의 종합과 완성

정약용은 한국 실학의 집대성자로 평가된다. 그는 행정, 법률, 과학, 건축, 철학, 윤리 등 거의 모든 영역에서 개혁적 사상을 제시하였다.

『목민심서』는 백성을 위한 행정 철학을 담고 있으며, 『경세유표』는 국가 제도 개혁안을 제시한다. 그는 실천 가능한 정책과 제도를 강조하였다.

최립이 보여 준 현실 중심적 관료 정신과 인간 이해는 정약용에게 이르러 거대한 체계로 완성되었다고 볼 수 있다.

실학 계보의 핵심 정신

최립에서 시작되는 실학의 흐름은 단순한 학문 계보가 아니다. 그것은 다음과 같은 공통 정신의 계승이었다.

1. 현실 문제 해결 중심

2. 백성의 삶 중시

3. 실용적 국가 운영

4. 학문과 삶의 연결

5. 문화적 개방성

6. 통합적 사고

7. 인간 중심 철학

이러한 정신은 오늘날에도 매우 중요하다. AI 시대와 디지털 문명 속에서도 인간 삶의 실제 문제를 해결하려는 태도는 여전히 핵심 가치이기 때문이다.

AI 시대에서 다시 읽는 최립과 실학

오늘날 인공지능과 디지털 기술이 급속히 발전하면서 인간 사회는 새로운 전환기를 맞고 있다. 그러나 기술 발전만으로는 인간의 행복과 사회 정의가 자동으로 보장되지 않는다.

이 점에서 최립과 실학자들의 정신은 현대 사회에 중요한 통찰을 준다. 그들은 학문을 인간 삶과 연결하려 했고, 현실 문제 해결을 중시했다. 이는 오늘날 AI 윤리, 디지털 격차, 인간 중심 기술 개발 논의와도 연결된다.

즉, 한국 실학의 전통은 과거의 유산이 아니라 미래 사회를 위한 지적 자산이 될 수 있다.

결론

최립을 중심으로 바라본 한국 실학의 계보는 단순한 학문사의 흐름이 아니다. 그것은 조선 사회가 현실의 문제를 어떻게 인식하고, 인간 삶의 개선을 위해 어떤 방향으로 사유를 발전시켜 왔는지를 보여 주는 한국 지성사의 중요한 여정이다. 실학은 흔히 17세기 이후 등장한 개혁 학문으로 이해되지만, 그 정신적 출발점은 이미 조선 중기 지식인들의 현실 인식 속에서 형성되고 있었다. 그 가운데 최립은 전통과 현실, 문학과 행정, 철학과 인간 이해를 연결한 매우 독창적인 위치를 차지한다.

최립의 가장 중요한 의미는 “현실을 살아 있는 삶의 공간으로 이해했다”는 점에 있다. 그는 단지 성리학의 이론을 반복하거나 고전 해석에만 머물지 않았다. 실제 행정 경험과 사회 현실 속에서 백성의 삶을 관찰했고, 전쟁과 외교의 현장을 경험하며 국가 운영의 실질적 문제를 고민하였다. 이러한 태도는 후대 실학자들이 강조한 “실사구시(實事求是)”와 “경세치용(經世致用)”의 정신과 깊이 연결된다. 다시 말해, 최립은 아직 “실학”이라는 이름이 본격적으로 형성되기 이전부터 이미 실학적 문제의식을 보여 준 인물이었다.

또한 그는 인간의 삶을 총체적으로 이해하려 했던 통합형 지식인이었다. 그의 관심은 정치와 행정에만 머물지 않았다. 문학, 시, 서예, 예술 감식, 자연 관찰, 인간 심리 이해 등 다양한 영역이 서로 연결되어 있었다. 이러한 융합적 사고는 오늘날의 관점에서 보면 매우 현대적이다. 현대 사회가 요구하는 창의성과 융합적 사고의 모델이 이미 조선 중기의 지식인에게서 나타났다는 점은 한국 사상사의 깊이를 새롭게 보여 준다.

이러한 최립의 정신은 이후 유형원의 제도 개혁론, 이익의 인간 중심 실학, 박지원과 박제가의 개방적 북학 사상, 그리고 정약용의 종합적 개혁 철학으로 이어지며 더욱 체계화되었다. 이들은 서로 다른 시대와 문제의식을 가지고 있었지만 공통적으로 “학문은 현실을 위해 존재해야 한다”는 믿음을 공유하고 있었다. 바로 이 점에서 최립은 조선 실학 정신의 중요한 원류 가운데 한 사람으로 재조명될 필요가 있다.

특히 최립의 사상은 오늘날 AI 시대와 디지털 문명 속에서 더욱 의미 있게 읽힌다. 현대 사회는 인공지능, 빅데이터, 자동화 기술의 발전으로 엄청난 변화를 경험하고 있다. 그러나 기술 발전이 인간의 행복과 윤리적 성숙을 자동으로 보장하지는 않는다. 오히려 인간 소외, 정보 불평등, 기술 의존, 문화적 단절과 같은 새로운 문제들이 등장하고 있다. 이러한 시대일수록 인간 중심적 사고와 현실 문제 해결 중심의 지혜가 중요해진다. 실학자들이 강조했던 “백성을 위한 학문”은 오늘날 “인간을 위한 기술”이라는 가치로 다시 해석될 수 있다.

또한 최립의 삶은 지식인의 사회적 책임이 무엇인지를 보여 준다. 그는 단지 학문적 명성을 추구하는 데 머물지 않고, 현실 속에서 자신의 지식과 경험을 사회와 국가를 위해 활용하려 했다. 이는 오늘날 학자와 전문가, 기술자, 정책가들에게도 중요한 교훈을 제공한다. 진정한 지식은 단순한 정보 축적이 아니라 인간과 사회를 더 나은 방향으로 이끄는 데 사용되어야 한다는 점을 최립의 삶은 조용하지만 강하게 말해 준다.

문화적 측면에서도 최립은 매우 중요한 의미를 가진다. 그는 조선의 전통적 유교 문화를 기반으로 하면서도 예술과 감성, 인간미를 중시하였다. 그의 문학과 서예, 비평 감각은 단순한 기술적 재능이 아니라 인간 정신의 품격을 추구하는 문화적 태도였다. 이는 후대 실학자들이 보여 준 현실성과 연결되면서도 동시에 조선 문화의 아름다움과 정신적 깊이를 유지하게 만들었다. 따라서 실학은 단순한 경제 개혁론이나 행정 개혁론이 아니라, 인간 삶 전체를 풍요롭게 하려는 종합적 문화 운동으로도 이해될 수 있다.

결국 최립으로부터 이어지는 한국 실학의 계보는 “인간다운 사회를 만들기 위한 지적 노력의 역사”라고 할 수 있다. 그것은 현실을 외면하지 않으면서도 인간의 품격과 정신적 가치를 함께 지키려 했던 한국 지성의 독특한 전통이었다. 그리고 이러한 전통은 오늘날에도 여전히 살아 있는 의미를 가진다. AI 시대의 교육, 윤리, 과학기술 정책, 문화 융합, 인간 중심 혁신을 고민하는 현대 사회는 오히려 실학의 정신을 다시 필요로 하고 있다.

따라서 최립을 단순한 조선 중기의 문인으로만 이해하는 것은 그의 역사적 의미를 지나치게 축소하는 일일 수 있다. 그는 한국 실학 정신의 초기 토양을 형성한 선구적 인물이었으며, 현실과 인간을 함께 바라보는 조선 지성사의 중요한 전환점을 보여 준 존재였다. 그의 사상과 삶을 다시 조명하는 일은 단순한 역사 연구를 넘어, 오늘날 우리가 어떤 지식과 어떤 문명을 추구해야 하는지를 성찰하게 만드는 매우 현대적인 작업이라 할 수 있다. +++

{솔티}

2026년 5월 20일

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남!)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping nearly every area of human society, including industry, education, national defense, medicine, art, and finance. Built upon vast amounts of data and sophisticated algorithms, AI has expanded beyond assisting human labor into the realms of judgment and creativity. Yet paradoxically, the more advanced technology becomes, the more important human values and ethical standards grow. At this moment in history, we must not merely focus on cutting-edge technologies; we must also revisit philosophical traditions that help us understand humanity and society more deeply.

Interestingly, the Joseon Dynasty’s Silhak (Practical Learning) movement addressed concerns remarkably similar to those of today’s AI era. Silhak scholars emphasized solving real-world problems rather than engaging in empty theoretical debates. They pursued practical knowledge and technologies that could improve the lives of ordinary people. In this sense, Silhak shares important philosophical parallels with modern AI, which also seeks data-driven solutions and greater efficiency in human life. At the same time, however, Silhak placed greater emphasis on moral responsibility and the well-being of society than on technology itself. Thus, Joseon Silhak can serve as an important philosophical compass for humanity in the age of AI.

Silhak Was a Discipline for Solving Real Problems

Joseon Silhak scholars criticized abstract and impractical philosophy. They sought solutions to concrete societal issues such as poverty, famine, corruption, national defense, agriculture, and commerce. Thinkers such as Yu Hyeong-won, Yi Ik, Park Ji-won, and Jeong Yak-yong emphasized “learning that genuinely benefits the lives of the people.”

Modern AI is likewise, at its core, a technology for solving real-world problems. Medical AI helps detect diseases earlier, logistics AI optimizes supply chains, and educational AI provides personalized learning experiences. In this sense, the Silhak spirit of Silsa Gusi (實事求是, “seeking truth from facts”) resonates strongly with today’s data-driven AI innovation.

Data-Centered Thinking and the Spirit of Observation in Silhak

Silhak scholars valued firsthand observation and field research. They investigated rural conditions, analyzed land systems, and even studied Chinese and Western scientific technologies. Their approach reflected a scientific mindset grounded in empirical observation and practical experience.

AI also depends fundamentally on data. Without sufficient data, AI systems cannot function effectively. Modern machine learning identifies patterns by analyzing enormous numbers of cases, much like the empirical approach adopted by Silhak thinkers. Joseon Silhak pursued knowledge rooted in direct observation of reality rather than abstract speculation, linking it closely to the spirit of contemporary data science.

Dasan Jeong Yak-yong’s Systems Thinking and AI Platforms

Jeong Yak-yong was not merely a philosopher but also a systems designer who integrated administration, technology, architecture, law, and military strategy. During the construction of Hwaseong Fortress, he utilized technologies such as lifting devices while considering efficiency and organizational management simultaneously.

Modern AI is likewise not a single technology but a vast integrated platform involving cloud computing, semiconductors, networks, data centers, cybersecurity, and human interfaces. This holistic perspective is strikingly similar to Jeong Yak-yong’s administrative philosophy. More than two centuries ago, he already demonstrated a sophisticated systems-oriented mindset.

Human-Centered Philosophy Remains Essential in the AI Era

Silhak was never merely technological utilitarianism. Silhak scholars believed that technological progress should ultimately contribute to human happiness and ethical responsibility. Technology, they argued, must never dominate humanity.

Today, one of the greatest challenges of the AI era is precisely the weakening of human-centered values. Algorithmic bias, privacy invasion, fake news, surveillance societies, and job displacement are rapidly increasing concerns. As AI technologies advance, humanity needs philosophical frameworks capable of protecting dignity and ethics. Silhak offers precisely such a balance.

The Openness of Silhak and Global AI Collaboration

Joseon Silhak scholars actively studied the outside world. They sought to learn from Qing China and Western science and technology. Such openness was revolutionary for their time.

Modern AI development also depends heavily on international collaboration. AI semiconductors may come from one country, data from another, manufacturing from Asia, and software from global open-source ecosystems. No nation can succeed in AI through isolation alone. The openness and intellectual curiosity of Silhak scholars provide valuable lessons for contemporary national AI strategies.

Silhak and AI Meet in Educational Innovation

Silhak scholars criticized rote memorization and emphasized practical education useful for real society. Their educational philosophy aligns closely with the reforms now demanded in the AI era.

In the age of AI, creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving ability, and ethical judgment matter far more than memorization. As AI increasingly performs calculations and retrieves information, uniquely human capacities become even more valuable. Long before the digital age, Silhak already advocated the importance of “living education.”

The People-Centered Philosophy of Silhak and AI Democratization

Silhak thinkers viewed the people as the center of governance. Technology and institutions, they believed, should exist for the stability of society and the well-being of ordinary citizens.

Likewise, modern AI should not become monopolized by a few corporations or nations. AI technologies should contribute to public good through improved healthcare access, expanded educational opportunities, support for people with disabilities, and agricultural innovation. In many ways, AI democratization can be understood as a modern form of people-centered philosophy.

Creativity in the AI Era and the Integrative Thinking of Silhak

Silhak crossed disciplinary boundaries. It integrated agriculture, astronomy, medicine, architecture, literature, administration, and economics into a comprehensive intellectual framework. In this sense, Silhak was an early form of interdisciplinary scholarship.

The AI era similarly demands interdisciplinary thinkers. Future leadership will require not only programmers but also philosophers, artists, historians, ethicists, and engineers working together. The future of AI depends not merely on technological sophistication but also on the depth of human understanding.

Gani Choi Rip’s Humanism and Reflection in the AI Era

Choi Rip emphasized introspection and the cultivation of a refined inner life. His literature and philosophy reveal profound insights into contemplation and human spirituality.

In the AI era, speed and efficiency are often overemphasized. Yet human beings are not simply information-processing machines. Emotion, art, silence, reflection, and empathy remain domains that AI cannot fully replace. Choi Rip’s thought reminds us to reconsider the meaning of humanity in an increasingly automated age.

The AI Era Could Become a New Age of Practical Learning

Today, humanity stands at the threshold of a major civilizational transformation. Just as the Industrial Revolution altered the structure of human labor, the AI Revolution is transforming the structure of human thought itself. In such times, a renewed spirit of practical learning is urgently needed—one that carefully analyzes reality while seeking human-centered solutions.

The future will belong not merely to nations that develop the most advanced AI, but to those that harmonize AI with humanity. Balancing technology and ethics, efficiency and compassion, innovation and community will become essential. Joseon Silhak offers precisely this philosophy of balance.

Although separated by centuries, Joseon Silhak and modern AI share a common goal: solving real-world problems. Silhak scholars observed society carefully, gathered practical information, and developed systems and technologies to improve the lives of the people. Modern AI similarly analyzes data to address complex challenges facing humanity. In this sense, the AI age may indeed be viewed as a new form of “digital practical learning.”

Yet there are also crucial differences. Modern AI enables unprecedented speed and automation, but it also carries risks of alienation and ethical crisis. Therefore, humanity must not focus solely on technological competition. We must also consider human dignity, community values, public responsibility, and ethics. Joseon Silhak clearly reminds us that the ultimate purpose of technological advancement should be human well-being.

The ideas of figures such as Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and Gani Choi Rip continue to provide living wisdom for the AI era. Jeong Yak-yong’s systems thinking resonates with today’s integrated AI platforms, while Choi Rip’s contemplative humanism reminds us of the importance of restoring humanity in a technologically driven age.

Ultimately, the future may be determined less by technology itself than by philosophy. The most important question is not how rapidly we can develop AI, but for what values and purposes we choose to use it. Joseon Silhak offers profound insight into that question. Therefore, while advancing AI technologies, we must also inherit the human-centered spirit of Silhak. That may be the most meaningful path toward a more humane and sustainable civilization in the age of artificial intelligence. +++

{Solti}

May 19, 2026

조선 실학과 현대의 AI

인간 중심 지혜의 계승과 새로운 문명 전환

오늘날 인공지능(AI)은 산업, 교육, 국방, 의료, 예술, 금융 등 인간 사회 거의 모든 영역을 재편하고 있다. 거대한 데이터와 알고리즘을 기반으로 하는 AI는 인간의 노동을 보조하는 수준을 넘어 판단과 창조의 영역까지 확장되고 있다. 그러나 기술이 발전할수록 역설적으로 인간다움의 의미와 윤리적 기준은 더욱 중요해지고 있다. 이러한 시점에서 우리는 단순히 최신 기술만 바라볼 것이 아니라, 인간과 사회를 어떻게 바라보아야 하는지에 대한 깊은 철학적 전통을 다시 검토할 필요가 있다.

흥미롭게도 조선 후기의 실학(實學)은 오늘날 AI 시대와 놀라울 정도로 연결되는 문제의식을 가지고 있었다. 실학자들은 공허한 이론보다 현실 문제 해결을 중시했고, 백성의 삶을 개선하기 위한 실용적 지식과 기술을 강조하였다. 이는 데이터 기반 문제 해결과 인간 삶의 효율 향상을 목표로 하는 현대 AI의 방향성과 일정 부분 맞닿아 있다. 그러나 동시에 실학은 기술 그 자체보다 인간과 공동체의 도덕적 책임을 더욱 중요하게 보았다. 따라서 조선 실학은 AI 시대를 살아가는 현대인에게 중요한 철학적 나침반이 될 수 있다.

실학은 현실 문제 해결의 학문이었다

조선 후기 실학자들은 단순한 관념 철학을 비판하였다. 그들은 굶주림, 빈곤, 부패, 국방 문제, 농업 생산성, 상업 발전과 같은 현실적 문제를 해결하려고 했다. 대표적인 실학자 유형원, 이익, 박지원, 정약용 등은 “백성의 삶을 실제로 이롭게 하는 학문”을 강조하였다.

현대 AI 역시 본질적으로 현실 문제 해결 기술이다. 의료 AI는 질병을 조기에 발견하고, 물류 AI는 공급망을 최적화하며, 교육 AI는 개인 맞춤형 학습을 제공한다. 즉, 실학의 “실사구시(實事求是)” 정신은 오늘날 데이터 기반 AI 혁신과 매우 유사한 철학적 흐름을 가진다.

데이터 중심 사고와 실학의 관찰 정신

실학자들은 현장을 중시하였다. 그들은 직접 농촌을 조사하고 토지 제도를 분석했으며, 중국과 서양의 과학기술까지 연구하였다. 이는 경험과 관찰을 중시하는 과학적 태도였다.

AI 역시 데이터에 기반한다. 충분한 데이터 없이 AI는 제대로 작동할 수 없다. 현대의 머신러닝은 수많은 사례를 분석하여 패턴을 발견하는데, 이는 실학자들의 경험주의적 접근과 유사하다. 조선 실학은 단순한 추상이 아니라 “현실을 직접 보고 이해하는 지식”을 추구했다는 점에서 AI 시대의 데이터 과학 정신과 연결된다.

다산 정약용의 시스템 사고와 AI 플랫폼

다산 정약용은 단순한 철학자가 아니라 행정·기술·건축·법률·국방을 통합적으로 사고한 시스템 설계자였다. 그는 수원 화성 건설 과정에서 거중기와 같은 기술을 활용하며 효율성과 조직 관리를 동시에 고려하였다.

현대 AI 역시 단일 기술이 아니라 거대한 플랫폼 시스템이다. AI는 클라우드, 반도체, 네트워크, 데이터센터, 보안, 인간 인터페이스가 통합되어 작동한다. 이러한 통합적 사고는 정약용의 행정 철학과 놀랍도록 유사하다. 그는 이미 200여 년 전에 복합 시스템적 사고를 보여준 셈이다.

AI 시대에도 인간 중심 철학은 필수적이다

실학은 단순한 기술주의가 아니었다. 실학자들은 기술 발전이 반드시 인간의 행복과 윤리적 책임으로 이어져야 한다고 보았다. 기술이 인간을 지배해서는 안 된다는 것이다.

오늘날 AI 시대의 가장 큰 문제 역시 인간 중심성의 약화이다. 알고리즘 편향, 개인정보 침해, 가짜 뉴스, 감시 사회, 일자리 감소 등의 문제가 빠르게 증가하고 있다. AI 기술이 발전할수록 인간의 존엄성과 윤리를 보호하는 철학이 필요하다. 실학은 바로 이러한 균형점을 제공한다.

실학의 개방성은 글로벌 AI 협력과 연결된다

조선 후기 실학자들은 외부 세계를 적극적으로 연구하였다. 청나라의 기술과 서양 과학을 배우려 했고, 국제적 흐름을 수용하려 했다. 당시로서는 매우 혁신적인 태도였다.

현대 AI 역시 국제 협력이 핵심이다. AI 반도체는 미국, 데이터는 전 세계, 제조는 아시아, 소프트웨어는 글로벌 오픈소스 생태계를 통해 발전한다. 폐쇄적 사고로는 AI 경쟁력을 확보할 수 없다. 실학자들의 개방성과 학습 정신은 오늘날 국가 AI 전략에도 중요한 시사점을 준다.

교육 혁신 측면에서 실학과 AI는 만난다

실학자들은 암기 중심 교육을 비판하였다. 그들은 실제 사회에 도움이 되는 지식과 기술 교육을 강조하였다. 이는 오늘날 AI 시대 교육 개혁과 정확히 연결된다.

AI 시대에는 단순 암기 능력보다 창의성, 융합 사고, 문제 해결 능력, 윤리적 판단이 중요해진다. AI가 계산과 정보 검색을 대신하는 시대에는 인간 고유의 사고 능력이 더욱 가치 있게 된다. 실학은 이미 오래전부터 “살아 있는 교육”의 중요성을 강조하였다.

조선 실학의 민본사상과 AI 민주화

실학자들은 백성을 국가 운영의 중심으로 보았다. 기술과 제도는 결국 민생 안정과 공동체 발전을 위해 존재해야 한다고 생각했다.

현대 AI도 특정 대기업이나 소수 국가만 독점해서는 안 된다. AI 기술은 의료 접근성 향상, 교육 기회 확대, 장애인 지원, 농업 혁신 등 사회 전체의 공익에 활용되어야 한다. AI 민주화는 현대판 민본사상이라고 볼 수 있다.

AI 시대의 창의성과 실학적 융합 사고

실학은 학문 간 경계를 넘나들었다. 농업, 천문학, 의학, 건축, 문학, 행정, 경제를 종합적으로 연결하였다. 이는 오늘날 말하는 융합 학문의 전형이다.

AI 시대 역시 융합형 인재를 요구한다. 단순 프로그래머만으로는 미래를 이끌 수 없다. 철학자, 예술가, 역사학자, 윤리학자, 엔지니어가 함께 협력해야 한다. AI의 미래는 기술만이 아니라 인간 이해의 깊이에 달려 있기 때문이다.

간이 최립의 인간학과 AI 시대의 성찰

간이 최립은 인간 내면의 성찰과 품격 있는 삶을 강조하였다. 그의 문학과 철학에는 조용한 관조와 인간 정신의 깊이에 대한 통찰이 담겨 있다.

AI 시대에는 속도와 효율이 지나치게 강조되기 쉽다. 그러나 인간은 단순한 정보 처리 기계가 아니다. 감정, 예술, 침묵, 사색, 공감 능력은 AI가 완전히 대체할 수 없는 영역이다. 최립의 사유는 AI 시대 인간다움의 의미를 다시 생각하게 만든다.

AI 시대는 새로운 실학 시대가 될 수 있다

오늘날 우리는 거대한 문명 전환기에 서 있다. 산업혁명 이후 인간 노동 구조가 바뀌었듯이, AI 혁명은 인간 사고 구조 자체를 변화시키고 있다. 이러한 시대일수록 현실을 냉철하게 분석하고 인간 중심의 실용적 해법을 찾는 새로운 실학 정신이 필요하다.

미래 사회는 단순히 AI를 많이 개발하는 국가가 아니라, AI를 인간과 조화롭게 활용하는 국가가 경쟁력을 가지게 될 것이다. 기술과 윤리, 효율과 인간성, 혁신과 공동체를 균형 있게 연결하는 능력이 중요해진다. 조선 실학은 바로 그 균형의 철학을 제공한다.

조선 실학과 현대 AI는 시대적으로 수백 년의 차이가 있지만, 공통적으로 “현실 문제 해결”이라는 핵심 목표를 공유하고 있다. 실학자들은 백성의 삶을 개선하기 위해 현실을 관찰하고 데이터를 수집하며 제도와 기술을 연구하였다. 현대 AI 역시 데이터를 분석하여 인간 사회의 다양한 문제를 해결하려 한다. 이런 점에서 AI 시대는 어쩌면 새로운 형태의 “디지털 실학 시대”라고 부를 수도 있다.

그러나 중요한 차이도 존재한다. 현대 AI는 엄청난 속도와 자동화를 가능하게 하지만, 동시에 인간 소외와 윤리적 위기를 초래할 위험도 가지고 있다. 따라서 우리는 단순히 AI 기술 경쟁에만 몰두해서는 안 된다. 인간의 존엄성, 공동체 가치, 공공성, 윤리적 책임을 함께 고민해야 한다. 조선 실학은 기술 발전의 목적이 결국 인간 행복에 있어야 한다는 점을 분명히 보여준다.

특히 다산 정약용과 간이 최립 같은 인물들의 사상은 AI 시대에도 여전히 살아 있는 지혜를 제공한다. 정약용의 시스템 사고는 AI 플랫폼 시대의 통합적 문제 해결과 연결되고, 최립의 관조적 인간학은 AI 시대 인간성 회복의 중요성을 일깨운다.

결국 미래는 기술이 아니라 철학이 결정할 가능성이 크다. AI를 얼마나 빠르게 만드는가보다, AI를 어떤 가치와 목적을 위해 사용하는가가 더욱 중요하다. 조선 실학은 바로 그 질문에 대해 깊은 통찰을 제공한다. 따라서 우리는 첨단 AI 기술을 발전시키면서도 동시에 실학의 인간 중심 정신을 계승해야 한다. 그것이야말로 AI 시대를 더욱 인간답고 지속가능한 문명으로 이끄는 길이 될 것이다. +++

{솔티}

2026년 5월 19일

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남!)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Executive Summary

Project Hail Mary unfolds not as a traditional narrative, but as a process of discovery shaped by fragmentation, iteration, and delayed understanding. Through a solitary protagonist navigating uncertainty, the film reveals how problem-solving itself becomes a form of survival — and ultimately, a pathway to connection. In the AI era, its structure reflects a deeper shift: from storytelling as linear experience to storytelling as systems thinking, where understanding is assembled rather than delivered.

Keywords: Problem-Solving · Isolation · AI Cognition · Nonlinear Narrative · Cooperation

Figure 1. Galaxy Cluster in Deep Space

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI (2022). Public domain.

The image of distant galaxies evokes the vast scale of uncertainty in Project Hail Mary, where understanding cannot simply be handed to the viewer but must be developed through exploration and inquiry. It reflects the film’s deeper structure — an environment of infinite unknowns in which insight arises through iterative reasoning rather than linear progression.

1. Introduction

I went to watch Project Hail Mary with an unusual group: myself, a university professor with over thirty years of experience in supply chain management; my daughter and her husband, both in their mid-forties; and three children — two in 5th grade and one in 7th.

We did not walk out of the theater with the same movie.

Project Hail Mary Image Source: https://wallpapercave.com/w/wp15979986

The youngest were animated, almost energized — talking rapidly about the science, the puzzles, and the strange yet compelling interaction with the alien presence. For them, the film was something to figure out, a kind of unfolding challenge. My daughter and her husband found moments of engagement, but also stretches that felt uneven. As for me, I was left with a different reaction altogether: a sense of disconnection, as though the film withheld too much for too long, asking for patience without offering immediate clarity.

That divergence of experience is not incidental. It reflects something deeper about how storytelling is being encountered across generations — particularly in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, where meaning is often inferred rather than directly presented. In this sense, Project Hail Mary is more than a science fiction film; it is a lens through which we can observe a quiet but significant shift in how narratives are processed, understood, and valued today (Weir, 2021). While based on the original novel by Andy Weir (2021), this article focuses specifically on its cinematic interpretation.

2. Movie Plots as Presented and Interpreted

Before examining the structure in detail, it is useful to step back and consider how the film is first encountered, where what initially feels disjointed reflects not absence of design, but a deliberate reordering of how understanding unfolds.

Figure 2

Celestial Navigation and Planetary Orbits: Mapping the Unknown

Source: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

2.1. Fragmented Narrative as Presented

The narrative structure of Project Hail Mary (Lord & Miller, 2025) is intentionally disjointed, unfolding through a sequence of incomplete experiences rather than a continuous storyline. The protagonist awakens in isolation, without memory, and the audience is placed in the same position — uncertain, disoriented, and lacking context (Bruner, 1991). From this starting point, the film alternates between two temporal dimensions: the immediate present of survival in space and fragmented flashbacks that gradually reconstruct the mission’s origin.

This structure delays clarity. Key elements — global crisis, mission purpose, and character motivation — are revealed incrementally and often out of sequence. Much of the screen time is devoted to iterative problem-solving: observation, hypothesis, failure, and adjustment (Clark, 2016). While this reflects scientific reasoning, it also reduces conventional narrative momentum. Emotional engagement is similarly deferred, with relational depth emerging only after prolonged periods of technical focus.

As a result, the film presents itself less as a story being told and more as a process being experienced. For some viewers, this creates intellectual engagement; for others, it produces a sense of narrative absence.

2.2. Reconstructed Narrative as Interpreted (A–B–C Framework)

When reorganized into a linear structure, however, the underlying narrative reveals a much simpler and more classical form.

A. The Problem. Earth faces an existential threat as the sun’s energy is being diminished by a mysterious organism, prompting a global scientific response.

B. The Journey. A reluctant but capable individual is sent on a solitary mission to investigate, where he gradually regains memory, understands his purpose, and encounters an unexpected extraterrestrial counterpart facing the same crisis.

C. The Resolution. Through collaboration and shared reasoning, a solution emerges, culminating in a decision that reframes survival not merely as success, but as a matter of connection and responsibility.

In this reconstructed form, the narrative aligns with traditional storytelling conventions — clear stakes, progression, and resolution. The complexity lies not in the story itself, but in how it is delivered.

2.3. Comparative Interpretation

What appears to be narrative fragmentation is in fact structural displacement, where coherence exists, but is deferred to the viewer’s reconstruction.

Table 1 reveals a central paradox: the narrative of Project Hail Mary is structurally simple but experientially complex. The film does not obscure its story; rather, it redistributes it across time, requiring the audience to actively reconstruct meaning. This distinction is critical in understanding divergent audience responses.

For viewers accustomed to assembling fragmented information — often shaped by digital and AI-mediated environments — this structure may feel natural, even engaging. For others, it challenges established expectations of narrative coherence, producing a sense of disconnection rather than discovery.

Table 1

Narrative Structure in Project Hail Mary Presentation, Interpretation and Audience Response

This structural contrast clarifies that the challenge lies not in the story itself, but in how understanding is distributed across the viewing experience. It is this shift — from narrative delivery to cognitive assembly — that shapes how characters and relationships come into focus over time.

3. Characters, Companionship, and Intergenerational Meaning

Connection in this film is not immediate, but achieved through sustained interaction. It unfolds not through familiarity, but through gradual alignment across difference. What begins as uncertainty becomes, over time, a shared framework for engagement.

3.1. Human Agency, Isolation, and Generational Engagement

At the center is Ryland Grace, whose role is defined not by heroism but by disciplined reasoning under conditions of isolation. His experience unfolds as a sequence of structured problem-solving processes, where observation, hypothesis, and iteration replace conventional interaction. The absence of immediate human connection shifts his engagement inward, making cognition itself a functional substitute for companionship. In this sense, his role represents a model of intelligence that is procedural, adaptive, and aligned with systems thinking (Russell & Norvig, 2020).

This process-oriented mode of engagement also reveals a generational divide in how such intelligence is perceived. Younger viewers, accustomed to environments where meaning is assembled through interaction and iteration, engage with this structure as a form of cognitive participation rather than narrative delay (Clark, 2016). Older viewers, by contrast, often expect clarity, emotional grounding, and linear progression, and may experience the same structure as disconnection. What differs is not the story, but the expectation of how understanding should unfold. Thus, isolation in the film becomes both a narrative condition and a reflection of differing cognitive habits across generations.

3.2. Encounter, Communication, and Constructed Connection

The introduction of Rocky transforms the narrative from solitary reasoning to relational problem-solving across fundamentally different forms of life. Their encounter is defined not by recognition, but by uncertainty, as neither possesses a shared framework for communication. Initial interaction proceeds through observation and cautious signaling, establishing the first layer of mutual awareness. This moment marks a transition from isolated cognition to the possibility of shared understanding.

Communication unfolds through a gradual, iterative process grounded in patterns, measurements, and repeatable signals, where shared understanding develops through alignment, correction, and verification over time (Norman, 2013). This process mirrors the operational logic of artificial intelligence, where learning advances through pattern recognition and refinement rather than instant comprehension (Russell & Norvig, 2020). As cooperation stabilizes, connection becomes possible — not as something assumed, but as something achieved through sustained interaction.

4. Meaning-Making in the AI Era

In the AI era, understanding is no longer passively received, but actively developed through engagement with fragmented information.

4.1. From Narrative Consumption to Cognitive Construction

The structure of Project Hail Mary reflects a broader transformation in how storytelling is experienced. Traditional narratives are designed to deliver meaning through clear progression, guiding the audience toward understanding with deliberate pacing and exposition. In contrast, this film presents a nonlinear, system-like structure in which coherence is not immediately available but must be pieced together over time (Bruner, 1991). The viewer is therefore repositioned, not as a passive recipient, but as an active interpreter who organizes dispersed elements into a meaningful whole.

This shift parallels the operational logic of artificial intelligence, where pattern recognition, iterative learning, and delayed convergence define the process of understanding (Russell & Norvig, 2020). Just as AI systems refine outputs through repeated adjustment, the viewer engages in a similar cognitive process, identifying patterns, testing interpretations, and gradually stabilizing meaning. The experience becomes less about following a narrative and more about participating in its construction. In this sense, the viewer increasingly functions like a “human algorithm,” reconstructing meaning from fragmented inputs rather than receiving it in fully formed sequence.

4.2. Redefining Intelligence, Connection, and Learning

Beyond narrative structure, the film also suggests a redefinition of intelligence itself. Intelligence is no longer portrayed as immediate comprehension or intuitive insight, but as a process grounded in iteration, adaptation, and sustained reasoning (Narayanan & Kapoor, 2024). The character of Ryland Grace embodies this shift, as his survival depends not on sudden brilliance but on disciplined, incremental problem-solving. His actions demonstrate that understanding emerges through engagement with uncertainty rather than its avoidance.

This process-oriented view of intelligence extends to the film’s portrayal of connection, particularly through the interaction with Rocky. Communication between fundamentally different beings does not begin with shared meaning, but with the gradual construction of it through patterns, signals, and verification. Their relationship illustrates that connection is not assumed or given, but established through mutual participation in an evolving process of understanding. In the AI era, this suggests a broader insight: learning, intelligence, and connection are increasingly defined not by immediacy, but by the capacity to engage, adapt, and refine shared meaning over time (Christian, 2020). This evolving understanding of intelligence and connection becomes even more visible when contrasted with earlier narrative forms that confronted uncertainty in fundamentally different ways.

4.3. From Absurd Waiting to Iterative Resolution: A Structural Contrast

A useful contrast emerges when Project Hail Mary is viewed alongside Waiting for Godot (Beckett, 1954), a work that similarly centers on uncertainty, delay, and the absence of immediate clarity. In Beckett’s play, two characters wait for a figure who never arrives, repeating conversations without progression. Time passes, but nothing fundamentally changes; the structure resists resolution, and coherence remains perpetually deferred. Written in the aftermath of World War II, Beckett’s work reflects a generation shaped by disillusionment, where established systems of meaning — religious, political, and philosophical — had fractured, leaving behind a condition of existential suspension. By contrast, Project Hail Mary begins from a comparable condition of disorientation and incomplete knowledge, yet diverges in its response. Rather than waiting for clarity, the protagonist advances through disciplined inquiry — testing, failing, and refining his understanding. What initially appears as delay becomes a mechanism through which insight gradually takes form.

This distinction marks a fundamental structural and generational divergence. In Waiting for Godot, repetition reinforces circularity, emphasizing the limits of resolution and the persistence of uncertainty. In Project Hail Mary, repetition becomes productive, enabling forward movement and eventual coherence through iterative problem-solving. The difference extends to how each work conceptualizes human connection. Beckett presents interaction as a way of enduring time, where dialogue fills silence but does not transform understanding. In contrast, Project Hail Mary portrays interaction — particularly across fundamentally different forms of life — as a cumulative process through which shared understanding is progressively achieved. These contrasting structures reflect broader historical shifts: Beckett’s mid-20th-century context foregrounds existential uncertainty and the absence of reliable meaning, while the contemporary AI era emphasizes adaptive reasoning, systems thinking, and the capacity to develop understanding through sustained engagement with complexity. Together, the two works illuminate not only different narrative forms, but different assumptions about whether — and how — understanding can emerge at all.

5. Conclusion

In the end, Project Hail Mary reveals less about space than about how we now think, learn, and connect in an increasingly complex world. What divides audiences is not the story itself, but the shifting expectations of how meaning should emerge — whether delivered clearly or constructed through effort. For some, the film feels distant; for others, it feels intuitive, reflecting a broader transition in cognitive engagement shaped by the AI era. As we left the theater, it became clear that we had not simply watched a different movie — we had processed a different way of understanding.

References

Beckett, S. (1954). Waiting for Godot: Tragicomedy in 2 acts. Grove Press.

Bruner, J. (1991). The narrative construction of reality. Critical Inquiry, 18(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1086/448619

Christian, B. (2020). The alignment problem: Machine learning and human values. W. W. Norton & Company.

Clark, A. (2016). Surfing uncertainty: Prediction, action, and the embodied mind. Oxford University Press.

Lord, P., & Miller, C. (Directors). (2025). Project Hail Mary [Film]. Amazon MGM Studios.

Narayanan, A., & Kapoor, S. (2024). AI snake oil: What artificial intelligence can do, what it can’t, and how to tell the difference. Princeton University Press.

Norman, D. A. (2013). The design of everyday things (Rev. & expanded ed.). Basic Books.

Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial intelligence: A modern approach (4th ed.). Pearson.

Weir, A. (2021). Project Hail Mary. Ballantine Books.

About the Author

Distinguished Professor, Dr. Paul Hong — University of Toledo

Paul C. Hong is a Distinguished University Professor and Chair of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management at the University of Toledo. His work focuses on leadership, governance, and decision-making in the AI era, integrating strategy, technology, and institutional trust. He has published extensively in leading academic journals and writes on how individuals and organizations navigate complexity, disruption, and global transformation.

© K-Global Scholars and Professionals Forum. All rights reserved. Content published in the K-GSP Forum may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the K-GSP Forum, except for brief quotations with full attribution.

Department of Mathematics, University of Mary Washington

1. Introduction

Kim Jin-myung has been a writer I have trusted for a long time. If I go back about 30 years, I clearly remember reading his well-known novel The Flowers of Mugunghwa Bloom. At that time, I was a typical math student who rarely read fiction outside of textbooks. However, that book caught my strong curiosity, so I bought it and stayed up all night reading it. It felt more than just a novel. It mixed real history, imagination, and political ideas in a way that stayed in my mind for a long time.

After that, I did not read much fiction for a while. But later, when I started reading again as a hobby, I came across his new novel The Country of King Sejong. As soon as I saw the book information, I ordered it without even reading reviews. It took about ten days for the book to arrive in the United States, and the wait felt very long because I was so excited. Once it arrived, I started reading immediately. I finished Volume 1 in one day and Volume 2 in two days, so I completed the whole book in three days.

Photo source: yes24.com

Reading it around King Sejong’s birthday made the experience even more meaningful. This book is not just a historical story. It makes the reader think again about what we think we already know about King Sejong and the creation of Hangul.

The story is set in the early Joseon Dynasty during King Sejong’s time. However, instead of telling events in simple chronological order, the novel focuses on how the creation of Hangul was shaped by political and international conditions. At that time, Joseon was strongly influenced by its relationship with Ming China. Classical Chinese was the language of power, used mainly by the ruling class. Being able to read and write meant having power. Most ordinary people were excluded from written language.

2. Historical Background

What King Sejong tried to do was not simply create a new alphabet. He wanted to build a system where ordinary people could express their thoughts in writing. But this idea itself was a very big change for that time.

Scholars from the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon) and many officials did not easily accept this idea. From their point of view, creating a new writing system was not just a matter of convenience. It could also disturb the existing world order centered on China. Considering the relationship with the Ming Dynasty, it could even create diplomatic problems. Because of this, many officials saw it as a very dangerous project.

In the end, the creation of Hangul was not just a language project. It became a complex issue involving politics, foreign relations, and the knowledge system of that time.

What I found most interesting while reading this novel was not only the events themselves, but the situation behind them. King Sejong’s will, the resistance from officials, the pressure from Ming China, and the Confucian system all worked together and produced one outcome. In other words, this book is more interested in “why something like this was possible” than simply “what was created.”

3. Main Idea of the Book

The main idea of this book is quite clear. Historical change is not created by one person alone. It happens when many conditions come together at the same time.

King Sejong is not shown as an all-powerful ruler who controls everything. Instead, he appears as someone who tries to find possible choices within many limitations. He must consider officials’ opinions, foreign pressure, and existing traditions, and constantly adjust his decisions.

From this perspective, the creation of Hangul is not only a personal achievement. It is also the result of many conflicts and compromises over time. At some moments there was strong opposition, and at other moments there was agreement. Through these repeated interactions, the final result slowly took shape.

Another important point is that language and knowledge are not just tools. The ability to read and write is closely connected to having a voice in society. Therefore, the creation of a new writing system is not only a technical change. It can also affect the power structure of society.

In this sense, the novel does not simply present King Sejong as a great hero. Instead, he is shown as a realistic leader who makes decisions within limits and changes situations step by step.

4. Impression and Analysis

One of the strongest points of this book is that it does not treat the Joseon Dynasty as a simple historical background. Instead, it feels like a living society that is constantly moving and changing. In particular, the description of Joseon’s relationship with Ming China clearly shows how many limitations the country had at that time.

It is also interesting that the creation of Hangul is not shown only as a cultural achievement. Instead, it is explained within the political and social conditions of that time. This helps the reader understand that the creation of a writing system is a much more complex process than it first appears.

However, in some parts, the story seems slightly exaggerated to make it more dramatic. Some characters or events may feel more emphasized than in real history. Still, since this is a historical novel rather than a history textbook, this is understandable.

5. Conclusion

After finishing this book, what I feel again is that the creation of Hangul was not a simple invention. It was not achieved by one person alone. It was the result of many political conflicts and historical conditions.

In world history, there are very few cases where the creator, the time of creation, and the principles of a writing system are clearly recorded. In this sense, Hangul is not just a language system, but a remarkable historical achievement.

This novel does not explain this process in a purely theoretical way. Instead, it shows it as something that naturally happened within real human life and society. In the end, history is not the story of one person, but the result of many people and conditions working together.

This book is meaningful not only for readers who are interested in history, but also for those who are interested in leadership, social structure, and the relationship between knowledge and power.

Finally, I would summarize the book in one sentence:

“The idea of turning sound into writing was, in the end, a political revolution that returned the power of expression to ordinary people.”

북 리뷰: 세종의 나라 1–2권 (김진명)

Jangwoon “Leo” Lee

Department of Mathematics, University of Mary Washington

1. 시작하며

김진명은 나에게 꽤 오랜 시간 신뢰를 주었던 작가다. 시간을 거슬러 올라가면 무려 30년 전, 그의 대표작 <무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다>를 읽었던 기억이 선명하다. 당시의 나는 전공 서적 외에는 문학책을 거의 들여다보지 않던 전형적인 수학도였지만, 그 책만큼은 강한 호기심에 이끌려 직접 구매해 밤을 새워 읽었다. 단순한 소설이라기보다 현실과 역사, 그리고 정치적 상상이 함께 섞여 있어 오래 남는 인상을 주었다.

그 이후 한동안 독서와 멀어졌다가 다시 책을 읽기 시작하면서, 그의 신작 <세종의 나라> 소식을 접하게 되었다. 책 소개를 보자마자 별다른 리뷰도 확인하지 않고 바로 주문을 넣었다. 미국에서 책이 도착하기까지 열흘 정도 걸렸는데, 그 시간이 유난히 길게 느껴질 만큼 기대가 컸다. 결국 책을 받자마자 몰입해서 1권은 하루, 2권은 이틀 만에 읽어 총 3일 만에 완독했다.

특히 세종대왕 탄신일 시기와 겹쳐 읽게 되면서 이 책은 더 특별하게 다가왔다. 이 작품은 단순히 과거를 설명하는 소설이 아니라, 우리가 당연하게 알고 있는 세종과 한글 창제라는 사건을 다른 시각에서 다시 보게 만든다.

소설의 배경은 조선 초기 세종 시대다. 하지만 사건을 시간 순서대로 나열하는 방식이 아니라, 한글 창제가 만들어지는 과정이 당시 정치 상황과 국제 관계 속에서 어떻게 영향을 받았는지를 중심으로 보여준다. 조선은 명나라와의 관계 속에서 여러 제약을 받던 시기였고, 한문은 사실상 권력을 가진 사람들만 사용할 수 있는 언어였다. 글을 쓸 수 있다는 것은 곧 권력을 가진다는 의미였고, 대부분의 백성은 문자에서 멀리 떨어져 있었다.

2. 시대적 배경

세종이 하려 했던 일은 단순히 새로운 글자를 하나 만드는 것이 아니었다. 백성들이 자신의 생각을 직접 글로 표현할 수 있는 환경을 만들고 싶어 했다. 하지만 이 생각 자체가 당시로서는 상당히 큰 변화였다.

집현전 학자들과 신하들은 한글 창제를 쉽게 받아들이지 않았다. 새로운 글자를 만든다는 것은 단순한 편의의 문제가 아니라, 당시 중국 중심의 질서를 흔들 수 있는 일로 보였기 때문이다. 명나라와의 관계를 고려하면 자칫 외교 문제로 이어질 수도 있었다. 그래서 많은 신하들은 이 일을 매우 위험한 시도로 여겼다.

결국 한글 창제는 단순한 언어 개발이 아니라, 정치, 외교, 그리고 당시의 지식 체계가 모두 얽힌 문제로 커지게 된다.

이 소설을 읽으면서 흥미로웠던 점은 사건 자체보다 그 뒤에 있는 상황들이었다. 세종의 의지, 신하들의 반대, 명나라와의 관계, 그리고 당시의 유교적 질서가 서로 맞물리면서 하나의 결과가 만들어진다. 즉 이 책은 “무엇이 만들어졌는가”보다 “왜 그런 일이 가능했는가”에 더 관심을 둔다.

3. 작품의 본질

이 책이 말하고 싶은 핵심은 비교적 분명하다. 역사적인 변화는 한 사람의 힘만으로 만들어지기보다는, 여러 조건이 맞아떨어질 때 비로소 가능해진다는 점이다.

세종은 모든 것을 마음대로 결정하는 절대적인 인물이라기보다는, 여러 상황 속에서 가능한 선택을 만들어가는 사람으로 그려진다. 신하들의 의견, 외교적인 부담, 기존 질서 등 다양한 조건 속에서 그는 계속 조율을 해야 했다.

이런 점에서 한글 창제도 단순한 개인의 업적이라기보다는, 여러 갈등과 타협이 쌓여 만들어진 결과로 볼 수 있다. 어떤 순간에는 반대에 부딪히고, 어떤 순간에는 설득이 이루어지면서 결국 하나의 방향으로 흘러간 것이다.

또 하나 인상 깊었던 점은 문자와 지식이 단순한 도구가 아니라는 점이다. 글을 읽고 쓸 수 있다는 것은 단순한 능력이 아니라, 사회에서 자신의 목소리를 낼 수 있는 힘과 연결된다. 그래서 새로운 문자의 등장은 단순한 기술 변화가 아니라, 기존의 권력 구조에도 영향을 줄 수 있는 변화였다.

이런 관점에서 보면 이 소설은 세종을 특별한 영웅으로만 그리지 않는다. 대신 그는 제한된 조건 속에서 선택을 만들어가며 상황을 바꿔 나가는 현실적인 지도자에 가깝다.

4. 감상과 분석

이 책의 가장 큰 장점은 조선 시대를 단순한 과거의 배경으로 보지 않고, 실제로 움직이는 사회처럼 느끼게 만든다는 점이다. 특히 명나라와의 관계 속에서 조선이 얼마나 많은 제약을 받고 있었는지를 보여주는 부분은 설득력이 있었다.

또 한글 창제를 단순한 문화적 성취로 보지 않고, 당시 사회와 정치 상황 속에서 이해하려는 시도도 흥미로웠다. 하나의 문자가 만들어지는 과정이 이렇게 복잡한 조건 속에서 이루어진다는 점을 다시 생각하게 된다.

다만 일부 장면에서는 이야기를 더 흥미롭게 만들기 위해 실제 역사보다 조금 과장된 설정도 보인다. 하지만 이 책이 역사 교과서가 아니라 역사적 상상을 바탕으로 한 소설이라는 점을 고려하면 충분히 이해할 수 있는 부분이다.

5. 글을 맺으며

이 책을 읽고 다시 느낀 것은 한글 창제가 단순한 발명이 아니라는 점이다. 그것은 한 사람의 결단만으로 이루어진 것이 아니라, 당시의 정치적 상황과 여러 갈등 속에서 만들어진 결과였다.

세계 문자 역사에서 창제 과정과 원리가 비교적 명확하게 기록된 경우는 많지 않다. 그런 점에서 한글은 단순한 문자를 넘어 하나의 중요한 역사적 성취라고 할 수 있다.

이 소설은 그 과정을 거대한 이론으로 설명하기보다, 사람이 살아가는 현실 속에서 자연스럽게 만들어진 결과처럼 보여준다. 결국 역사는 한 사람의 이야기가 아니라 여러 사람과 조건이 함께 만든 결과라는 생각이 다시 떠오른다.

이 책은 역사에 관심 있는 사람뿐 아니라, 사회 구조나 리더십, 그리고 지식과 권력의 관계에 관심 있는 사람들에게도 충분히 의미 있게 읽힐 수 있는 작품이다.

마지막으로 이 책을 한 문장으로 정리하면 다음과 같다.

“소리를 문자로 만든다는 발상은, 결국 백성에게 생각을 표현할 수 있는 권리를 돌려주는 정치적 혁명이었다.”

About the author:

Jangwoon “Leo” Lee is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Mary Washington, specializing in the numerical analysis of stochastic partial differential equations. His research has appeared in leading journals, including SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis, and he has developed open educational resources to support undergraduate mathematics education. Dr. Lee actively mentors undergraduate researchers, often resulting in co-authored publications, and has held two sabbatical awards as a visiting professor at Sogang University and Yonsei University in Korea. He previously served as Associate Editor-in-Chief of KAUPA Letters and now serves on the editorial board of the K-GSP Forum.

Photo source: “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow”, https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/the-great-age-reboot-cracking-the-longevity-code-for-a-younger-tomorrow/article_e2f1b40c-3aa0-11ed-9ce9-6bb868257c68.html

The company’s management methods of conventional customs and institutions must be changed all at once and established something new and workable. For the people who are tired of everyday life, it is a necessity to change life and the way of thinking through reflection and meditation by using failure as a stepping stone for advancement. Booting is an action of turning an electronic device off and then back on for resolving errors or updating the system. A reboot signifies constant change and adaptation as an opportunity for a new leap forward.

The authors of the book decided on the title after observing that rapid progress in the fields of health and medicine is beginning to show signs of drastically changing society by extending lifespans and enabling people to live healthy younger lives. They were sure of a fantastic future ahead for human beings. If we choose healthy lifestyles, we can self-engineer genetic changes to prevent diseases and boost longevity.

Science has achieved great success in extending human lifespan. As a result, human life expectancy increased significantly, but the price of it had to be paid dearly. Aging became a major cause of almost all serious diseases and chronic degenerative diseases. The occurrence of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, arthritis, and lung disease increased surprisingly.

There are many people who live longer but actually spend a significant portion of their lives suffering from chronic diseases that interfere with their daily lives.

It is important to live long without disease or disabilities, and the concept of health span was established about 30 years ago. The idea continues to attract the attention of clinicians and patients.

Research in the field of medicine, which was primarily focused on alleviating or treating diseases, has come to focus on slowing down, reversing, or altering of the aging. While elucidating the complex processes, they began to develop drugs that help delay or prevent it. Research is also underway on compounds that selectively degrade aged cells only. It gives hope that it can restore physical functions and help regain youth of elderly people.

Research has also been conducted targeting behaviors that can actually be adopted in daily life to increase healthy lifespan. The results of such research show without exception that one can live a healthy life with an increased health span. Studies on the expression of genetic traits have confirmed that changing one’s lifestyle affects the activation, cessation, or suppression of gene function.

Increasing physical exercise, managing stress, and changing your diet suppress genes associated with the production of proteins necessary for prostate cancer cell proliferation and activate genes that produce proteins to eliminate cancer cells. The same phenomenon has been observed in several other cancers, It played the role of turning on the switch for genes that fight cancer and turning off the switch for genes that promote the development of cancer.

All research results clearly show that humans have the ability to change how their bodies function and react. It has been proven that by the age of 60, 75 percent of health outcomes are determined by lifestyle choices. Managing basic lifestyle restores immune function that has been reduced due to age or any other cause, thereby strengthening the body’s defenses. Since you need to not only maintain your health but also possess the strength to recover if you happen to lose it, you must start using proven methods before you get old to achieve proper results.

Rebooting one’s age allows one to enjoy a young and healthy life. It is also helpful for the wellbeing of family. In addition to maintaining close social ties, we need to quit smoking and drinking, exercise regularly, eat mainly fruits and vegetables, and sleep 7 or 8 hours a day. It lays a strong foundation for health. It is an era where wearable health data management is applied to building an optimized body. Anyone can do it if they set their mind to do it.

You should pay attention to several signs that guide you on the path to extending your life by maintaining good health. Maintain normal levels of blood pressure (120/80), body mass index (BMI 27), cholesterol (LDL 70 mg /dL), blood sugar (106 mg/dL). Reduce the nicotine content in urine to zero, and establish and implement a stress management plan. On top of it, see primary care physician every year and get vaccinated at appropriate times. The ‘6+2’ is called barometer for health success.

As Korea enters an aging society, the government has been trying to implement health management program. With the banner ‘We can’t stop aging, but let’s prevent frailty’, the program was put into effect in early 2026. Disease prevention and control agency is now achieving a success in delaying the deaths and admission to nursing homes of the elderly, by placing emphasis on nutritional intake, muscle strength, and fall prevention.

Original version in Korean language

Choice Of Lifestyle(korean)

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About the Author

Dr. Chung Gil Lee is Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Medicine at Chonnam National University, where he served on the faculty until 2007. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from James Cook University, Australia, and began his career as an Interpreter Officer in the Korean Army. A graduate of Chonnam National University (1963), he is currently a member of the Korean Literature Society of America.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a technological innovation; it is fundamentally transforming how humans think, work, learn, and create culture. While the Industrial Revolution replaced human physical labor with machines, the AI revolution is now replacing portions of human cognitive work. Writing, translation, image generation, music composition, data analysis, and even advisory decision-making are increasingly being performed with the assistance of AI systems. In this rapidly changing environment, a fundamental question naturally arises: What, then, is the role of human beings?

This question is reshaping the future of education. Memorization and repetitive calculation—once central to traditional schooling—are now tasks that AI performs faster and more accurately than humans. Therefore, education in the AI era must move beyond simple knowledge transmission. It must cultivate uniquely human capacities such as creativity, empathy, ethical judgment, integrative thinking, and the ability to explore meaning in life. In other words, education in the AI age must become more deeply human while also becoming more interdisciplinary, connecting diverse fields of knowledge.

In the AI Era, the Ability to Ask Questions Matters More than Knowledge

Traditional education has long emphasized the ability to memorize and reproduce correct answers. However, today, students can instantly access nearly all forms of information through smartphones and AI systems. What matters now is not how much one knows, but the ability to ask meaningful questions.

Creative questions are the starting point of discovery. Steve Jobs believed that innovation emerges at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts, and Albert Einstein famously stated that imagination is more important than knowledge. AI generates answers based on existing data, but humans can create entirely new questions that have never been asked before. Therefore, future education must encourage curiosity and independent inquiry rather than passive reception of information.

Interdisciplinary Education Is Essential for Solving Future Problems

Modern societal challenges cannot be solved within the boundaries of a single discipline. Issues such as climate change, cybersecurity threats, AI ethics, and global health crises require the integration of science, technology, economics, philosophy, politics, and psychology.

For example, designing an AI-based healthcare system requires not only computer science but also medicine, ethics, law, and psychology. Thus, future education must move beyond producing “specialists in a single field” and instead cultivate individuals who can connect multiple domains of knowledge. This is the core principle of interdisciplinary education.

Human Emotion and Empathy Will Become Even More Important

AI can analyze data, but it cannot genuinely feel human suffering. The fear of a patient, the anxiety of a student, the loneliness of an elderly person, and the emotional impact of art cannot be fully captured by algorithms alone.

Therefore, emotional intelligence and empathy must become central components of education. Literature, music, visual arts, and philosophy are not merely cultural supplements; they are essential tools for preserving humanity. Human society ultimately exists through relationships, and these relationships are grounded in emotional understanding.

The Value of the Arts and Humanities Will Be Reaffirmed

Many assume that only STEM fields matter in the AI era. However, the opposite is increasingly true: the humanities and arts are becoming more important than ever. As AI takes over technical tasks, uniquely human capacities such as imagination, interpretation, and cultural insight become more valuable.

A poem, a piece of music, or a philosophical reflection can reveal dimensions of human existence that data alone cannot capture. Historically, the greatest minds of the Renaissance combined science and art. Leonardo da Vinci was both an artist and a scientist, and Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, philosopher, and statesman. Future education must once again embrace this integrated model of human development.

Ethical Education Is Essential in the AI Era

As AI systems become more powerful, ethical concerns become more urgent. Issues such as misinformation, deepfakes, privacy violations, algorithmic bias, and job displacement are not merely technical problems—they are moral ones.

Education in the AI era must therefore address not only what can be created, but what should be created. Students must learn responsibility in technology use and understand its social consequences. Without ethics, technological progress can lead to social instability and harm.

Lifelong Learning Will Become the New Norm

In the past, education often ended with formal schooling. In the AI era, however, rapid technological change makes lifelong learning essential. Knowledge becomes outdated quickly, and individuals must continuously update their skills.

Universities are likely to evolve into lifelong learning platforms rather than institutions limited to degree programs. Online courses, AI tutors, and virtual reality-based education will enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. Learning will no longer be confined by age or stage of life.

Creativity Will Be the Most Important Human Competency

AI is highly effective at combining existing data, but it still struggles to generate entirely new cultural and conceptual frameworks. Thus, creativity becomes the most important human capability in the future society.

Creativity is not limited to artistic expression. It includes the ability to solve problems in novel ways, connect diverse ideas, and think beyond conventional boundaries. Education must therefore encourage experimentation, curiosity, and a willingness to fail and learn.

Education Will Shift from Competition to Collaboration

Industrial-age education was largely based on competition and standardized testing. However, in the AI era, collaboration becomes far more important than individual competition, as complex problems require collective intelligence.

Future education must emphasize teamwork, global cooperation, and cross-cultural communication. AI will further accelerate international collaboration, making it essential for students to understand diverse perspectives and work effectively across boundaries.

Education Must Restore the Connection Between Humans and Nature

As digital technologies advance, humans are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. Extended time spent in virtual environments can lead to mental fatigue, stress, and isolation.

Therefore, education must also include experiences that reconnect individuals with nature, reflection, meditation, and slow, mindful learning. Nature plays a crucial role in restoring creativity and psychological balance. In an AI-driven world, inner equilibrium becomes more important than ever.

Ultimately, Education Is About Becoming Human

The essence of education is not merely to prepare for employment, but to help individuals discover the meaning of their lives and their role in society.

AI may serve as a powerful tool, but it cannot define the purpose of human existence. Education in the future must therefore integrate technical competence with philosophical reflection, ethical responsibility, and humanistic understanding.

Education in the AI era cannot be reduced to digital literacy or technical training alone. On the contrary, as technology advances, the importance of deeply human education becomes even more evident. The future demands individuals who are not only capable of using AI effectively but also able to think creatively, empathize with others, and act with ethical responsibility.

Thus, education must evolve into a truly interdisciplinary system that integrates science and the humanities, technology and the arts, logic and emotion. At the same time, it must cultivate inner reflection, empathy, and a sense of shared human responsibility.

Ultimately, the greatest competence in the AI era is not the ability to compute faster than machines, but the ability to think, feel, love, and create in profoundly human ways. The true goal of future education is to cultivate such deeply human beings. +++

{Solti}

May 18, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Recent news that Chinese universities are abolishing or suspending enrollment in foreign language majors such as Japanese, Korean, and German carries significance far beyond a simple educational policy adjustment. Some universities in China are even reducing English programs while expanding interdisciplinary curricula such as “Foreign Language + AI,” “Foreign Language + Data Science,” and “Foreign Language + International Business.” This trend reveals that the rapid advancement of AI translation technology is forcing universities to rethink the very purpose of higher education.

In the past, foreign language proficiency was considered a core source of global competitiveness. Mastering English often meant access to better jobs, while learning Japanese or Chinese could open the door to international expertise. During the globalization era of the late twentieth century, language skills were essentially information-access skills. Those who could read, interpret, and translate foreign materials were rare and highly valued professionals. Today, however, AI translation systems can accomplish in seconds what once required hours of human effort. Universities are now beginning to ask not merely how to teach languages, but what meaningful purposes languages can serve in the AI era.

The rise of generative AI has pushed this transformation even further. AI systems now draft emails, prepare contracts, summarize meetings, and create multilingual presentation materials. Such capabilities fundamentally challenge traditional language education models. Memorization-based grammar instruction and reading-centered curricula alone are no longer sufficient to ensure competitiveness. The restructuring taking place in Chinese universities can therefore be understood as a proactive response to this technological disruption.

Yet the crucial point is not the “death of foreign languages,” but rather the “evolution of foreign language education.” Even if AI can perform translations, human linguistic ability does not become unnecessary. On the contrary, the AI era may demand deeper linguistic understanding than ever before, because language embodies culture, history, emotion, philosophy, and context. AI may translate sentences accurately, but it still struggles to fully grasp subtle human nuances and cultural sensitivities embedded in communication.

For example, Korean concepts such as jeong (정: 情)—a deep emotional bond—and the Japanese concept of wa (화: 和), meaning social harmony, are difficult to translate fully into another language. Definitions may be provided, but their cultural depth and social implications cannot easily be captured through literal translation alone. Consequently, the most valuable professionals of the future may not be simple translators, but interdisciplinary communicators who understand both technology and culture.

Global corporations are already seeking employees who possess not only language ability but also problem-solving skills, data analysis competence, AI literacy, and multicultural understanding. This reflects a broader shift in higher education from discipline-centered learning to convergence-oriented education. China’s decision to reduce traditional language majors while strengthening technology-integrated programs mirrors this global transformation.

This development also offers important lessons for Korean universities. South Korea, too, faces declining student populations and growing concerns about the future of humanities disciplines. However, simply eliminating departments cannot be the ultimate solution. What matters is designing new educational models suitable for the AI era. Emerging fields such as “AI-Based International Negotiation,” “Digital Humanities,” “Global Content Translation and Cultural Industries,” and “AI Ethics and Philosophy of Language” may become increasingly important in the years ahead.

South Korea possesses an especially significant advantage through the global expansion of K-content and Korean culture. The worldwide success of BTS, Korean dramas, films, webtoons, and online games did not emerge solely through literal translation. Their success was rooted in deep cultural understanding and creative interpretation. This demonstrates that future language education must evolve beyond technical translation skills toward cultural creativity and content development.

Moreover, as AI grows more powerful, uniquely human capacities such as critical thinking and interpretive judgment become even more valuable. AI can provide information rapidly, but determining what is true and understanding information within its broader context remain fundamentally human responsibilities. Thus, future universities must move away from education focused on memorizing knowledge and instead cultivate the ability to collaborate with AI in generating new value.

History reminds us that technological revolutions have always disrupted existing professions and academic systems. The Industrial Revolution transformed agricultural society, and the Internet reshaped the information economy. Yet human intellectual activity itself did not disappear; rather, it evolved into new forms. The AI revolution will likely follow the same pattern. Foreign language education is not vanishing—it is being reconfigured into something more interdisciplinary, creative, and deeply human.

Ultimately, the key question is not merely “What should we learn?” but “Why should we learn it?” Language is not simply a professional skill; it is a bridge connecting human beings to one another. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it is unlikely to fully replace human empathy, cultural understanding, and creative expression. Therefore, the university of the future must create a new ecosystem of knowledge that integrates language and technology, humanities and engineering, culture and data. The reduction of foreign language majors in Chinese universities may symbolize not the end of language education, but the beginning of an educational revolution in the AI age. +++

{Solti}

May 18, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

(Image source: Amazon, © Sung Kwon Kang, 2026)

From postwar Korea to the research laboratories of America, this memoir traces a life shaped by perseverance, curiosity, and quiet conviction.

In this deeply reflective and richly layered narrative, Dr. Sung-Kwon Kang recounts his journey from his early years in Korea—marked by discipline, family devotion, and handwritten letters from his father—to graduate studies in the United States and a distinguished career at IBM Research.

Spanning more than three decades in advanced materials and microelectronics packaging, his professional life unfolded at the intersection of science and collaboration. Yet this memoir is not merely the story of a scientist. It is the story of a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and lifelong learner.

Through vivid recollections of academic mentorship, international research partnerships, Korean-American community leadership, and the enduring influence of family, Dr. Kang reflects on what it means to build a life across cultures. Along the way, he explores themes of identity, responsibility, mentorship, aging, and the evolving meaning of success.

Woven into the narrative are personal letters, historical moments, community service with KSEA, and philosophical reflections inspired by science, literature, and lived experience. The result is a memoir that speaks not only to scientists and engineers, but to anyone who has crossed borders—geographical or generational—in search of purpose.

At its heart, this book is a tribute: to parents who sacrificed, to mentors who guided, to a lifelong partner who walked beside him, and to the next generation who will carry the story forward.

BOOK LINK: https://a.co/d/03fivYC3

BOOK REVIEW:

In today’s age of artificial intelligence and hyperconnectivity, information is everywhere, yet the time to reflect on the true meaning of learning seems to be diminishing. In such an era, The Joy of Learning & Sharing: 배움과 나눔의 즐거움 (by Dr. Sung Kwon Kang) is far more than a simple self-improvement or educational guidebook. It invites readers to reconsider one of humanity’s most fundamental questions: “Why do we learn?” Drawing from extensive research and educational experience and profound life insights, the book warmly and thoughtfully explores the joy of learning and the value of sharing that knowledge with others. In particular, its effort to connect higher education, lifelong learning, and human growth is especially impressive.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is that it does not treat learning merely as a tool for improving grades or preparing for employment. Instead, the author understands learning as a lifelong process of human maturation. This perspective naturally echoes Confucius’ famous saying: “Is it not a pleasure to learn and practice what is learned at due times?” The book thoughtfully critiques the anxiety-driven and competition-centered educational environment that many students experience today, while emphasizing that the essence of learning lies in self-discovery and inner growth.

The book also presents the relationship between professors and students in a deeply humanistic way. In today’s academic culture, many students often view professors simply as evaluators. However, the author portrays educators not merely as transmitters of knowledge but as companions in life’s journey. The numerous anecdotes and reflections drawn from years of teaching experience resonate strongly with readers. These personal stories provide a persuasive power that often surpasses abstract educational theories. Reading the book feels much like engaging in a quiet conversation with a wise mentor.

Particularly noteworthy is the discussion of what it means to become a “smart student.” Yet the author’s definition of intelligence is not limited to test-taking skills or short-term memorization. Instead, greater importance is placed on the ability to ask meaningful questions, think independently, cultivate consistent reading habits, and learn through failure. These qualities are especially crucial in the AI era. Artificial intelligence can rapidly provide information, but the ability to determine which questions truly matter remains uniquely human.

The author also argues that the purpose of higher education should not be confined to vocational preparation alone. Students, the book insists, should become lifelong learners who continue growing even after graduation. This message is profoundly relevant in modern society. As technological change accelerates, no single body of knowledge can sustain a person throughout an entire lifetime. Ultimately, the most important competitive advantage in the future will be the ability to continue learning.

Another meaningful aspect of the book is its seamless integration of Eastern educational philosophy with contemporary educational realities. The author skillfully connects Confucian values of learning with the direction modern higher education should pursue. Traditional wisdom, the book suggests, is not merely a relic of the past but a valuable source of insight for addressing today’s educational challenges. This perspective offers a refreshing alternative for readers accustomed primarily to Western-centered educational discourse.

Equally compelling is the book’s philosophy of sharing. It emphasizes that the completion of learning ultimately lies in giving and sharing with others. True knowledge becomes more meaningful not when it is possessed individually, but when it is shared collectively. This idea aligns closely with today’s open-source culture, collaborative research, and global academic networks. Indeed, many of the world’s most significant innovations have emerged not from isolation and competition, but from cooperation and shared wisdom.

The writing style itself is another major strength of the book. Although it deals with educational philosophy and academic themes, the prose never becomes excessively technical or rigid. The author’s warm perspective and sincere storytelling naturally draw readers into the text. Students, parents, professors, and general readers interested in lifelong learning can all find something meaningful within its pages. In this sense, the work functions less as a specialized academic text and more as an educational essay that bridges generations.

Viewed within the context of the AI age, the book’s message becomes even more significant. Today’s students can quickly access information through generative AI systems such as ChatGPT. Yet as information becomes increasingly accessible, the question “Why do we learn?” grows even more important. This book offers a deeply human and philosophical answer to that question. Learning, it argues, is not merely the accumulation of information, but the cultivation of humanity, wisdom, and a sense of community.

Above all, the book offers readers a quiet sense of hope. Even in an age dominated by competition and anxiety, it reminds us that learning itself can still be a source of joy. The author values growth over achievement, continuity over speed, and contribution to the community over individual success. Such messages help restore the very essence of education that modern society often risks losing.

In conclusion, Joy of Learning and Sharing is not simply a book about education. It is a humanistic reflection on the meaning of learning and a philosophical guide to the future direction of education in the age of artificial intelligence. For students, it provides academic and personal direction; for professors, it reawakens the true purpose of teaching; and for general readers, it rekindles the joy of lifelong learning. In a rapidly changing world, the book quietly yet powerfully reminds us that the goal is not merely to learn more, but to learn more deeply and to share more generously. +++

{Solti}

May 17, 2026

[서평] 배움과 나눔의 기쁨

— 배움의 본질은 결국 ‘나눔’에 있다 (한국어 서평)

오늘날 우리는 인공지능과 초연결 사회 속에서 살아가고 있다. 정보는 넘쳐나지만, 진정한 배움의 의미를 성찰하는 시간은 오히려 줄어들고 있다. 이러한 시대에 『Joy of Learning and Sharing: 배움과 나눔의 기쁨 (강 성권 박사 지음)』은 단순한 자기계발서나 교육 지침서를 넘어, “왜 배우는가?”라는 가장 근본적인 질문을 다시 던지게 만드는 책이다. 이 책은 오랜 연구 및 교육 경험과 삶의 통찰을 바탕으로, 배움의 기쁨과 그것을 타인과 나누는 삶의 가치를 따뜻하면서도 깊이 있게 전달한다. 특히 대학 교육과 평생학습, 그리고 인간 성장의 본질을 연결하려는 시도가 매우 인상적이다.

이 책의 가장 큰 장점은 ‘학습’을 단순한 성적 향상이나 취업 준비의 도구로 보지 않는다는 점이다. 저자는 배움을 인간 존재의 성숙 과정으로 이해한다. 이는 공자의 “배우고 때때로 익히면 또한 기쁘지 아니한가(學而時習之 不亦說乎)”라는 가르침과도 자연스럽게 연결된다. 실제로 책은 현대 대학생들이 흔히 겪는 불안과 경쟁 중심의 교육 현실을 지적하면서도, 배움의 본질은 자기 발견과 내면 성장에 있다고 강조한다.

또한 이 책은 교수와 학생의 관계를 매우 인간적으로 바라본다. 오늘날 많은 학생들은 교수를 단순한 평가자로 생각하지만, 저자는 교수를 ‘지식 전달자’를 넘어 ‘삶의 동반자’로 이해한다. 특히 오랜 강의 경험 속에서 만난 다양한 학생들의 사례와 에피소드는 독자에게 큰 공감을 준다. 이는 단순한 교육 이론보다 훨씬 강력한 설득력을 지닌다. 독자는 책을 읽으며 마치 인생 선배와 조용히 대화를 나누는 듯한 느낌을 받게 된다.

책에서 특히 주목할 부분은 ‘스마트한 학생’이 되는 방법에 대한 논의이다. 그러나 여기서 말하는 스마트함은 시험 기술이나 단기 암기 능력이 아니다. 저자는 질문하는 능력, 자기주도적 사고, 지속적인 독서 습관, 그리고 실패를 통해 배우는 태도를 더 중요하게 여긴다. 이는 AI 시대에 더욱 절실한 가치이다. 인공지능은 정보를 빠르게 제공할 수 있지만, 무엇이 중요한 질문인지를 결정하는 능력은 결국 인간에게 달려 있기 때문이다.

저자는 또한 대학 교육의 목적을 단순한 직업 준비에 한정하지 않는다. 그는 학생들이 졸업 이후에도 계속 배우는 사람, 즉 lifelong learner가 되어야 한다고 강조한다. 이는 현대 사회에서 매우 중요한 메시지이다. 기술 변화의 속도가 빨라질수록, 한 번 배운 지식만으로 평생을 살아갈 수 없기 때문이다. 결국 미래 사회에서 가장 중요한 경쟁력은 “계속 배울 수 있는 능력”이다.

이 책은 동양적 교육 철학과 현대적 교육 현실을 자연스럽게 연결한다는 점에서도 의미가 크다. 특히 유교적 배움의 가치와 현대 대학 교육의 방향성을 함께 논의하는 부분은 매우 흥미롭다. 저자는 전통적 지혜가 단순히 과거의 유산이 아니라, 오늘날의 교육 문제를 해결하는 데에도 중요한 통찰을 제공할 수 있다고 본다. 이는 서구 중심 교육 담론에 익숙한 독자들에게 신선한 시각을 제공한다.

또 하나 인상적인 점은 ‘나눔’의 철학이다. 책은 배움의 완성이 결국 나눔에 있다고 강조한다. 진정한 지식은 혼자 소유할 때보다 타인과 공유할 때 더욱 가치가 커진다는 것이다. 이러한 관점은 오늘날 오픈소스 문화, 협업 연구, 글로벌 학술 네트워크와도 깊이 연결된다. 실제로 현대 혁신의 많은 사례들은 경쟁보다 협력과 공유에서 탄생하고 있다.

문체 역시 이 책의 중요한 매력이다. 학술적 내용을 담고 있으면서도 지나치게 어렵거나 딱딱하지 않다. 저자의 따뜻한 시선과 진솔한 경험담은 독자가 자연스럽게 책 속으로 빠져들게 만든다. 특히 학생뿐 아니라 학부모, 교수, 그리고 평생학습에 관심 있는 일반 독자들도 충분히 공감할 수 있도록 구성되어 있다. 이러한 점에서 이 책은 특정 계층만을 위한 전문서가 아니라, 세대를 연결하는 교육 에세이에 가깝다.

AI 시대라는 맥락에서 보면, 이 책의 메시지는 더욱 중요하게 다가온다. 오늘날 학생들은 ChatGPT와 같은 생성형 AI를 통해 빠르게 정보를 얻을 수 있다. 그러나 정보 접근성이 높아질수록 오히려 ‘왜 배우는가’라는 질문은 더욱 중요해진다. 이 책은 바로 그 질문에 대해 인간적이고 철학적인 답을 제시한다. 배움은 단순한 정보 축적이 아니라 인간성과 공동체 의식을 키우는 과정이라는 것이다.

무엇보다 이 책은 독자에게 조용한 희망을 준다. 경쟁과 불안이 지배하는 시대 속에서도, 배움 자체를 즐길 수 있다는 가능성을 보여주기 때문이다. 저자는 성취보다 성장, 속도보다 지속성, 그리고 개인적 성공보다 공동체적 기여를 강조한다. 이러한 메시지는 오늘날 교육이 잃어버리기 쉬운 본질을 다시 떠올리게 만든다.

결론적으로 『Joy of Learning and Sharing: 배움과 나눔의 기쁨』은 단순한 교육 서적이 아니다. 그것은 배움의 의미를 다시 성찰하게 하는 인문학적 에세이이자, AI 시대에 인간 교육이 나아가야 할 방향을 제시하는 철학적 안내서이다. 대학생들에게는 학업의 방향성을, 교수들에게는 교육의 본질을, 그리고 일반 독자들에게는 평생학습의 기쁨을 다시 일깨워 준다. 빠르게 변하는 시대일수록 우리는 더 많이 배우는 사람이 아니라, 더 깊이 배우고 더 넓게 나누는 사람이 되어야 한다는 사실을 이 책은 조용하지만 강하게 말해주고 있다. +++

{솔티}

2026년 5월 17일

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남!)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now moved beyond the category of advanced technology and has become a turning point that is reshaping the direction of human civilization itself. The rapid development of generative AI is dramatically improving productivity and efficiency across nearly all domains—medicine, education, finance, defense, the arts, and public administration. What was once considered science fiction has now become an everyday conversational partner, an assistant in professional work, a creative tool, and in some cases, a system that directly influences human decision-making processes. However, when the speed of technological development exceeds the pace of ethical, institutional, and cultural adaptation, society inevitably experiences tension, anxiety, and conflict. The recent phenomenon often described as an “AI backlash” in American society is not merely a technological rejection movement, but a fundamental question about how human civilization should coexist with artificial intelligence.

Recent incidents in the United States illustrate the growing social impact of AI-related risks. According to reports, lawsuits have been filed against AI companies following claims that generative AI systems suggested dangerous drug combinations that contributed to a young person’s death. In another case, it was alleged that a mass shooter had engaged in prolonged conversations with an AI system and obtained information related to violent actions. These incidents demonstrate that AI is evolving beyond a simple information retrieval tool into a system capable of influencing human judgment and behavior. While ultimate responsibility still lies with human actors, AI developers cannot avoid their responsibility for risk assessment and safety design.

The impact of AI is not limited to the digital space. The physical infrastructure required to support AI systems—particularly large-scale data centers—consumes enormous amounts of electricity, water, and rare resources. According to the article, residents in parts of Indiana have expressed strong opposition to the construction of AI data centers, raising concerns that such facilities may consume over 15,000 tons of water per day. This indicates that AI is not an abstract or virtual technology but an industrial system with direct consequences for local communities and natural ecosystems. As AI development accelerates, issues such as energy demand, water scarcity, and infrastructure strain are expected to become major global challenges.

Another significant area of concern is the reaction from creative professionals. Artists and musicians have increasingly protested against the unauthorized use of their works in AI training datasets. AI systems generate new images, music, and texts by learning from vast amounts of human-created content. However, in many cases, the consent and compensation of original creators remain insufficient. This issue is not merely about technological innovation but about intellectual property rights and the dignity of human creativity. Artistic works are not simply data; they are the result of lived experience, emotion, and cultural context. Without proper protection, the cultural ecosystem may face serious distortion.

Religious and educational communities have also raised concerns about AI’s intrusion into human relationships. Some individuals, driven by loneliness and anxiety, have begun to rely on AI chatbots as companions or even as counseling substitutes. The article notes that some religious leaders, after encountering cases where AI-based counseling nearly worsened family conflicts, have begun warning their communities about the dangers of overreliance on AI. This reflects the growing reality that AI is penetrating not only cognitive tasks but also emotional and relational domains. However, AI does not possess empathy or moral responsibility; it generates responses based on statistical patterns rather than genuine understanding.

Interestingly, opposition to AI is not confined to any single political ideology. In the United States, concerns about AI safety and transparency are being raised across both conservative and liberal groups. This indicates that AI is not simply a political issue but a structural issue affecting the stability of society as a whole. Historically, similar tensions emerged during the Industrial Revolution, when mechanization disrupted labor systems and social structures. Ultimately, societies responded by developing labor laws, public education systems, and welfare institutions. Likewise, the AI era requires not the rejection of technology, but the creation of balanced governance frameworks.

Individual users also play a critical role. While generative AI produces highly fluent and persuasive responses, it still suffers from issues such as hallucination and factual inaccuracy. In high-stakes domains such as medicine, law, finance, and mental health, blind trust in AI outputs can be dangerous. AI should be treated as a supportive tool rather than an absolute authority. Human verification and expert judgment remain essential. Therefore, digital literacy education must evolve to include not only technical skills but also critical AI evaluation capabilities.

Corporations and governments bear even greater responsibility. AI is no longer merely an industrial innovation; it is deeply connected to national security, labor markets, democratic governance, education systems, and information sovereignty. Governments must therefore go beyond promoting AI development and simultaneously establish robust safety and ethical frameworks. Policies such as workforce retraining programs, energy regulations for data centers, AI copyright standards, youth usage guidelines, and algorithmic transparency requirements must be systematically implemented. At the international level, cooperation is also essential, as AI transcends national borders.

Future AI development must prioritize not only “more powerful AI” but also “more responsible AI.” The current global AI race is largely driven by speed and scale, with companies competing to build larger models and release products faster. However, excessive emphasis on speed may ultimately lead to public distrust and technological fatigue. AI should not replace humans but should function as a collaborative system that enhances human capabilities. Human-centered AI, explainable AI, and trustworthy AI must become the core principles of future technological philosophy.

At the same time, the value of humanity itself will likely become even more important in the AI era. While AI can process vast amounts of data and perform complex calculations, it cannot love, sacrifice, or bear moral responsibility in the way humans do. Human empathy, conscience, spirituality, and artistic sensitivity remain domains that machines cannot fully replicate. As AI becomes more prevalent, people may increasingly seek authenticity, emotional connection, and philosophical meaning. In this sense, human depth rather than technical skill may become the true competitive advantage of the future.

Ultimately, the so-called “AI backlash” emerging in American society is not a rejection of technology itself. Rather, it is a structural warning that arises when technological development outpaces social adaptation, and at the same time a collective reflection on how to redesign civilization in the age of AI. Humanity now faces a deeper question: not “what can we build with AI?” but “what kind of civilization do we want to create?” AI is not inherently good or evil; it is a mirror reflecting human intentions, values, and institutional structures.

Therefore, the most important question in the AI era is not how far AI will advance, but what kind of humanity we wish to become. We are standing at a historical crossroads. Will we create an AI-driven civilization that weakens human dignity, or one that enriches human values and expands human potential? The answer will depend on the wisdom, ethics, and responsibility of all of us living in this present moment. +++

{Solti}

May 17, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

In today’s world, people are more connected than ever before. Smartphones and social media deliver the lives of others to us in real time throughout the day. Yet paradoxically, the human heart seems to be sinking into even deeper loneliness. The world of the American painter Edward Hopper has recently gained renewed attention because it portrays this modern solitude with remarkable precision and quiet intensity. The figures in his paintings do not perform dramatic actions. They simply gaze out of windows, sit silently in cafés, or endure another ordinary day in silence. Yet it is precisely this silence that gives profound comfort to contemporary viewers. His work artistically demonstrates the truth that “the solitude of others helps us understand our own.”

First, Hopper’s paintings communicate human emotion through “frozen moments” rather than dramatic narratives. While films and television dramas often move audiences through conflict and excitement, Hopper transforms seemingly uneventful moments into art itself. An empty street or a late-night diner evokes the quiet emptiness that many people have experienced in their own lives. In art criticism, this is often described as a “static narrative.” The less movement there is, the more vividly human emotion emerges.

Second, one of the most important elements in his work is light. Hopper’s light is not merely illumination; it is a psychological language. Sunlight entering through a window, the dim glow of neon signs, or the faint light of a hotel room all intensify feelings of isolation and emotional distance. Even ordinary viewers standing before his paintings instinctively feel a sense of melancholy. This is because the light itself speaks on behalf of human emotion.

Third, although Hopper painted cities, he was truly painting the human interior. The streets of New York, cafés, train stations, and hotel rooms are not simply backgrounds. They symbolize how modern civilization can isolate individuals. People occupy the same spaces yet rarely communicate with one another. Strikingly, this resembles today’s subway scenes where everyone stares silently at their smartphones.

Fourth, his work reveals what may be called the “aesthetics of silence.” Contemporary culture constantly demands expression, reaction, and endless conversation. Hopper’s figures, however, hardly speak at all. Instead, they endure their existence quietly within silence. From the perspective of art criticism, this creates “inner tension.” Because so little is explicitly stated, viewers are invited to fill the emotional space themselves.

Fifth, windows appear repeatedly throughout Hopper’s paintings. A window connects the inside and the outside, yet it also divides them. The figures gazing through windows seem to long for connection with the world while remaining unable to fully approach it. This symbolizes the emotional distance experienced by modern people. We live in an age of constant connection, yet genuine closeness often remains elusive.

Sixth, Hopper’s art grants viewers the freedom to interpret. He never fully explains the stories of his characters. As a result, people naturally project their own experiences into his paintings. One viewer may recall the loneliness of unemployment, another the ending of a relationship, and yet another the emptiness of life itself. His work reminds us that great art does not provide fixed answers; rather, it becomes a mirror reflecting each person’s life.

Seventh, Hopper’s paintings carry even greater significance in the age of artificial intelligence. While AI maximizes efficiency and speed, it also raises new concerns about the loss of authentic human connection. The loneliness visible in Hopper’s work is not merely a twentieth-century problem; it is also a deeply contemporary one. In a world overflowing with screens but lacking meaningful conversation, his paintings invite us to reconsider the essential solitude of human existence.

Eighth, art critics admire Hopper because of his extraordinary restraint. He never exaggerates emotion. There are no screaming figures or overly dramatic expressions. Yet this restraint creates even deeper emotional resonance. In some ways, it resembles the East Asian aesthetic concept of “the beauty of emptiness” or “negative space.” Because he does not explain everything, his paintings leave a more lasting emotional echo.

Ninth, Hopper’s work raises philosophical questions about human existence itself. Why are people lonely? Why do we feel isolated even when surrounded by others? Can human beings ever truly understand one another? His paintings offer no direct answers. Instead, they quietly place these questions before us. This is one of the greatest powers of art. Great art does not merely create beautiful images; it compels us to reflect upon the meaning of human existence.

Tenth, the enduring popularity of Hopper’s paintings ultimately comes from their power of empathy. People long for someone to understand their loneliness. Hopper’s works seem to whisper gently, “You are not alone in feeling alone.” For this reason, his paintings are sorrowful yet deeply comforting at the same time. By witnessing the solitude of others, people often discover the strength to endure their own lives.

Ultimately, Edward Hopper’s art reveals the essence of humanity through silence rather than spectacle, through moments rather than events, and through emptiness rather than explanation. The loneliness in his paintings is not simply sadness; it is a mirror reflecting the existential condition of modern life. In an age that is increasingly fast and noisy, people often find their deepest consolation in quiet art. That is why Hopper’s paintings feel less like ordinary works of art and more like a silent conversation with the human soul. +++

{Solti}

May 17, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Choi Rip is often remembered as a literary figure, calligrapher, and diplomatic writer. However, his historical significance extends far beyond the literary domain into the practical machinery of state administration in mid-Joseon Korea. He functioned as a bureaucratic intellectual who actively participated in the processes through which policy was documented, communicated, and implemented. In particular, during and after the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592–1598), his administrative role became closely tied to crisis governance and the stabilization of state communication systems. This essay expands his administrative contributions into ten analytical dimensions and synthesizes their broader significance.

First, Choi Rip’s entry into officialdom reflected not only personal academic achievement but also the structural logic of Joseon’s civil service system. Through the civil examinations, he entered the bureaucracy, and from the beginning he was recognized not only for literary talent but also for his capacity to handle official documents with clarity and precision—an essential administrative skill in a text-centered governance system.

Second, within the central bureaucracy, he contributed to improving the formal rigor and logical coherence of state documents. In Joseon governance, official documents were not merely records but active instruments of policymaking. Choi Rip helped strengthen clarity, structure, and consistency in administrative writing, thereby improving the reliability of governmental communication.

Third, he also functioned as an interpreter of administrative information. Reports sent from local magistracies often contained distortions due to regional interests or informational gaps. He played a role in reorganizing and refining such reports so that the central government could obtain a more accurate understanding of local conditions—an early form of policy analysis and information normalization.

Fourth, during the Imjin War, his administrative role became critical in maintaining state functionality under crisis conditions. As the bureaucratic system faced disruption, he contributed to sustaining document circulation and ensuring that emergency directives could still be transmitted across regions. In this sense, his work was directly linked to the survival of governmental continuity.

Fifth, he served as a connective agent between military administration and civil governance. In Joseon, military and civil functions were not strictly separated, and military operations depended heavily on written orders and reports. Choi Rip’s organizational refinement of military documents contributed to improving coordination between command structures and administrative execution.

Sixth, although indirectly, he influenced personnel administration by shaping the standards of bureaucratic evaluation documents. Since appointments and promotions were heavily dependent on written recommendations and assessments, his emphasis on clarity and rational structure helped reinforce a more systematic and credible evaluation culture within officialdom.

Seventh, he contributed to fiscal and logistical administration by organizing records related to taxation, military supplies, and resource distribution. These elements formed the backbone of state survival during wartime, and his work helped ensure that administrative records were structured, traceable, and usable for decision-making.

Eighth, Choi Rip elevated the quality of administrative language itself. He moved beyond simple reporting toward persuasive, logically constructed bureaucratic discourse. This contributed to the refinement of official writing styles and influenced later developments in Joseon administrative documentation practices.

Ninth, he embodied an integrated intellectual approach in which literature and administration were not separate domains. His writing combined aesthetic refinement with functional governance purposes, merging expressive language with policy communication. This dual-function style was uncommon and demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of bureaucratic communication.

Tenth, although he was not a formal educator, he served as an informal mentor within bureaucratic culture. His writing style and administrative reasoning became models for younger officials, contributing to the internal transmission of administrative norms within the bureaucratic system.

In conclusion, Choi Rip made significant contributions not only as a literary figure but as a stabilizer and enhancer of Joseon’s document-based administrative system. He ensured continuity of governance during crisis, strengthened communication between central and local authorities, and elevated bureaucratic writing into a form of structured intellectual practice. From a modern perspective, he may be understood as an early practitioner of policy communication and administrative information design. His legacy thus transcends literature, positioning him as a practical administrative thinker who helped shape the operational logic of premodern governance systems. +++

{Solti}

May 16, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Reuters Investigative Reporter Linda So Wins 2026 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting

Since it is such a great honor for a second-generation Korean American to receive the 2026 Pulitzer Prize, I conducted an interview with her parents, James and Myung So, who live in Leisure World, where I also reside.

[PHOTO 1: Linda So. Photo by Prof. Dr. Semoon Chang]

The elder James So and his wife, Myung, moved into Leisure World on September 1, 2022, from Annapolis. Their daughter, Linda So, was born in 1979 in Baltimore. Linda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Maryland. According to her parents, beginning in her youth and continuing throughout her career, Connie Chung — one of the first women reporters on national television and the first Asian American anchor of a major network newscast — has been her idol. Well, it may have paid off.

[PHOTO 2: Linda’s parents, James and Myung So, Photo by Prof. Dr. Semoon Chang]

Even before the May 4, 2026 announcement of the Pulitzer Award, Linda So had received a series of prestigious honors. She received the George Polk Award for Reuters’ “Campaign of Fear” series on threats against U.S. election workers in 2022, and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for Reuters’ “Dying Inside” investigation into deaths in U.S. jails in 2021, among many others.

She is currently a reporter on the Reuters investigative politics team. Previously, she worked as a reporter and weekend anchor at Baltimore Channel 2, an ABC affiliate, before moving to Reuters in 2012. Apparently, Linda showed a natural talent for investigative reporting: she was selected from 300 applicants when Reuters hired her.

The 2026 Pulitzer Prize winners were announced on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time by the Pulitzer Prize Board. The Pulitzer Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the United States for journalism, literature, music, and public service. In the National Reporting category, the prize was awarded to the staff of Reuters, notably Ned Parker, Linda So, Peter Eisler, and Mike Spector. The Pulitzer Prize Board recognized the team “for documenting how the president used the U.S. government and the influence of his supporters to expand executive power and exact vengeance on his foes.”

The citation noted that Linda So and her investigative team at Reuters documented “at least 470 targets of retribution under Trump’s leadership — from federal employees and prosecutors to universities and media outlets. The list illuminates the sweeping effort by the president and his administration to punish dissent and reshape the government.”

The other two finalists in the National Reporting category in 2026 were the staff of Bloomberg and the staff of The Washington Post. Linda So currently resides in Bethesda with her husband, daughter, and two sons. We, the Korean American community, can rightly feel immense pride in Linda’s accomplishment.

A note on one item worth verifying before publication: I would recommend double-checking the exact wording and date of the Pulitzer citation against the official Pulitzer Prize Board announcement, since direct quotations from awarding bodies need to match the source verbatim. If the wording differs from your draft, the quotation marks should be adjusted accordingly. I also normalized the date format and a few small punctuation items but preserved your voice, structure, and factual content throughout.

Reference:

1. Pulitzer.org, Staff of Reuters, notably Ned Parker, Linda So, Peter Eisler and Mike Spector, https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/staff-reuters-notably-ned-parker-linda-so-peter-eisler-and-mike-spector

2. Kyong-Hyang Daily, Second-generation Korean American journalist Linda So wins Pulitzer Prize, https://www.khan.co.kr/en/article/202605101641007

About the Author

Prof. Dr. Semoon Chang is Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of South Alabama, where he spent his entire professional career and served as Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research. Together with his late wife, he established the Semoon and Youngshin Chang Award for Humanitarian Services, a permanent endowment created in 2010 at the University of South Alabama, with the recipient selected each year by the University Faculty Senate. His record of volunteer service is extensive: he served as Vice Chair of the United Way of Southwest Alabama (1994–95), President of the Association for University Business and Economic Research (AUBER, 1998–99), and President of the Korea-American Economic Association (KAEA, 1999). Upon retirement, Dr. Chang moved to Leisure World of Maryland. He currently serves on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Leadership Council of Compassion & Choices, the leading organization of the medical aid in dying movement.

© K-Global Schoalrs and Professionals Forum. All rights reserved. Content published in the K-GSP Forum may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the K-GSP Forum, except for brief quotations with full attribution.

Among the intellectual figures of mid-Joseon Korea, few individuals deserve to be regarded as a true “cultural phenomenon” as much as Gan-i (簡易, 간이) Choi Rip (崔岦(최립), 1539–1612). He was not merely a poet, but simultaneously a prose stylist, government official, diplomat, educator, art critic, and pioneer of literary publication culture. The literary collection that embodies his life, philosophy, and spirit of documentation is The Gani Collection (Gani-jip, 간이집(簡易集)).

The Gani Collection is far more than a personal anthology. It is a vast intellectual archive encompassing the political, diplomatic, artistic, literary, and philosophical worlds of late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century Joseon Korea. While official historical records such as the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty preserve the voice of state power, personal literary collections reveal the emotional life, intellectual struggles, aesthetic sensitivity, and ethical consciousness of historical individuals with far greater intimacy. Among such collections, The Gani Collection stands out as one of the finest examples in which literary excellence and documentary value coexist at the highest level.

Choi Rip lived through the trauma of the Imjin War (1592–1598), participated in diplomatic missions to Ming China, and stood at the center of literary transformation in Joseon intellectual society. Consequently, his writings contain not only poetry and refined prose, but also reflections on East Asian international order, the realities of governance, the responsibilities of scholars, aesthetic criticism, and the philosophy of self-cultivation. For this reason, The Gani Collection is now recognized not merely as a work of Korean classical literature but as an essential source for the study of East Asian civilization.

Moreover, in today’s age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the collection has acquired renewed relevance. AI can generate enormous quantities of information, but it cannot easily reproduce the depth of human contemplation, ethical reflection, or cultural responsibility embodied in works such as The Gani Collection. In this sense, Choi Rip’s writings are increasingly viewed as a humanistic compass for the AI era.

The Compilation and Publication of The Gani Collection Was a Landmark in Joseon Publishing Culture

The Gani Collection was first published in 1631, approximately twenty years after Choi Rip’s death, through Gyoseogwan, the royal publishing office of Joseon. This was not simply a private memorial project by his descendants; it represented official cultural recognition by the state itself.

The first edition consisted of nine volumes in nine books and included poetry, prose, memorial writings, prefaces, epitaphs, diplomatic texts, and literary critiques. However, many copies were lost during the Manchu invasions and subsequent periods of turmoil. As a result, the collection was republished in woodblock form in 1643.

The republication itself reveals how highly Joseon intellectual society valued Choi Rip’s writings. In an era when wars, fires, and political upheavals destroyed countless books, the survival of The Gani Collection reflects generations of cultural dedication and archival responsibility. Its continued existence may itself be considered a miracle of Korean documentary civilization.

The Structure of The Gani Collection Reflects Choi Rip’s Intellectual Worldview

The organization of The Gani Collection was highly unusual for its time. Most Joseon literary anthologies placed poetry first and prose later. Choi Rip reversed this order by emphasizing prose above poetry.

This editorial decision carried profound significance. Choi Rip did not regard literature merely as decorative art for emotional pleasure. He believed writing possessed the power to shape politics, diplomacy, education, administration, and human relationships. His prose therefore functioned as practical and ethical discourse rather than purely aesthetic expression.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the collection demonstrates an integrated intellectual worldview. His writings on art criticism contain philosophical reflections; diplomatic texts include psychological insight; and poems about nature often carry political or ethical undertones. Such interconnectedness exemplifies the holistic mode of thought characteristic of East Asian classical civilization.

The Gani Collection Preserves the Living Reality of Joseon Society

Official historical records often reflect the perspective of kings and central institutions. Personal literary collections, by contrast, preserve how intellectuals actually experienced their historical world.

Because Choi Rip served both in local administration and central government, he possessed firsthand knowledge of the realities of governance. His writings vividly portray the lives of ordinary people, the challenges of provincial administration, the burdens of public office, and the chaos brought by war.

His records concerning the Imjin War are especially important. Rather than merely documenting military devastation, Choi Rip reflected deeply on moral collapse, national responsibility, and the ethical role of intellectuals during times of crisis. In this respect, The Gani Collection functions not only as literature but also as a psychological and moral record of wartime civilization.

Modern historians value the collection precisely because it preserves dimensions of lived experience absent from official chronicles.

Choi Rip’s Prose Stood at the Center of a Literary Revolution

Prior to Choi Rip, much Joseon prose writing remained constrained by rigid imitation of Tang and Song literary styles. Choi Rip sought instead a prose style that was dynamic, realistic, and intellectually alive.

While respecting the grandeur of Qin-Han prose traditions, he developed forms of expression appropriate to Joseon realities. His writing was forceful yet restrained, scholarly yet practical. He possessed exceptional skill in balancing rhythm, structure, emotional intensity, and philosophical clarity.

Later literary figures—including Heo Gyun, Sin Heum, Jang Yu, and Yu Mong-in—recognized his influence. Choi Rip was not merely an accomplished writer; he was a reformer who redirected the evolution of Joseon prose language itself.

Contemporary literary scholarship continues to value The Gani Collection because it integrates moral seriousness with emotional realism in a remarkably sophisticated manner.

The Gani Collection Is an Important Source for Understanding East Asian Diplomacy

Choi Rip participated in multiple diplomatic missions to Ming China, experiences that broadened his worldview far beyond domestic Joseon concerns.

His diplomatic writings reveal a refined understanding of language as an instrument of national image and cultural prestige. He recognized that diplomatic rhetoric represented not merely political necessity but also civilizational dignity.

Through interaction with Chinese intellectuals and literary circles, Choi Rip cultivated an unusually advanced international sensibility. From a modern perspective, he may even be viewed as an early practitioner of cultural diplomacy and soft power strategy.

Accordingly, The Gani Collection is valuable not only for Korean literary studies but also for research into East Asian diplomatic history and intercultural communication.

Choi Rip’s Art Criticism Reveals the Sophistication of Joseon Aesthetics

Choi Rip was also an outstanding connoisseur and critic of art. The Gani Collection contains numerous evaluations of paintings, calligraphy, folding screens, bamboo paintings, and landscape art.

He did not judge artworks merely by technical skill. Instead, he emphasized spiritual vitality, moral character, and the harmony between artistic expression and human cultivation. In particular, he valued the classical East Asian aesthetic principle of giwoon sangdong (氣韻生動)—the “spiritual resonance of living energy.”

For Choi Rip, art was inseparable from self-cultivation. True artistic excellence emerged not from technique alone but from depth of character and refinement of spirit. Such perspectives remain profoundly relevant within contemporary studies of East Asian aesthetics.

In an age dominated by commercialized visual culture, his understanding of art as moral and spiritual practice appears strikingly modern.

The Gani Collection Exemplifies the Transmission of Knowledge in Joseon Civilization

In Joseon Korea, literary collections were among the primary mechanisms through which intellectual traditions were transmitted across generations.

The Gani Collection shaped the education and literary formation of later scholars for centuries. Many writers regarded Choi Rip’s prose as a model of elegant yet practical expression.

The publication of the modern Korean translation, Translated Gani Collection (Gukyeok Gani-jip), represented a major turning point in contemporary cultural transmission. As fewer readers became proficient in classical Chinese, translation became not merely linguistic conversion but cultural restoration.

Today, digital archives and AI-assisted translation technologies are creating new modes of knowledge preservation. Yet the depth of Choi Rip’s writings reminds us that true understanding requires more than technological access; it requires human interpretation and contemplation.

International Preservation and Global Scholarship Continue to Expand

Today, editions and related materials of The Gani Collection are preserved not only in Korea but also in major international libraries and research institutions.

In the United States, institutions such as the Harvard-Yenching Library, the Library of Congress, and the C. V. Starr East Asian Library at the University of California, Berkeley, have long collected and preserved Korean classical materials. The inclusion of works related to Choi Rip within such collections demonstrates that The Gani Collection is increasingly recognized as a global scholarly asset rather than merely a regional Korean text.

Recent developments in comparative East Asian literature and digital humanities have further increased academic interest in Choi Rip. As Korean Studies expands internationally, scholars are paying growing attention to Joseon intellectuals who possessed cosmopolitan perspectives and sophisticated cultural consciousness.

This movement represents not only the preservation of Korean classics but also the globalization of Korean humanistic scholarship.

What Distinguishes The Gani Collection from Other Joseon Literary Anthologies?

Joseon Korea produced countless personal literary collections, yet The Gani Collection remains distinctive in several important ways.

First, its thematic range is exceptionally broad. It includes not only poetry and prose but also diplomatic documents, political essays, educational reflections, and art criticism.

Second, it possesses strong engagement with real social life. Whereas many literary collections remain abstractly scholarly, Choi Rip’s writings are deeply connected to governance, diplomacy, and human relationships.

Third, the collection reflects remarkable international awareness shaped by direct engagement with Ming intellectual culture.

Fourth, Choi Rip displayed a powerful consciousness of historical documentation. He did not write merely to display literary elegance; he wrote with the intention of preserving civilization for future generations.

Finally, the collection is profoundly human-centered. His writings explore emotion, dignity, suffering, ethics, and interpersonal relationships with extraordinary depth.

For these reasons, The Gani Collection occupies a unique position within the tradition of Korean literary anthologies.

Why The Gani Collection Matters Even More in the AI Era

Artificial intelligence can now generate vast amounts of information with unprecedented speed. Yet information alone does not constitute wisdom.

The enduring value of The Gani Collection lies precisely here. It embodies human depth, ethical reflection, emotional maturity, and intellectual dignity. Choi Rip valued contemplation over speed, character over efficiency, and humanity over mere technique.

His writings are not texts to be consumed rapidly. They demand slow reading, repeated reflection, and inner engagement. Such experiences are becoming increasingly rare in the digital age.

Moreover, The Gani Collection offers important lessons for education in the AI era. The more technologically advanced society becomes, the more essential human capacities such as ethics, philosophy, aesthetics, and self-reflection become.

In the future, true human competitiveness will depend not simply on information processing but on integrated wisdom and moral imagination. In this sense, The Gani Collection may rightly be considered a “treasure book” for future civilization.

The Gani Collection is far more than a personal anthology from the Joseon Dynasty. It is a monumental synthesis of literature, diplomacy, philosophy, administration, aesthetics, and documentary culture—a living embodiment of the Korean Renaissance spirit.

Through writing, Choi Rip interpreted his age; through records, he preserved civilization; through prose, he sought to influence reality itself. His collection preserves not only intellectual achievement but also moral responsibility and cultural refinement.

Having survived wars, invasions, and centuries of historical upheaval, The Gani Collection now acquires new significance in the digital and AI-driven age. It reminds humanity why slow contemplation, ethical depth, and meaningful records remain indispensable.

Future research on The Gani Collection will likely expand beyond classical literary studies into digital humanities, AI-assisted classical literature analysis, comparative civilizational studies, and global Korean Studies. Such developments signify not merely the rediscovery of one historical figure, but the international expansion of Korean humanistic thought itself.

Ultimately, The Gani Collection is not merely a book for the past—it is a book for the future. It is a monumental record of humanity’s effort to preserve intellectual depth and moral dignity amid the changing tides of civilization. +++

{Solti}

May 15, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Among the literary figures of the mid-Joseon Dynasty, Choi Rip (崔岦, 1539–1612), known by his pen name Gani (簡易), is commonly remembered as an outstanding classical writer, poet, calligrapher, and diplomat. Yet a deeper examination of his thought and activities reveals that he was far more than a refined man of letters. He may also be understood as an early pioneer of Korean Practical Learning (Silhak), a “practical scholar” who sought to connect intellectual inquiry with the realities of human life and statecraft.

Rather than remaining confined within abstract Neo-Confucian moralism, Choi Rip consistently demonstrated concern for concrete social administration, cultural vitality, diplomacy, education, and the practical function of knowledge. In this respect, his intellectual orientation anticipated many of the later themes developed by major Silhak thinkers such as Yu Hyeong-won, Yi Ik, and Jeong Yak-yong.

What distinguishes Choi Rip most profoundly is the integrated nature of his life. He was simultaneously a literary figure, administrator, educator, diplomat, editor, and cultural critic. To him, learning was not merely ornamental scholarship but a practical instrument for cultivating society and improving governance. Viewed from a modern perspective, he emerges as a Renaissance-like intellectual of Joseon Korea — a thinker who pursued realism, cultural creativity, and humanistic refinement within a rigid ideological age.

A Philosophy of Learning Rooted in Reality

Choi Rip’s scholarship was not centered on rote memorization of classical texts alone. Instead, he sought meaning in lived human experience and social reality. His essays and poems contain remarkably concrete observations concerning nature, politics, society, and human emotion. This distinguishes him from many contemporary literati whose writings often remained confined to abstract moral discourse.

He did not separate learning from reality. Through his administrative service in local provinces, he directly encountered the hardships and complexities of ordinary life. Such experiences deepened his awareness of governance beyond theoretical ideals. This practical orientation resembles the later Silhak principle of gyeongse chiyong (經世致用), meaning “governing the world through practical application.” Rather than merely discussing moral principles, he explored how society could actually function more effectively.

Provincial Administration and Practical Governance

Serving as a provincial magistrate, including his role as governor of Gangneung, Choi Rip gained firsthand experience in local administration. Provincial officials in Joseon Korea were responsible not only for taxation but also for education, public order, economic stability, and the welfare of the people.

His writings reveal careful observations about regional customs, economic conditions, geography, and local culture. These descriptions were not merely literary embellishments; they also functioned as records of administrative insight. Choi Rip recognized that local realities could not always be judged solely through rigid standards established in the capital.

This sensitivity to regional diversity reflects a practical and empirical mode of thinking later associated with Silhak scholarship. Moreover, he regarded local culture not as a backward element to suppress, but as an essential component of the richness and diversity of Joseon civilization.

Practical Thinking During the Imjin War

The Imjin War exposed profound weaknesses within Joseon society. Choi Rip understood the war not merely as a military conflict but as a systemic national crisis affecting administration, diplomacy, communication, and governance.

During this turbulent period, he participated in diplomatic documentation and state communication related to Ming China. His literary skill thus became a practical instrument of national survival rather than a purely artistic endeavor. His prose functioned strategically within the political and diplomatic sphere.

This reflects one of the defining characteristics of Practical Learning: the ability to respond realistically to historical crises. Choi Rip realized that formalistic moral rhetoric alone could not preserve a nation. Effective institutions, information networks, and practical administrative competence were equally necessary.

International Awareness and Diplomatic Realism

Although deeply immersed in Chinese classical culture, Choi Rip did not embrace blind cultural submission. He interacted intellectually with Ming literary circles while simultaneously striving to preserve the distinct identity of Korean literary culture.

His diplomatic writings reveal acute awareness of political psychology and intercultural communication. Diplomacy for him was not simply ceremonial rhetoric; it was a practical mechanism for state survival and cultural exchange.

This perspective anticipated the more outward-looking worldview later associated with the Northern Learning (Bukhak) scholars of late Joseon. Choi Rip combined cultural confidence with openness toward foreign civilizations, demonstrating a remarkably modern intellectual posture for his era.

Literature as a Social Asset

Choi Rip viewed literature not merely as personal artistic expression but as a social and civilizational resource. His writings fulfilled multiple functions simultaneously: political persuasion, diplomatic negotiation, moral cultivation, and cultural refinement.

His prose demonstrates balanced insight into human emotion and social structures. He avoided both excessive utilitarianism and empty formalism. Such a literary philosophy foreshadows the later Silhak emphasis on practical prose and socially meaningful writing.

He also believed literature could elevate public consciousness and cultivate human maturity. In this regard, his literary thought remains highly relevant to modern discussions concerning the social role of the humanities.

Awareness of Publishing and Knowledge Circulation

Choi Rip was concerned not only with writing but also with preserving and disseminating knowledge. His involvement in the compilation and transmission of literary works represents an important contribution to Joseon intellectual culture.

In Joseon society, publishing was closely connected to the formation of intellectual authority and public memory. Choi Rip regarded scholarly works not as private possessions but as public cultural assets worthy of preservation for future generations.

Later Silhak scholars would similarly devote great energy to encyclopedic compilations, textual editing, and practical reference works. Choi Rip’s activities may therefore be seen as part of the broader intellectual current that eventually matured into Practical Learning.

Empirical Observation in His View of Nature

Nature appears frequently in Choi Rip’s poetry and prose, yet he did not treat it merely as symbolic ornamentation for moral lessons. Instead, he carefully observed rivers, mountains, seasonal transitions, weather patterns, and the emotional resonance between humanity and the natural world.

This approach reflects an empirical and observational mentality rather than purely metaphysical abstraction. Since Silhak fundamentally emphasized observation of the real world, Choi Rip’s writings on nature may be interpreted as an early expression of that intellectual tendency.

Moreover, he often sought lessons of balance, moderation, and harmony through nature itself. From a modern perspective, his sensitivity may even be interpreted as containing proto-ecological insight.

Cultural Integration and Art Criticism

Choi Rip excelled in poetry, calligraphy, and literary criticism. He understood art not as superficial decoration but as an expression of human character and civilizational dignity.

His artistic criticism evaluated not only aesthetic form but also the ethical depth and historical consciousness embodied within artistic works. This integrated perspective resembles the cultural criticism later developed within practical scholarship traditions.

Importantly, he refused to separate ethics from aesthetics or art from life. Such an interdisciplinary vision resembles what modern scholars might describe as a form of integrated humanities or cultural humanism.

Educational Philosophy and Human-Centered Thought

For Choi Rip, education was not simply preparation for civil service examinations. He emphasized moral cultivation, cultural refinement, reflective thinking, and experiential learning.

He recognized the limitations of rigid formalistic education and valued broad reading, observation, and contemplation. These ideas parallel later Silhak calls for practical education grounded in real-life experience rather than mere textual repetition.

Most significantly, he believed learning should help human beings become wiser, freer, and more mature. This educational philosophy retains profound relevance even in today’s AI-driven era.

A Renaissance-Type Intellectual of Joseon Korea

Choi Rip was not confined to a single professional identity. He simultaneously functioned as a poet, administrator, diplomat, educator, editor, and cultural critic. Such multidimensional intellectual activity was extremely rare in Joseon society.

His versatility represented more than personal talent; it reflected a profound sense of public responsibility. He sought to connect knowledge with practical governance, cultural creativity, and social improvement.

From a contemporary perspective, Choi Rip may therefore be regarded as an early model of the “public intellectual.” He integrated statecraft, humanism, art, diplomacy, and ethics into a unified intellectual vision. In this sense, he deserves renewed recognition as one of the pioneering figures who anticipated the spirit of Korean Practical Learning.

Choi Rip was far more than an accomplished literary stylist or poet. He was a practical intellectual who sought to understand the interconnected relationships among scholarship, governance, diplomacy, education, culture, and human experience during one of the most turbulent periods of Joseon history.

Although he did not formulate a systematic reform doctrine comparable to later Silhak thinkers, his consistent emphasis on reality, observation, public responsibility, and practical governance clearly reveals proto-Silhak characteristics. He refused to separate ideals from reality, art from administration, or culture from social responsibility.

For this reason, Choi Rip deserves to be reevaluated not only as a literary master but also as a pioneering practical scholar who helped open the intellectual horizon that would later mature into Korean Practical Learning. His life and thought continue to offer meaningful insights for the modern world, particularly in an age increasingly seeking integration between humanistic wisdom and practical problem-solving. +++

{Solti}

May 14, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

The South Korean government has, for the first time, introduced artificial intelligence (AI) into the review process for the national research and development (R&D) budget. AI is now being used to assist expert reviewers in evaluating approximately 35 trillion won worth of national R&D projects. This year, the number of projects under review nearly doubled, exposing the limitations of traditional human-centered evaluation systems. In response, the government turned to AI as a new solution. By utilizing large language models (LLMs) developed by domestic AI companies to analyze vast quantities of research proposals and budget documents, this initiative represents more than simple administrative automation; it signals a transformation in the very way national policy decisions are made.

This shift is not merely about “working faster.” In the modern world, a nation’s competitiveness increasingly depends on how effectively it allocates research and innovation resources. Strategic sectors such as semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, aerospace, and AI require enormous public investment. Poor funding decisions in these areas can weaken a nation’s long-term competitiveness. Therefore, AI-assisted R&D evaluation should be viewed not simply as a technological upgrade, but as the construction of critical infrastructure for future national strategy.

In truth, the traditional national R&D review system had already reached a point of overload. Thousands of research proposals had to be examined by a limited number of experts within very short time frames. As a result, reviewers often spent excessive amounts of time on repetitive administrative tasks and document analysis. No matter how capable an expert may be, it is nearly impossible to thoroughly compare hundreds of pages of technical proposals under severe time constraints. Inevitably, some evaluations became superficial or relied too heavily on past experience and intuition.

This is precisely where AI demonstrates its greatest strength. AI can rapidly process massive volumes of documents, detect overlapping projects, identify potential budget redundancies, and summarize key concepts and trends. Such capabilities allow human experts to focus more on substantive judgment and creative evaluation. In other words, AI is not replacing human reviewers; rather, it functions as an “intelligent augmentation system” that enhances expert decision-making capacity.

One of the long-standing challenges in national R&D policy has been the problem of duplicated investments. Different government ministries have occasionally funded highly similar projects, while lessons from past failures were not always adequately incorporated into new evaluations. AI can analyze decades of accumulated research data, compare similarities among projects, track technological development trajectories, and assess international research trends simultaneously. This could significantly reduce wasteful spending while improving the overall efficiency of national research investment.

Yet there are also important dangers that must not be ignored. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it still struggles to fully understand the essence of creativity in scientific discovery. Historically, many groundbreaking innovations initially appeared impractical or unrealistic. The internet, artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, and even numerous Nobel Prize-winning discoveries were once dismissed with skepticism. If AI systems rely too heavily on historical data and past success patterns, they may unintentionally discourage radical innovation and unconventional thinking.

Another serious concern involves data bias. AI systems make judgments based on the data on which they are trained. If previous research funding structures favored certain universities, regions, or academic disciplines, AI may simply reproduce those same structural biases. In that sense, the so-called “objectivity” of AI can become an illusion. Because AI learns from human-generated data, it often inherits the limitations and inequalities embedded within society itself.

Security concerns are equally critical. National R&D projects frequently involve advanced technologies and strategically sensitive industrial information. As AI systems begin processing such data, the risks of information leakage and cyberattacks inevitably increase. If AI platforms are connected to external cloud environments, protecting national core technologies becomes even more challenging. For this reason, security, trustworthiness, and governance must take priority over efficiency alone in the development of AI-based evaluation systems.

Nevertheless, this initiative marks a highly significant turning point. Major nations around the world are already integrating AI into public administration and policy decision-making. The United States has expanded AI-driven analysis systems across defense, healthcare, and energy sectors, while Europe is accelerating the adoption of AI in public governance. South Korea’s use of AI in national R&D budget evaluation therefore represents an important advancement in digital government competitiveness as well.

Most importantly, the goal should not be to create a “government ruled by AI,” but rather a government that uses AI wisely. The final responsibility for policy decisions must remain with human beings. AI can analyze data, but it cannot independently determine a nation’s future values, social philosophy, or long-term vision. True innovation will emerge only when human insight and AI’s computational power are balanced in harmony.

In the AI era, national competitiveness will not depend solely on possessing more powerful AI models. What matters even more is how safely, fairly, and creatively those technologies are integrated into society’s institutional systems. South Korea’s adoption of AI for national R&D budget review demonstrates that the country is entering a new era of governance and science policy. The real question now is whether AI will become merely an “automated review machine” or evolve into an intelligent partner that amplifies human creativity and national strategy. The answer to that question may ultimately shape the future of Korean science and technology. +++

{Solti}

May 14, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Beatles and BTS stand as the two defining poles of global popular music, separated by six decades, two languages, and a technological revolution. This article examines their shared architecture of influence alongside their fundamental contrasts, arguing that both reveal a common logic of enduring relevance — disciplined identity, purposeful innovation, and deep audience engagement — while differing profoundly in how that relevance was produced, sustained, and globalized. The Beatles conquered the world through broadcast media in an analogue age, whereas BTS has done so through digital ecosystems and participatory fandom, a distinction brought into sharp focus as the ARIRANG World Tour fills U.S. stadiums in 2026.

Keywords: Beatles, BTS, Global Influence, Analogue vs. Digital Era, ARMY, Fandom Studies, Cultural Power, Enduring Relevance

1. INTRODUCTION

In February 1964, four young men from Liverpool stepped off a plane at John F. Kennedy Airport and changed American culture overnight. The Beatles’ arrival — greeted by thousands of screaming fans and broadcast live on The Ed Sullivan Show to 73 million viewers — was not simply a musical event, but a seismic rupture in the cultural order. It marked the moment when popular music emerged as a force capable of transcending national boundaries while combining artistic ambition with mass global influence.

Sixty years later, a different kind of arrival is reshaping that same cultural landscape. In April 2026, BTS launched the North American leg of their ARIRANG World Tour at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, initiating an 85-show, 34-city, 23-country global run that sold out within hours. Their return from mandatory South Korean military service has amplified rather than diminished their momentum, transforming U.S. stadiums into the new global stage — no longer defined by passive broadcast audiences, but by millions of actively engaged, digitally coordinated fans known as ARMY. The comparison is not merely symbolic: The Beatles and BTS represent two defining poles of global popular music, whose trajectories reveal the structural conditions under which cultural influence is produced, sustained, and transformed across fundamentally different technological eras.

2. CONVERGENT GENIUS: WHAT THEY SHARE

Despite their separation across time and technology, both groups are underpinned by a common structural logic of breakthrough that merits closer examination.

2.1. The Architecture and Evolution of Breakthrough

Both The Beatles and BTS achieved something that defies statistical probability: they did not merely succeed in their home markets and expand outward, but reached a level of global cultural saturation in which their music, image, and meaning resonated across radically different languages, cultures, and social contexts. This kind of breakthrough is not a product of luck or novelty alone, but of a specific architecture — authentic identity, creative distinctiveness, disciplined craft, and the ability to translate particular cultural expressions into universal human experiences. The Beatles spoke to teenage longing and rebellion in a postwar world hungry for joy, while BTS speaks to self-acceptance and collective empowerment in a digitally saturated world searching for meaning, demonstrating that enduring cultural relevance follows a discernible logic rather than chance.

Crucially, this breakthrough was not static but sustained through continuous creative evolution, as neither group remained bound to the formula that produced initial success. The Beatles moved from the polished pop of Please Please Me (1963) to the experimental ambition of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) and the reflective minimalism of Let It Be (1970), while BTS evolved from early hip-hop foundations to the thematic depth of the Love Yourself series and the maturity of ARIRANG (2026). In both cases, evolution did not signal a departure from identity but a deepening of it, enabling each group to sustain global attention and transform breakthrough moments into enduring cultural institutions.

2.2. System Dynamics and the Global Stage

Both acts derived structural resilience from their group configuration, functioning not simply as collections of individuals but as integrated creative systems. The Beatles’ internal dynamic — driven by the creative tension between John Lennon and Paul McCartney and complemented by George Harrison and Ringo Starr — generated output greater than any individual could achieve, while BTS extends this model through a structured system of distributed excellence in which each member contributes a distinct role. This architecture sustains innovation, reduces dependence on any single figure, and reflects broader cultural conditions shaped by British and Korean soft power, which enabled each group’s global diffusion (Philo, 2015; Lie, 2015).

If the group represents the internal system, the United States has historically functioned as the external stage where global legitimacy is conferred. For The Beatles, this stage operated through analogue gatekeepers such as The Ed Sullivan Show, while for BTS it functions as a networked ecosystem activated through streaming platforms, social media, and coordinated fan engagement. Although the mechanisms have shifted from institutional validation to digital mobilization, the symbolic centrality of the U.S. remains unchanged, continuing to serve as the pivotal arena where global cultural influence is confirmed and amplified.

3. ANALOGUE WORLD VS. DIGITAL WORLD

This divergence becomes most visible at the level of infrastructure, where the mechanisms of fame differ fundamentally across the two eras.

3.1. The Infrastructure of Fame

The most fundamental difference between The Beatles and BTS is not musical, geographical, or even cultural — it is infrastructural. The Beatles operated within an analogue media ecosystem in which radio broadcasters, television networks, record labels, and music press served as the gatekeepers of global attention. Fame required the approval and amplification of institutional intermediaries. When The Beatles arrived in America, it was because Ed Sullivan and Capitol Records had decided to make it happen. The audience was a mass — undifferentiated, passive, receiving. BTS’s evolution reflects a structured entrepreneurial transformation process rather than organic growth alone (Hong et al., 2024).

BTS operates in a digital ecosystem in which platforms, algorithms, and networked fans have displaced institutional gatekeepers. Their global reach does not depend on a single broadcaster’s decision or a major label’s promotional budget. It is generated through a tightly integrated system of social media presence, streaming platform optimization, direct fan communication through Weverse, and real-time data analytics that allow HYBE to understand and respond to global audience behavior with unprecedented precision. This is not merely a technological upgrade — it is a structural transformation in how cultural power is produced and sustained.

3.2. Fandom: Spectators vs. Co-Creators

Beatlemania was one of the most intense fan phenomena in cultural history. Yet for all its ferocity, it remained essentially one-directional. Fans screamed, purchased, and consumed — but they did not participate in the production or amplification of The Beatles’ cultural output in any meaningful structural sense. The relationship was asymmetrical: artists produced, fans received. The infrastructure of analogue media made anything else impossible. Letters to fan clubs, local listening parties, and occasional concert attendance were the outer limits of fan engagement.

ARMY is a categorically different phenomenon. Fans are not passive consumers but active participants in amplifying and co-creating value within the ecosystem. This transformation reflects a broader shift toward participatory culture, where audiences actively shape the circulation and meaning of media content (Jenkins et al., 2013). ARMY members produce fan translations of content into dozens of languages, coordinate global streaming campaigns to maximize chart performance, organize fundraising initiatives aligned with BTS’s social messaging, and engage in sophisticated activism on issues from anti-racism to mental health awareness. The ARIRANG World Tour’s presale was structured around ARMY Membership numbers, recognizing that fan community participation is not ancillary to BTS’s success — it is architecturally embedded in it.

This platform-driven model reflects broader structural changes in the global music industry, where streaming has reshaped production, distribution, and consumption patterns (Hesmondhalgh, 2022; IFPI, 2023). This distinction reflects a fundamental shift in the sociology of fandom. The Beatles’ fans were, in the language of media theory, an audience. BTS’s fans are a community — a globally distributed, organizationally sophisticated, purposefully engaged collective that functions as both a consumer base and a co-producer of cultural value.

4. THE COMPARISON AND CONTRAST IN FULL

To move from conceptual discussion to structured analysis, the comparison between The Beatles and BTS can be distilled into a set of core dimensions that capture both their shared logic of enduring relevance and the fundamentally different conditions under which that relevance was produced, a perspective that aligns with broader analyses of K-pop as a hybrid cultural and economic system integrating production efficiency, global strategy, and cultural adaptation (Lie, 2015).

4.1. A Structured Framework of Comparison

Beneath the surface of their success lies a shared structural blueprint that can be distilled into a small number of defining dimensions, including the amplifying role of national cultural influence, or soft power. The Beatles emerged at the height of British soft power in the 1960s, when the “British Invasion” extended the United Kingdom’s global reach, while BTS operates within the rise of Korean soft power, where cultural industries and digital platforms project Korean culture worldwide. In both cases, the relationship is reciprocal rather than dependent, as each group not only benefited from but also actively transformed soft power into a globally recognized cultural force.

Table 1 synthesizes five key dimensions — media environment, globalization, fandom, artistic identity, and system resilience — providing a concise framework for understanding how two groups from different eras achieved comparable global impact through distinct structural pathways.

Table 1. The Beatles and BTS: A Comparative Framework of Global Influence

4.2. Interpreting the Comparison

The framework reveals that the similarities between The Beatles and BTS lie not in surface features, but in a deeper architecture of cultural breakthrough. Both groups achieved global saturation by aligning authentic identity with continuous creative evolution and by responding precisely to the emotional needs of their historical moment. In this sense, their success is not accidental or purely market-driven — it reflects a disciplined capacity to translate particular cultural expressions into universal resonance. What appears as two distinct phenomena across time is, at its core, a shared logic of enduring relevance.

Yet the differences between them are fundamentally structural, shaped by the transformation of the media environment across six decades. The Beatles’ rise was enabled by a centralized, gatekeeper-driven system that amplified influence through broadcast scale but limited audience participation and long-term adaptability. BTS, by contrast, operates within a decentralized, digitally networked ecosystem in which fans function as active co-creators of value and meaning. This shift from audience to community, from distribution to interaction, and from momentary saturation to sustained engagement explains not only how BTS extends the model pioneered by The Beatles, but also how the very nature of global cultural power has been redefined.

5. THE ARIRANG MOMENT: BTS IN REAL TIME

The contrast between eras becomes most visible not in abstraction, but in practice — on the global stage where scale, technology, and audience converge in real time. BTS’s position as a global cultural force reflects not only musical success but a broader transformation in how influence is constructed and sustained in the digital age (Hiatt, 2021).

5.1. Infrastructure at Scale

The ARIRANG World Tour, currently sweeping through U.S. stadiums as this article goes to press, offers a live demonstration of the structural differences outlined above. Where The Beatles ceased touring in 1966 — constrained by technological limitations and the inability to perform meaningfully in environments overwhelmed by audience noise — BTS has inaugurated what is being described as the largest K-pop stadium tour in history. Featuring a 360-degree “in-the-round” stage design, the production eliminates traditional boundaries between performer and audience, transforming the stadium into an immersive performance space.

The tour’s scale — 85 dates across 34 cities in 23 countries, extending through 2027 — would have been logistically inconceivable in the analogue era. Its execution depends on a fully integrated digital infrastructure: a global content supply chain, sophisticated fan engagement platforms, and real-time data analytics that enable precise coordination across continents. What was once limited by physical distribution and broadcast scheduling is now orchestrated through continuous, data-driven connectivity.

5.2. The Relational Core of Global Impact

Yet the significance of the ARIRANG tour is not exhausted by its scale or technological sophistication. Its true power lies in the nature of the relationship it embodies. The reason tens of thousands fill stadiums and tickets sell out within hours is not simply access — it is identification. ARMY members do not attend as passive consumers of entertainment; they participate as contributors to a shared cultural system they have helped to build, amplify, and sustain.

This distinction marks the deepest divergence from The Beatles’ era. In a one-directional media environment, even the intensity of Beatlemania could not translate into structural participation. BTS, by contrast, has systematically cultivated a model in which fandom operates as a distributed network of co-creation and meaning-making. The result is not merely larger audiences, but more deeply embedded ones — transforming live performance from a spectacle to be witnessed into a collective experience to be enacted.

6. WHAT THE COMPARISON TEACHES US

These contrasts ultimately point to a deeper set of principles that explain not just their success, but the conditions under which global cultural relevance is sustained. The shift from analogue to digital cultural systems reflects a broader transformation in how media industries operate and sustain relevance over time (Hesmondhalgh, 2022).

6.1. The Enduring Logic of Authentic Identity

Both The Beatles and BTS demonstrate that enduring global relevance is grounded not in novelty or spectacle but in authentic identity, with each group sustaining a coherent sense of self under intense external pressure across very different eras. In both cases, identity functions not as a brand attribute but as a structural anchor that stabilizes the system and enables continuity amid cultural and technological turbulence.

6.2. The Transformation of Audience Relationships

The shift from The Beatles’ audience to BTS’s ARMY is not simply a story of technological change — it is a story of a fundamental transformation in the nature of cultural participation. Organizations and leaders seeking to build enduring influence in the digital age cannot afford to treat their audiences as passive recipients of value. They must invest in the infrastructure of community — the platforms, norms, and shared purposes that transform consumers into co-creators and amplifiers of cultural meaning.

6.3. Interruption as Strategy

Both groups faced significant interruptions to their momentum. For The Beatles, internal tensions and the impossibility of sustaining creative collaboration ultimately proved fatal. For BTS, mandatory military service — which many predicted would trigger irreversible decline — has instead functioned as a strategic compression of visibility that intensified long-term attention and returned the group to the global stage with amplified symbolic weight. The difference is structural: BTS had built a system robust enough to withstand interruption, while The Beatles’ system was too dependent on continuous interpersonal chemistry to survive it.

The Beatles proved music could conquer the world. BTS proved the world could help music conquer itself.

7. CONCLUSION

The Beatles and BTS are not rivals across time — they are complementary chapters in the same unfolding story of how popular culture achieves enduring global influence. The Beatles proved that music could transcend language, geography, and culture to become a shared human experience, while BTS has shown that such transcendence can be systematically engineered, digitally amplified, and sustained through global community. As the ARIRANG tour fills stadiums across the United States in 2026 with fans who helped build the phenomenon they celebrate, the comparison becomes not nostalgic but instructive: both made the world feel unified in a single cultural moment, but where The Beatles sparked it once in an analogue age, BTS sustains it continuously in a digital one — turning fleeting impact into enduring presence.

REFERENCES

Hesmondhalgh, D. (2022). Streaming’s effects on music culture: Old anxieties and new simplifications. Cultural Sociology, 16(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/17499755211019974

Hiatt, B. (2021, May 18). The triumph of BTS. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/new-bts-song-2021-worlds-biggest-band-1166441/

Hong, P. C. (2026). Beyond success: BTS and the discipline of enduring relevance. K-Global Scholars and Professionals Forum, May 2026.

Hong, P., Kim, S. C., Lee, A., & Kang, H. (2024). The entrepreneurial transformation process of BTS: initiation, development, growth and expansion. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 18(5), 1078–1097.

International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. (2023). Global music report 2023: State of the industry.https://www.ifpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Global_Music_Report_2023_State_of_the_Industry.pdf

Jenkins, H., Ford, S., & Green, J. (2013). Spreadable media: Creating value and meaning in a networked culture. New York University Press.

Lie, J. (2015). K-pop: Popular music, cultural amnesia, and economic innovation in South Korea. University of California Press. https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520958944

Philo, S. (2015). The British Invasion: The crosscurrents of musical influence. Rowman & Littlefield.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul C. Hong DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR · UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

Paul C. Hong is a Distinguished University Professor and Chair of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management at the University of Toledo. His work focuses on leadership, governance, and decision-making in the AI era, integrating strategy, technology, and institutional trust. He has published extensively in leading academic journals and writes on how individuals and organizations navigate complexity, disruption, and global transformation.

K-GSP Forum · May 2026 · All Rights Reserved

© K-Global Scholars and Professionals Forum. All rights reserved. Content published in the K-GSP Forum may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the K-GSP Forum, except for brief quotations with full attribution.

“Cultivate the mind,

serve the people,

cherish nature and art,

and leave wisdom for future generations.”

- Choi Rip (1539-1612)

Choi Rip, a distinguished literary figure and philosopher of the mid-Joseon Dynasty, was far more than a poet or scholar. He was a practical intellectual who crossed the boundaries of politics, diplomacy, education, literature, publishing, and artistic criticism, seeking to integrate the whole of human life into a harmonious spiritual world. Although rooted in Neo-Confucian thought, his philosophy transcended rigid doctrinal formalism by embracing human emotion, the order of nature, artistic beauty, and social responsibility. In this sense, he may rightly be regarded as one of the representative “Renaissance men” of Korean history.

At the core of Choi Rip’s philosophy was the harmony between inner self-cultivation and practical action in society. He did not regard learning merely as a means of passing civil service examinations. Rather, he believed that scholarship should mature the individual, stabilize society, and illuminate the age through moral force. Consequently, his writings consistently reveal a balance between personal reflection and public responsibility. This was not simply a conventional Confucian moral doctrine, but an integrated worldview that sought harmony throughout the entirety of human existence.

One of the most remarkable aspects of his philosophical activity was his exploration of the human spirit through literature. Choi Rip understood poetry not merely as emotional expression, but as a discipline that revealed the dignity and depth of the human soul. His classical Chinese poems often portrayed both the transience and nobility of human existence through the beauty of nature. In particular, his restrained language and serene tone embodied the spirit of “Jeonggwan” (靜觀), or contemplative observation, which stood at the center of his philosophy. Through quiet contemplation, he sought to perceive the essential truths of the world.

He also viewed nature not simply as scenery, but as a mirror reflecting the human spirit. Rivers, mountains, moonlight, flowers, rain, and mist in his writings were not decorative images; they symbolized philosophical pathways through which human desire could be emptied and life’s balance restored. From the perspective of modern ecological philosophy and environmental humanities, his view of nature appears strikingly contemporary.

Choi Rip’s philosophy was also expressed uniquely through his theory of art. He regarded calligraphy and painting not merely as technical skills, but as manifestations of human character and spiritual refinement. His artistic criticism emphasized not external form, but the inner vitality and spiritual energy embodied within a work. This perspective resonates with the East Asian aesthetic principle of “Giwoon Sangdong” (氣韻生動), or spiritual resonance and living movement, demonstrating how he understood art as an extension of moral and intellectual cultivation.

His ideas about education were equally practical and profound. He believed education was not simply the transmission of knowledge, but the formation of human character. For this reason, he viewed teachers not merely as instructors, but as guides who shaped the direction of life itself. Such an educational philosophy offers important insights even in the age of artificial intelligence. As technology advances, the importance of human character, ethical judgment, and wisdom becomes even greater.

His activities as a diplomat also reflected his philosophical convictions. During the national crisis of the Imjin War, he was not merely a literary figure, but a responsible intellectual committed to solving real-world problems. Through diplomacy and administration, he sought to restore national order and stabilize the lives of ordinary people. This demonstrates that his philosophy was not confined to abstract contemplation, but was implemented in the realities of society and governance.

His commitment to publishing and documentation represented another important philosophical practice. Choi Rip believed that writing was not simply for personal fame, but a dialogue with future generations. Therefore, he devoted considerable effort to preserving and organizing both his own writings and those of others. This attitude reflected his deep understanding of the public nature of knowledge and the importance of cultural transmission.

In human relationships, Choi Rip consistently emphasized harmony and dignity. He warned against excessive competition and the pursuit of power, while stressing courtesy, restraint, and respect among people. His essays frequently portray the ideal Confucian gentleman who respects others while maintaining self-discipline. Such ethical teachings remain highly relevant in today’s intensely competitive society.

A profound spirit of self-reflection also permeated his philosophy. Choi Rip understood clearly the finitude of human life, and therefore believed that one must live with dignity and integrity. More important than worldly success, he argued, was the preservation of a clear and upright spirit. This perspective forms one of the central themes running throughout his poetry and prose.

Above all, the significance of Choi Rip’s philosophy lies in the fact that he did not separate scholarship, art, politics, nature, and ethics into isolated domains. He believed that all dimensions of human life were interconnected within a harmonious order. Such an integrated mode of thinking holds even greater value in today’s highly fragmented and specialized world.

In conclusion, the philosophy of Choi Rip represents an intellectual legacy that sought to harmonize humanity, artistry, practicality, and public responsibility within the Neo-Confucian tradition of Joseon Korea. He was not merely a Confucian scholar, but a practical humanist who continuously explored the meaning of living a truly human life. His philosophy continues to resonate deeply today. In an era dominated by technology and speed, his thought reminds us of the enduring importance of human dignity, contemplative wisdom, and the pursuit of a harmonious life. +++

{Solti}

May 14, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Choi Rip, the distinguished scholar and literary figure of mid-Joseon Korea, is widely remembered as a poet, essayist, and intellectual. Yet beyond these identities stood another remarkable dimension of his legacy: his role as an art critic of profound aesthetic sensitivity. He was not merely a creator of literature but an interpreter of artistic spirit who sought to uncover the moral, philosophical, and emotional essence embedded within works of art. To Choi Rip, poetry, calligraphy, and painting were not separate disciplines, but interconnected expressions of cultivated humanity.

The age in which Choi Rip lived was one of extraordinary cultural refinement. Neo-Confucian scholarship flourished, and literati culture reached new heights through poetry, painting, and calligraphy. Within this intellectual atmosphere, Choi Rip emerged not simply as a participant in artistic culture but as a discerning critic who reflected deeply on the meaning and purpose of art itself. He valued not superficial brilliance, but the spiritual depth and inner integrity residing beneath artistic form.

At the center of his aesthetic philosophy was the Confucian ideal of munjilbinbin (文質彬彬) — the harmonious balance between refinement and authenticity. Choi Rip believed that excessive ornamentation weakened artistic truth, while excessive simplicity diminished emotional resonance. True beauty, in his view, arose when elegant expression and moral substance existed in equilibrium. This delicate balance became a recurring principle in his reflections on literature and visual art.

His sensitivity toward calligraphy was especially profound. Choi Rip regarded handwriting not merely as written language, but as the visible movement of the human spirit. In the rhythm of brushstrokes, the tension of lines, and the silence of empty space, he perceived traces of the artist’s temperament and intellectual discipline. For him, calligraphy criticism was never limited to technical evaluation; it was an inquiry into character, sincerity, and cultivated consciousness.

His perspective on painting was equally sophisticated. Choi Rip did not see painting as simple imitation of nature. Rather, he sought what East Asian aesthetics calls giwoon sangdong (氣韻生動) — spiritual vitality and living resonance. Even within a quiet landscape painting, he searched for the painter’s inner stillness, philosophical temperament, and emotional breath. Such an approach reveals a strikingly modern sensibility, anticipating contemporary ideas about the artist’s interior world and subjective vision.

Choi Rip also believed that art carried social and ethical responsibility. Art, he argued, should not exist merely for entertainment or luxurious display; it should refine human emotion and elevate communal morality. He warned against works driven solely by vanity, excess, or sensory stimulation. His criticism therefore united aesthetic judgment with ethical reflection, viewing beauty and virtue as inseparable companions.

Nature occupied a central place within his artistic vision. Choi Rip possessed an extraordinary sensitivity to subtle natural phenomena — drifting clouds, river mist, falling blossoms, moonlit silence. In these quiet details, he discovered reflections of human transience and spiritual harmony. His literary criticism frequently revealed this contemplative gaze, suggesting that art loses its vitality when severed from the rhythms of nature.

A defining principle within his criticism was the spirit of jeonggwan (靜觀), or contemplative observation. He believed art should not be consumed hastily, but encountered through stillness, patience, and inward reflection. To gaze quietly upon a painting or poem was, for Choi Rip, an act of self-cultivation. Such an attitude feels especially meaningful in today’s digital culture, where images are endlessly consumed yet rarely contemplated.

The devastation of the Imjin War further deepened his cultural consciousness. Choi Rip understood that war destroys not only cities and institutions, but also the spiritual fabric of civilization. In the aftermath of national trauma, he regarded literature and art as essential forces for restoring cultural dignity and moral order. His art criticism therefore became more than aesthetic commentary; it evolved into a form of cultural healing and intellectual reconstruction.

Another remarkable aspect of his thought was his respect for creative individuality. Although grounded in Confucian tradition, Choi Rip did not advocate rigid formalism. He believed artistic tradition should inspire creation rather than imprison it. Such a perspective reveals an unusually open and humanistic understanding of art within the structured intellectual climate of Joseon society.

From a contemporary perspective, Choi Rip’s art criticism appears strikingly modern. He approached art not as decoration, but as a profound exploration of humanity, ethics, emotion, and civilization itself. His criticism sought harmony between beauty and morality, contemplation and expression, tradition and creativity. In this sense, his aesthetic philosophy transcends its historical moment and continues to speak meaningfully to modern readers.

In conclusion, Choi Rip should be remembered not only as a poet and scholar, but also as one of the most refined art critics of the Joseon Renaissance spirit. Through his reflections on poetry, calligraphy, and painting, he explored the relationship between artistic beauty and human character with extraordinary intellectual depth. His criticism was ultimately an inquiry into how art might elevate the human soul and restore cultural integrity. For this reason, Choi Rip remains a timeless aesthetic thinker whose contemplative vision continues to resonate far beyond his own era. +++

{Solti}

May 13, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true