World-renowned scholars debate Korea’s rise at WKF

World-renowned scholars debate Korea’s rise at WKF

최초입력 2025.09.10 12:19:38

(Kim Ho-young)

South Korea’s economic ascent, whether driven by innovation or by its unique writing system and early metal technology, was the subject of debate between two eminent scholars at the World Knowledge Forum (WKF) in Seoul on Tuesday.
In a session titled “New Odyssey: Map & Rules in a Great Transition,” James Robinson, professor at the University of Chicago, and Jared Diamond, professor emeritus at the University of California at Los Angeles, presented contrasting views about the foundations of Korea’s success.
Diamond, who authored “Guns, Germs, and Steel,” argued that national development is shaped not by race or ethnicity but by geography and environment, with disparities resulting from accumulated environmental circumstances. Robinson countered that prosperity stems from political and economic institutions, stressing that inclusive institutions foster growth when state and society maintain a balance of power.
Diamond said Korea succeeded because it had deep roots, citing its long history of state formation, its own script, and early development of metalworking. Robinson highlighted Korea’s capacity and entrepreneurial spirit, saying the country has moved from trailing in technology half a century ago to surpassing others today. He added that Korea’s concerns about falling behind in artificial intelligence are overstated, arguing that the country has the ability to rise to the challenge.
Both agreed that heavy investment in education has been a key driver of Korea’s growth, with Robinson saying Korea demonstrates what is possible when education and social transformation are pursued wholeheartedly.
In an earlier solo session, Robinson pointed to Korea’s communal culture, drawing on a scene from the recent Netflix film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” where protagonists and fans protect the “Honmoon,” or soul gate, together.
Regarding North Korea, Robinson argued that the regime can only change if its people overthrow it, adding that Pyongyang fears reform because it lacks institutional grounding and risks losing power if it changes course.
Separately, in a lecture at another venue, Diamond highlighted four global threats: pandemics, climate change, fish depletion, and nuclear war. He warned that climate change poses an even greater risk than pandemics, citing the spread of disease, food insecurity, and coral reef loss leading to tsunami damage. Overfishing, he noted, is straining marine resources and directly affects Koreans, who consume more fish per capita than any other people in the world.
However, Diamond expressed cautious optimism about international cooperation, pointing to past successes such as the eradication of smallpox and protection of the ozone layer.
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World-renowned scholars debate Korea’s rise at WKF

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