Vilnius University Hosts a Postdoctoral Project on the Changing Conception of Romantic Love and Intimate Relations in South Korea

Dr. Hyunhee Lee, a Korean researcher, began her postdoctoral fellowship (supervisor Prof. Victor de Munck) at the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy in April 2023. In this interview, Dr. H. Lee talks about her academic journey, and current postdoctoral project and shares her insights about the Korean language, culture and society.

Could you describe your previous doctoral research? What was it about and what were your research findings? What motivated you to choose this topic?

In my previous research, I began a fascinating journey into the realms of shamanism and mythology, comparing Korea and Finland. It was during this journey that I discovered the intriguing disparities in perspectives on shamanism between these two countries. With anthropological methodologies, I explored the mystical world of Finnish modern shamanism, examining the annual Neljä Tuulta (“Four Winds”) shamanistic event. Immersed in this fieldwork experience, I had the privilege of interviewing renowned Finnish shamans, such as the famous Johannes Setälä, as well as engaging with officials from various shamanistic groups in 2017 and 2018. To further enrich my research, I facilitated the visit of a Korean shaman group to perform a Korean shamanistic ceremony during Neljä Tuulta summer camp in Finland in 2018. As I reflect on this remarkable journey, I imagine the opportunity to showcase the world of Korean shamanism by inviting a Korean mudang (female shaman) to Vilnius University in the future. In addition, my research explored the intricacies of folk beliefs, contrasting the Finnish tietäjä (“knower”) and the Korean mudang. Through extensive literature reviews, I found out the essence of Finnish incantations, often described as “the word of origin”, while discovering the potency of Korean mudang incantations when used with mystical words. I explored the captivating process through which Korean mudang channel the spirits and deliver profound messages during shamanistic rituals, conducting detailed interviews with famous mudang. Moreover, I compared Korean and Finnish myths, focusing on the enchanting tales of Princess Bari and Lemminkäinen. Throughout this journey, I revealed the connection between Korean shamanism and the nation's identity, while uncovering the profound influence of the Finnish Kalevala myth in shaping Finnish national identity.

Could you describe your ongoing post-doctoral research project at Vilnius University? How do you plan to implement it?

My ongoing research project at the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies of Vilnius University involves analyzing the changing perceptions of love, marriage, and gender relations in Korea. With South Korea's
population experiencing a decline in 2021 and the country's total fertility rate remaining in the zero range since it dropped to 0,98 in 2018, it is of great significance to investigate the shifts in Koreans' perspectives on love and marriage through this research project. In 2011, the younger generation was referred to as the “3 po generation” by a newspaper, indicating their tendency to give up relationships, marriage, and childbirth due to economic reasons. However, I believe there are other factors at play beyond just economic considerations, and I aim to explore these through fieldwork in Korea.

My research project at the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies commenced in April, and I am currently engaged in a literature review on the topic of love. My plan is to travel to Korea in August and conduct fieldwork for a period of six months. Through a combination of quantitative surveys and interviews conducted in South Korea, I will explore the changes in the perception of romantic love over time, as well as examine attitudes towards marriage.

You are going to teach in the new Korean study program at Vilnius University. What would you say, why should young people choose Korean Studies?

Korean Studies offer various advantages. As a dynamic country located in Northeast Asia, South Korea presents a captivating landscape with its unique geopolitical situation and complex interactions with China, Japan and North Korea. Throughout history, Korea has been a custodian of important ideas
that have flourished within the realm of Northeast Asia. Take, for example, the profound influence of Confucianism, originating in China yet steadfastly preserved and practised in Korea. Likewise, Buddhism, another “gift” from China, finds its cherished abode within the Korean cultural realm. But what truly sets Korea apart is its ubiquity of shamanism, a fascinating custom that permeates every corner of the nation. By exploring the realm of Korean culture, you not only gain profound insights but also unlock the door to a deeper understanding of Northeast Asia. Moreover, as a major global player in the grand theatre of the economy, Korea boasts influential industries that span the realms of cutting-edge technology with renowned names like Samsung and LG, captivating entertainment with the realm of K-movies and K-pop,
and the automotive sector with the likes of Hyundai and KIA. Equipping yourself with a profound understanding of the Korean language and culture becomes a powerful tool that enhances your competitiveness in the job market. I believe that studying Korean studies can open up various employment, academic and research opportunities.

What are the most interesting and unique aspects of Korean society?

In the heart of Korean society lies a powerful influence of Confucian values. While Confucianism originated in China, it is now scarcely found there. In Korea, however, it has shaped the social structure, values, and etiquette in a profound way. Customary practices like respect for elders, hierarchical relationships, and filial piety hold immense significance. In addition, the passion for education in Korea often referred to as “education fever”, finds its roots in Confucianism. It is this dedication to education that has propelled Korean society towards success. Despite the hardships endured during the Korean War in the 1950s, South Korea transformed from one of the poorest nations to an exemplar of hard work and diligence. Koreans are renowned for their unwavering work ethic and sincere commitment to their professions. The virtues of diligence, perseverance, and extended working hours have become deeply ingrained in Korean culture.

What are the most interesting and unique aspects of the Korean language?

The Korean language stands out as the only language in the world with a meticulous record of its creation, including information on its creators, timeframe, and purpose. In 1443, King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty assembled a team of scholars to craft the Korean alphabet known as Hangeul. Previously, Koreans had borrowed Chinese characters for written communication, but this proved difficult for the general public.
In response, King Sejong developed Hangeul to enable ease of writing for all. Consequently, learning the Korean alphabet is remarkably easy. In fact, one can become proficient in Hangeul within a single day.

How important is the Korean language to understand Korean culture or establish professional contacts in South Korea?

Language serves as a foundational pillar of culture, and through the study of Korean, one can gain profound insights into the values and traditions of Korean society. By learning Korean, you can understand Korean Confucianism. For example, the complex honorific system present in the Korean language reflects the hierarchical nature of Korean society. Different verb endings, speech levels, and vocabulary choices are
employed based on the social status and relationship between the speaker and the listener. As a result, the Korean language plays a pivotal role in establishing professional relationships in Korea.

As a Korean, what aspects of Korean culture do you like/dislike most?

Making a selection is undoubtedly challenging. One aspect I greatly admire is the mature civic consciousness of Koreans. A news story exemplifies this trait perfectly. When a truck carrying glass bottles accidentally spilt its cargo on the road, passersby, including students, spontaneously came forward to help clear the debris. Additionally, I like healthy and delicious Korean cuisine, such as bibimbap and
kimchi. I feel that I should mention the convenient transportation system and advanced IT infrastructure (for example, the banking system and high-speed internet).

On the other hand, I have reservations about certain side effects associated with Confucianism. While respecting older individuals is admirable, it often leads to a disregard for the opinions of the younger generation. This poses challenges when making crucial decisions within companies, prompting some large corporations to eliminate hierarchical positions or conduct meetings in English. Moreover, the patriarchal nature perpetuated by Confucianism places an excessive burden on modern Korean women. For instance, during the lunar new year, married couples are obligated to visit their in-laws and partake in ancestral rites for their husbands, with the responsibility of preparing the food solely falling upon the daughters-in-law. Only after the rituals are completed can wives accompany their husbands to their own parents' homes, creating an imbalance.

What is your favourite Korean film, drama, or book?

I am particularly drawn to movies, dramas, and books that provoke thoughtful contemplation.

Regarding Korean films, one that stands out for me is “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...and Spring” directed by Kim Ki-Duk. The film unfolds within the serene backdrop of a Buddhist monastery floating on a beautiful forest lake. It depicts the cycle of life through the changing seasons and shows the philosophical teachings of Buddhism, prompting deep reflection on the meaning of our existence.

Selecting a favourite Korean drama is a challenging task as there are numerous ones I like. However, since I am currently conducting research on love, I would like to mention “Mr. Sunshine”. This drama beautifully portrays the idealized concept of love sought after by Koreans, while also exploring Korea's international relations, Korean-Japan dynamics, modernization, and the preservation of Korean traditions. Another noteworthy drama is “My Liberation Notes”, which captures the social pressures faced by young adults in Korea, illustrating the frustrations and challenges of their love and work lives.

Turning to Korean literature, I must mention “Please Look After Mom” by Shin Kyung-sook. The story revolves around the disappearance of a 69-year-old mother in a bustling Seoul subway station, leaving her children to anxiously search for her. This book served as a sad reminder not to take anyone, especially our mothers, for granted. The emotional impact was such that I found myself crying throughout the read, making it a truly memorable experience.