A divided Korean peninsula symbolizes shifting national identities.

South Korea's Identity Crisis: Are Young Koreans Redefining Nationalism?

Reese Marlowe in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals shifting attitudes towards unification and national identity among South Korean youth, challenging traditional notions of 'One Korea'."

The Korean peninsula, a region marked by decades of division and conflict, is witnessing a profound shift in national identity, particularly among its younger generation. Traditional notions of 'minjok,' an ethnic nationalism rooted in shared blood and history, are being challenged by new values shaped by globalization, economic competition, and evolving social priorities.

A recent study, 'South Korea's New Nationalism: The End of “One Korea”?' by Emma Campbell, delves into this transformation, exploring how young South Koreans are reconceptualizing their nation in ways that diverge significantly from previous generations. The research highlights a growing ambivalence towards unification with North Korea, driven by concerns about economic stability, national reputation, and the preservation of South Korea's distinct identity.

This article will further analyze the key findings of Campbell's study, examining the factors driving this shift in national identity and exploring the potential implications for the future of the Korean peninsula. We will delve into the perspectives of young South Koreans, their evolving values, and their vision for the nation in an increasingly interconnected world.

How Globalization and Economic Pressures are Shaping New Nationalist Sentiments

A divided Korean peninsula symbolizes shifting national identities.

Campbell's research reveals that young South Koreans, born after the democratization of the late 1980s, are increasingly prioritizing South Korea's economic success and global standing. Having grown up in a highly competitive environment, they are more likely to view North Korea as a potential burden on the South Korean economy and a threat to its international image.

This shift is reflected in their attitudes towards unification, with many young South Koreans expressing concerns that it could jeopardize the country's economic progress and social stability. They are more focused on individual achievement and self-interest, aligning with neoliberal values that emphasize competition and personal responsibility.

Economic Concerns: Unification is viewed as a potential drain on South Korea's resources, hindering its economic growth.
National Reputation: Young people worry that unification could damage South Korea's image on the world stage.
Individualism: A greater emphasis on personal success and competition overshadows the traditional focus on collective national goals.

Moreover, globalization has exposed young South Koreans to diverse cultures and values, leading them to redefine their national identity in terms of shared cultural values like modernity and cosmopolitanism rather than ethnic homogeneity. They are more likely to embrace non-ethnic immigrants who share these values, while viewing North Koreans as culturally and economically backward.

The Future of Korean Identity: Navigating a Divided Peninsula

Campbell's study paints a complex picture of a nation grappling with its identity in a rapidly changing world. While traditional notions of ethnic nationalism may be waning among young South Koreans, a new form of cultural nationalism is emerging, shaped by globalization, economic pressures, and evolving social values. Understanding these shifts is crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities facing the Korean peninsula in the years to come, and for fostering a more peaceful and prosperous future for all Koreans.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1353/ks.2017.0029, Alternate LINK

Title: South Korea'S New Nationalism: The End Of ''One Korea''? By Emma Campbell

Subject: Geography, Planning and Development

Journal: Korean Studies

Publisher: Project Muse

Authors: Jaehoon Bae

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the central argument of the study 'South Korea's New Nationalism' regarding young South Koreans' perception of national identity?

The study "South Korea's New Nationalism: The End of 'One Korea'?" by Emma Campbell examines how young South Koreans are redefining their national identity. It highlights a growing ambivalence towards unification with North Korea due to economic stability concerns, national reputation, and the desire to preserve South Korea's distinct identity. The research suggests that traditional notions of 'minjok' are being challenged by globalization and evolving social priorities.

According to the research, how do economic pressures influence young South Koreans' views on North Korea and unification?

Young South Koreans prioritize economic success and global standing. They view North Korea as a potential burden on South Korea's economy and a threat to its international image. This perspective stems from growing up in a highly competitive environment and aligns with neoliberal values that emphasize competition and personal responsibility, overshadowing collective national goals.

In what ways has globalization affected how young South Koreans define their national identity and view North Koreans?

Globalization has exposed young South Koreans to diverse cultures and values, leading them to redefine their national identity based on shared cultural values like modernity and cosmopolitanism, rather than ethnic homogeneity. They are more likely to embrace non-ethnic immigrants who share these values, while sometimes viewing North Koreans as culturally and economically behind.

How does the decline of traditional ethnic nationalism among young South Koreans impact the future of the Korean peninsula?

The waning of traditional ethnic nationalism among young South Koreans is giving rise to a new form of cultural nationalism, shaped by globalization, economic pressures, and evolving social values. This shift in identity has significant implications for the future of the Korean peninsula, influencing attitudes towards unification and the overall relationship between South and North Korea. Understanding these shifts is crucial for fostering a peaceful and prosperous future.

How has the concept of 'minjok' evolved among young South Koreans, and what implications does this have for the unification of Korea?

The study highlights a shift away from the traditional concept of 'minjok' (ethnic nationalism) toward a more culturally defined national identity. This transformation involves prioritizing South Korea's economic success and global image. The implications include a re-evaluation of unification with North Korea, driven by concerns about economic burden and social stability. This evolving perspective among young South Koreans suggests a potential reshaping of the Korean peninsula's future, necessitating a focus on adapting to new social values and priorities.