Overview

In SOUTH KOREA: The Price of Efficiency and Success, second edition, authors John Gonzalez and Young Lee combine their backgrounds and professional experiences to look behind the public face of South Korea. Through stories, anecdotes, and hard evidence, they capture Koreans being themselves without the glamour and glitz of K-pop, K-beauty, and K-drama. They examine the conditions, behavioral patterns, and cultural values that helped lift the country from the ashes after the Korean War to the international stage as the fifth-largest economy in Asia and 13th in the world. Their analysis includes the price Koreans have paid for the country's astonishing achievements and the existing social inequality. In the current edition, the authors have thoroughly revised and updated the narrative, incorporating a discussion of recent significant events, such as the deadly 2022 Itaewon crowd crush.

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9781737651321

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Reviews

"""A nuanced dissection of Korean culture and the factors influencing its renaissance as an economic leader on the world stage, this engaging portrait of a complex nation will appeal to a wide audience. This is a kaleidoscopic review of South Korea in the modern age - a detailed analysis of intrinsic motivations within the population, a philosophical manifesto on efficient thinking, and a relentlessly honest expos� on the inherent conflicts that exist and persist in this powerful Asian nation."" - Self-Publishing Review (U.S.), ★★★★1/2 ""Readers interested in South Korea's paradoxical tensions will find a wealth of insights, but the authors offer a larger lesson about the trajectory of modernity that could apply to many other countries that, having dedicated themselves to economic growth and material abundance, find themselves mired in a frustrating spiritual malaise. An absorbing analysis of the social discontentment that plagues South Korea's economic success."" - Kirkus Reviews (U.S.) ""South Korea: The Price of Efficiency and Success - Second Edition is an admirably clear account that aims to show the country in all its complexity, inspired as much by tragedy as by understanding and affection. Authors Dr. John Gonzalez and Young Lee write with empathy and knowledge, and their account sheds light on facets of South Korea that tend to go underacknowledged."" - Entrada Publishing (U.S.) ""The political science text South Korea makes a moral case for 'consciousness raising' and cultural transformation that has clear relevance to other industrialized nations.... [It] is a broad and thoughtful work of cultural comparison and critique that will stimulate debate on global issues."" - Foreword Clarion Reviews (U.S.). - Clarion Rating: 4 out of 5 ""There were a number of elements to this book I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, it's very accessibly written, the vocabulary not overly complex, and the writing style direct and not at all flowery.... Secondly, the intro (My Journey to Korea) is a wonderful - and rather original - way to start the book as Dr. John Gonzalez tells the reader how he ended up where he did and why he penned the book. Thirdly, I was so impressed by the comprehensive feel to the content, the authors keen to examine all aspects of Korean culture...."" - The Wishing Shelf (U.K.) ""John Gonzalez brings an American ex-pat's insights to this interesting overview of recent history in South Korea.... He wrote (with South Korean-born Young Lee) this highly readable account to honor the country and to share what he learned, befriending locals over memorable meals in cities large and small.... Gonzalez provides a fond, thoughtful introduction to South Korean culture. The numerous citations in this book, published in 2019 and reissued in 2024, are also a goldmine for any reader looking to dig deeper into the topic."" - Blue Ink Review (U.S.)"

Author Information

John Gonzalez was born in a small town of 12,000 people in the highlands of Mexico. At age 13, his family immigrated to the U.S., hoping he would forge a solid future for himself. Gonzalez always remembered why his parents decided to leave their home country and the sacrifices they made while uprooting the family. He learned English and French and earned several degrees, including a doctorate in educational leadership from UCLA. After receiving his doctorate, Gonzalez was appointed American Council on Education Fellow. He has worked in academic positions from middle to graduate school in the U.S. He lived in South Korea for five years, where he worked at an American school as a Spanish and English teacher and academic counselor. After completing his assignment, he was offered the position of school principal. While living in Korea, he immersed himself in the culture. He chose to write SOUTH KOREA: The Price of Efficiency and Success to express his gratitude to the Korean people. Gonzalez enjoys traveling, spiritual retreats, and meeting people from all walks of life. In his spare time, he volunteers to teach yoga and meditation in the community. Young Lee was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. At age 20, he immigrated to the U.S., where he attended college and received a baccalaureate and a master's degree in applied mathematics. Most of his professional experience is in financial analysis in U.S. companies. Twenty-five years after leaving his native Korea, Lee returned and taught as a visiting professor at a university for three years. During this visit, he experienced an unexpected culture shock related to the question: How could South Koreans achieve such remarkable financial success so quickly? This question inspired him to write this book using the analytical and problem-solving skills he learned from his educational and professional experience. Lee enjoys camping in the mountains, meditating in his home in California, and traveling the world to learn about different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles.

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