Ilbe and the alt-Right: Fascism and Conservative Politics in South Korea

Explicit content warning

02/03/18 • 43 min

In this conversation with prominent blogger Ask A Korean, we unpack the spy-ops and psy-ops that have informed more than a decade of alt-Right agitation in South Korea. Plus: a look into the anti-democratic overreach of the National Intelligence Service and a deep dive into the origins of Ilbe, Korea’s nihilistic proto-Reddit web forum and 4chan and Breitbart predecessor. And, an analysis of the diminished status of South Korea’s political right-wing today. Also, three fundamental questions that establish first principles when talking about North Korea: May the North Korean state continue to exist? May the Kim Jong-un regime remain in power? And is war acceptable on the Korean peninsula? Ask A Korean’s answer to all three questions is an emphatic ‘No’. This conversation was recorded on January 28th, 2018. Music on this episode is ??? with '?? ???'. Help support and sustain this podcast at patreon.com/thekoreafile and receive access to exclusive interviews and bonus content!

Previous Episode

2018 a Year of Possibility: Inter-Korean Talks and the Pyeongchang Olympics

As the Koreas begin high level diplomatic talks, host Andre Goulet is joined by photojournalist Jules Tomi for a wide-ranging conversation on the upcoming Pyeongchang Olympic Games and the confluence of factors, including chaotic American political leadership, that may be leading to an easing of tensions on the peninsula. Plus: critiquing voyeuristic journalism, apocalyptic diplomacy by Twitter and debating the perilous potential of possible reunification. This conversation was recorded on January 4th. Music on this episode is Kim Gwan-suk's ‘Buchiji Anheun Pyunji #1 (Geudae Jal-gala)' Photo credit: Spencer Cameron w/ Getty Images Support The Korea File podcast at patreon.com/thekoreafile

Next Episode

Peace Olympics Lead to Shock Diplomatic Breakthrough

Steven Denney (Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto/Senior Editor at SinoNK.com) joins host Andre Goulet to discuss the diplomatic delegation's visit to Pyeongyang and how Korean nationalism and American obstructionism continue to clash in the wake of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games. Plus: January's weird Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula, organized by the Canadian government and the U.S. State Department, comes under observation. All this and more, on episode 72 of The Korea File. Music on this episode: ‘???? ???' by?? (1979)