Baek Nak-cheong, a professor emeritus at Seoul National University, made these remarks on September 16 at a press conference celebrating the completion of the 'Changbi Korean Thought Series' at the Changbi headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul."When we started this project, not many people were using the term 'K-Thought.' The flourishing of Korean culture has a philosophical foundation that has been clearly passed down through Korean history. It acts as a source of vitality for various cultures."
The 'Changbi Korean Thought Series' covers the intellectual struggles of 59 figures, from Jeong Dojeon to female Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty, modern writers, and Kim Dae-jung. The series began with the release of the first 10 volumes in 2014 and has since expanded to 30 volumes over three years. The first 15 volumes, titled 'Unfolding the Ideal of the People,' focus on Confucian scholars, monarchs, and female scholars from Jeong Dojeon to Choi Han-gi. The latter 15 volumes, titled 'Contemplating the Transition of Civilization,' include thinkers from the Gae Byeok movement, Enlightenment figures, religious leaders, and writers, concluding with Kim Dae-jung.
Baek noted, "Adding the 'K' signifies not just that it originated in Korea, but that it has global value. The consensus that Korean thought possesses such potential and strength was the impetus for this project."
The series aims to make the voices of these thinkers accessible to general readers and to select figures whose ideas can address contemporary issues. Baek explained, "I translated all the texts into Korean so that readers unfamiliar with classical Chinese can absorb them as nourishment for their lives, and I included a helpful preface."
The series is also expected to contribute to expanding international interest in Korean thought. Lee Nam-joo, the editor-in-chief at Changbi, mentioned Chinese scholar He Zhaotian, stating, "Scholars contemplating changes in Chinese society focus on the process by which the strengthening of grassroots agency in Korea has become a driving force for social change. It is important to share useful aspects of our experiences to address common challenges faced by China and us at an Asian level."
The range of thinkers included has also been broadened. Volume 13, 'Im Yun-ji, Lee Sa-joo, and Kang Jeong-il: Women Confucian Scholars of Joseon,' examines three female Confucian scholars. Co-editor Lee Suk-in remarked, "The enduring themes of how to live as a human, how to treat others, and what one should become are central. All three constantly pondered how to respect themselves and others."
There was internal debate about whether Kim Dae-jung could be considered a thinker. Baek explained, "In East Asian tradition, only those in power could create and implement laws and rituals as practical thinkers. It is rare for someone in a position of authority to develop their thoughts through action. Kim Dae-jung is a rare modern figure in this regard."
Lee Nam-joo added, "Kim Dae-jung's democracy sought a higher horizon than merely adopting Western democracy. He can certainly be called a pioneer of K-Democracy."
Volume 29 covers writers such as Im Hwa, Kim Soo-young, and Shin Dong-yeop. Co-editor Hwang Jeong-a found a common thread among them in realism and practicality. He stated, "Through the realism of these writers, who navigated the critical junctures of 20th-century Korean history—colonization, war, division, and dictatorship—I aim to show what universal vision they pursued and hope readers will see the originality of their thoughts."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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