📚 Review of "Father’s Shadow": Lessons from Joseon’s Diplomacy for Modern South Korea
Hello! Today, I’d like to introduce a book that delves into the essence of diplomacy during the Joseon Dynasty and the lessons it offers for modern South Korean diplomacy— “Father’s Shadow.” This book focuses on the Manchu invasions of 1627 and 1636 and explains why Joseon chose a desperate resistance and continued to cling to the unrealistic Northern Expedition Theory afterward. It provides an in-depth analysis of how Joseon’s diplomatic policies were intrinsically tied to its national identity. However, the book does not merely analyze the past; it also raises the question of how the diplomatic patterns from late Joseon to the Korean Empire continue to influence South Korea’s diplomacy today. Given the complex international landscape we face, this book prompts us to reflect on the lessons we should learn. 🔎 1. Why Were the Manchu Invasions More Devastating for Joseon? 📌 Imjin War vs. Manchu Invasions Joseon suffered devastating invasions during the Imjin War (1...