[471 International's Eye] Democracy and Dialogue Across Cultures

   I have lived in Korea for about three to four years. During this time, as I became more involved in everyday life here, I developed a deeper understanding of Korean society. Among many cultural differences I noticed, the way people talk about politics made the strongest impression on me.

   In France, political discussions are a common part of daily life. Whether chatting with friends over coffee or during family gatherings, people openly share their political opinions and often engage in lively debates. These conversations can sometimes become intense, but they are generally seen as a healthy way to exchange ideas. This openness is a natural part of democratic society, where sharing and challenging different viewpoints is valued. 

   In contrast, the atmosphere around political talk in Korea feels very different. People tend to approach political topics carefully. Many hesitate to share their political opinions, and I have often heard Korean friends say it is better to avoid political discussions altogether. It seems there is a concern that such conversations might disturb social harmony or cause conflicts within personal relationships. 

   I do not think this cautious approach means that people in Korea lack political awareness or interest. Rather, it reflects the cultural importance placed on maintaining harmony, using indirect communication, and showing consideration for others. While French culture often values direct and honest expression, Korean culture tends to prefer subtlety and sensitivity to the social situation. 

   I had a chance to observe Korean political culture more closely while working as a student assistant in administrative support on campus. During election times, I handled many political pamphlets. I noticed these materials usually emphasized the candidate’s background, image, and career achievements more than detailed policy proposals. Some promises were mentioned, but the focus was clearly more on the individual than on specific political plans.

   Still, I do not want to suggest that France is perfect when it comes to politics. One issue I find troubling is corruption, especially cases involving bribery among those in power. Such scandals damage public trust and often make real progress seem out of reach, no matter who wins an election. This problem is not unique to France; many countries face similar challenges. Without strong transparency and accountability, it is hard for people to believe in meaningful change. 

   In the end, the way people engage with politics varies greatly across cultures. These differences should not be judged as right or wrong but seen as reflections of unique historical and social experiences. France encourages open and sometimes confrontational political discussions, while Korea tends to take a more careful and reserved approach. What really matters is not how people participate, but whether democratic values and principles are truly working. Understanding these cultural differences helps foster greater empathy and respect between societies.