Koreas: The Birth of Two Nations Divided

Theodore Jun Yoo's book "The Koreas" provides a unique perspective on the divergent developments of contemporary North and South Korea by examining the Korean diaspora experience. It challenges the master narratives of national culture, homogeneity, belongingness, and identity and offers a demythologized history with chapters focusing on feature stories that affect popular culture and everyday life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2020
Publisher: University of California Press

Korea stands as one of the world's last divided nations, a product of the Cold War era. Perceived as an isolated, impoverished, and time-warped state with a dismal human rights record and a leader who perennially threatens global security with his clandestine nuclear weapons program, the other is celebrated as a thriving democratic and capitalist state with the thirteenth largest economy in the world and a model for developing countries to emulate.

In "The Koreas," Theodore Jun Yoo offers a compelling lens through which to understand the contrasting trajectories of contemporary North and South Korea. Unlike traditional histories, Yoo delves into the distinct experiences of the Korean diaspora, challenging the dominant narratives of national culture, homogeneity, belongingness, and identity. This book draws from the latest research to present a decidedly demythologized history, with chapters focusing on feature stories that capture the key issues of the day as they impact popular culture and everyday life.

"The Koreas" will be an indispensable resource for historians, both professional and amateur, seeking a discerning and reliable guide to the region.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 149 x 218 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520292338