Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop

South Korea has the most remarkable of histories. Born from the ashes of colonialism, partition and a devastating war, back in the 1950s there were real doubts about its survival as an independent state. Yet South Korea did survive, and first became known globally for the export of cheap toys, shoes and clothing. Today, South Korea is a boisterous democracy, a vibrant market economy, a tech powerhouse, and home to the coolest of cultures. In just seventy years, this society has grown from a shrimp into a whale. What explains this extraordinary transformation? For some, it was ordinary South Koreans who fought to change their country, and still strive to continue shaping it. For others, it was all down to forward-looking political and business leaders, who had the vision that their country would one day be different. Whichever version you prefer, it's clear that, at its core, South Korea's is the story of a people who dreamt big, and saw their dreams coming true. This is the history of South Korea, from its millennia-old roots, through its foundation as a nation-state and economic development under dictatorship, to its present as a rich, free and cool country on the world stage.

About the Author :
Ramon Pacheco Pardo is Professor of International Relations at King's College London, and KF-VUB Korea Chair at the Brussels School of Governance. He is also a non-resident adjunct fellow with the Center for Strategic Studies Korea Chair, and a non-resident fellow at the Sejong Institute. Ramon has lived twice in South Korea, and remains a regular visitor there for both work and leisure. He regularly teaches and provides media commentary about the country.

Review :
"Pacheco Pardo (international relations, King's College London, UK) has written a celebratory history of South Korea from its establishment in 1948 to the present. This tale of the transformation of a shrimp into a whale is a highly readable, sound, and up-to-date account of the history of South Korea." -- S. A. Hastings, CHOICE "This is a book by someone who adores South Korea and has done so since his first trip there as a student. [...] Pacheco Pardo captures the remarkable scope of recent triumphs that give South Korea both agility -- as Moon's diplomacy has shown -- and the affection of a global audience." -- Financial Times "Captures South Korea's triumphant postwar ascent from abject poverty and trauma."--The Guardian "[An] engaging account."--New Statesman "[A] well-told story of South Korea's rise to spotlight."--The Korea Herald "A wonderful introduction to contemporary Korean history. This book shows how a small 'hermit nation' in Northeast Asia has transformed into vibrant, dynamic society. A must-read for those who want to understand Korea today."-- Sung-Hwan Kim, Chairman of the East Asia Foundation, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea "Pacheco Pardo observes Korea with empathy and admiration, as only a Spaniard might. He understands the profound pain that was inflicted on the Koreans by the civil war and dictatorship that preceded today's feisty democracy. This beautiful account celebrates the uncommon resilience, courage, genius and industry of the Korean people."-- Meredith Woo, East Asian politics expert and President of Sweet Briar College "Since the Korean War, Korea has established itself as a "Global Korea". This book introduces Korean politics, economy and democratization, and the global phenomenon K-pop, which have transformed from shrimps to whales. Pacheco Pardo's book will be an insightful guide for the general public as well as experts who seek to gain a deeper understanding of Korea."-- Sang Hyun Lee, President of the Sejong Institute 'With passion, comprehensive depth and a bird's eye view from afar and up close, this is a valuable read for anyone with an intellectual curiosity in South Korea and its remarkable journey, achieving in several decades what has taken others centuries or millennia." -- Eun Mee Kim, President of Ewha Womans University, Seoul "Pacheco Pardo offers a wide-ranging, lucidly written history of Korea-one that'll be valuable for specialists and generalists alike. The author tracks South Korea's dizzying and rapid transformation into one of the world's most notable middle powers and regional dynamos-from independence to the Covid-19 pandemic."-- Ankit Panda, author of Kim Jong Un and the Bomb "A fluid and informative read. Pacheco Pardo's recounting of Korea's remarkable odyssey is accessible to a general audience, as well as an important contribution to the scholarship in the field. Highly recommended!" -- Victor Cha, author of The Impossible State, and former Director for Asian Affairs, US National Security Council "Shrimp to Whale is an enthusiastic and breezy book that trumpets the success of South Korea? It surveys the country's complex and fascinating story, and its rise from the bottom to where it is today."--Diplomatic Courier