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

South Korea has a remarkable history. Born from the ashes of imperial domination, partition and a devastating war, back in the 1950s there were real doubts about its survival as an independent state. Yet South Korea endures: today it 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 individual South Koreans who fought to change their country, and still strive to shape it. For others, it was forward-looking political and business leaders with a vision. Either way, it's clear that this is the story of a people who dreamt big, and whose dreams came true. Shrimp to Whale is a lively history of South Korea, from its millennia-old roots, through the division of the Peninsula, dictatorship and economic growth, to today's global powerhouse. '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 'A wonderful introduction to contemporary Korean history. This book shows how a small "hermit nation" 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 South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade '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 '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 'Since the Korean War, Korea has established itself as a "Global Korea"...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

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 King 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 :
'Captures South Korea’s triumphant postwar ascent from abject poverty and trauma.’ '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.' '[An] engaging account.' '[A] well-told story of South Korea’s rise to spotlight.' ''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.' 'A wonderful introduction to contemporary Korean history. This book shows how a small "hermit nation" in Northeast Asia has transformed into a vibrant, dynamic society. A must-read for those who want to understand Korea today.' '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!' 'A wide-ranging, lucidly written history. 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.' '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 a civil war, and the dictatorship that preceded the feisty democracy they enjoy today. In this beautiful account, he celebrates the uncommon resilience and courage of the Korean people, giving the world the benefit of their genius and industry.' '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.' 'Since the Korean War, Korea has established itself as a "Global Korea". This book introduces Korean politics, economy and democratisation, 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.' 'Monumental in its ambition and breadth... . This is a pathbreaking and must-have work of comparative historical analysis—and a riveting read to boot.'