Introduction
As the global community looks to South Korea to guide their own nations, we wonder what really sets the Korean experience apart from the rest of the world. Korea’s involvement and participation in finding their nation’s ‘new normal’ is derived from a balance between the scientific and humane efforts needed to survive and ultimately thrive during this unparalleled time.
The Shift to Online
South Korea has found such success in escaping their ‘corona blues’ thanks to a widespread transition from working, learning, and governing offline to online. For quite a while, there has been an extreme juxtaposition between the traditional and new-age Korea. In finding a new normal, S. Korea will be able to increase their people’s quality of life and guide the rest of the world in managing a balance between off- and on-line life.
Challenges and Opportunities
Within contaminated nations, there are three primary challenges:
* Infection control: Physical distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks.
* Mental depression: Feelings of loneliness, fear, worry, and stress.
* Economic depression: Work closures, school closures, and unemployment.
Despite these challenges, there is an opportunity. Online transitions—such as working from home, E-health, online shopping, and online courses—have created a new normal in Korea. This is a normalcy that has nothing to do with the old normal.
A Humane Approach
Hope, founded in the humane approach of entrepreneurship, has been at the centerfold of their innovation. Science alone is insufficient; we need connection. Humane affection, such as campaigns to provide food for the elderly and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has guided the formation of Korea’s new normal.
Acceptance of Reality
Coronavirus is our new reality, and S. Korea has done what many countries have been unable to do: accept this new reality. By admitting surrender through acceptance, the nation could implement groundbreaking solutions like the 'drive-through' testing system. While other nations faced shortages and panic, South Korea used technology to empower its citizens, such as providing applications to track mask availability.
Looking Ahead
South Korea has managed to maintain a low mortality rate through widespread testing and quick results. Now, the nation is turning its attention to the economic depression through measures like tax breaks for SMEs. The fate of the world depends on the acceptance of reality and the formation of a new normal that is founded at the intersection of science and empathy.