Michael Sandel: "Koreans' Awareness of 'Opportunity Inequality'... The First Step Toward Reform"

International Anti-Corruption Conference Dialogue... "Wealth Inequality Worsened Due to COVID-19"

On the 1st, at the '19th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC)' special session held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Professor Michael Sandel of Harvard University, USA (right on screen), who appeared as a speaker, is seen having a dialogue with Professor Kim Sun-wook of Soongsil University. Professor Sandel stated, "Unlike Americans, Koreans honestly acknowledge the social mobility barriers caused by inequality of opportunity," adding, "This awareness of the problem is the first step to reforming the economy and society." The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission recorded lectures by Professor Michael Sandel and Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee on the 1st, and will release the videos on the 19th IACC website starting at 2 p.m. on the 2nd. (Photo by Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Michael Sandel, a professor at Harvard University in the United States, said on the 1st, "Unlike Americans, Koreans honestly acknowledge the social mobility barriers caused by unequal opportunities, and this awareness is the first step toward reform."

Professor Sandel made these remarks as a discussant at the 19th International Anti-Corruption Conference, jointly hosted by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC), and Transparency International (TI), held in the form of a video conference over four days starting that day.

In a dialogue with Soongsil University Professor Kim Seonwook under the theme "Talking about Fairness, Justice, and the Common Good," Professor Sandel evaluated, "Unlike Americans who believe in the 'American Dream,' Koreans face the reality that social mobility from the lower class is difficult."

He emphasized, "Recognizing issues such as inequality and imbalance is necessary to reform the economy and society."

Professor Sandel pointed out, "The COVID-19 pandemic has increased wealth inequality," adding, "Opportunities to succeed are no longer equally provided."

He also responded to questions from a youth panel regarding problems in Korea's college entrance system.

He criticized, "The problem in our society is that admission to prestigious universities has become the standard for obtaining wealth and opportunities," and added, "This kind of 'educational meritocracy' has taken root, leaving students no time to think about what they want to study or what they are passionate about."

The recorded video of Professor Sandel's dialogue will be available for viewing on the International Anti-Corruption Conference website from 2 p.m. on the 2nd.