Introduction
The modern world is currently going through a revolutionary phase. This revolutionary phase has been characterised by a variety of changes that have been happening in many global sectors. To fully participate in this change, it is crucial that all members of the society effect changes in their own being. Having that in mind, different political, social, economic and cultural norms that govern the society should be constantly reviewed and restructured so as to ensure that they in pace with the changing world.
Up to the late 19th century Korea’s sovereignty had been blocked the cultural domination of the Choson. However after the Sino –Japanese war, Korean sovereignty and patriotism began to come back to its people. Several reforms aimed at promoting the image of Korea in the international arena took place (Yu 45). More respective titles that had earlier on been neutralized by Chosen’s perceived inferiority were adopted by the cabinet. These reforms majorly aimed at creating a notion that Korea was independent. To do this, Korea oriented its interests towards the west and in particular the United States.
The proposed Kobo reforms forwarded by our class of 2013 differ significantly from those of 1894. For purposes of this discussion, it wise to explore these difference from an international relations, political, economical, educational and social perspectives.
The difference between the old reforms and the new reforms is that the new reforms come when Korea is an already established sovereignty .Any foreign domination will not be entertained under the new reforms. Under the new reforms the council will review all unfair treaties which had been established when Korea was inferior. Adoption of new technology will be one of the steps towards defending the country’s sovereignty. Under the new reforms, Japan and China will have to respect the sovereignty of Korea. Japan will have to withdraw all its military personnel from Korea.
In the late 19th century Korea realized the need for education and technology for prosperity of the country. This called for reforms within the educational system. Education became a tool to tap talents which would secure the country’s sovereignty. However, education policies locked out many children from poor backgrounds. It was clear that only children from rich and influential families were selected to further their studies outside the world. The new constitution advocates for an educational system based on equality.
The education system will be divided into three ranks whereby best students from the higher educational academy will be selected for further studies abroad. Foreign languages such as English will be taught to enable foreign students to communicate with fellow students. English will enable the country to address the need for international relations. Korea has noticed that international relations are very crucial in the modern world.
This has called for introduction of foreign languages such as English and French to enable Koreans to participate in world politics and events (Yu 67). Under the old constitution, education was only offered by public schools. However the need for education is increasingly becoming urgent. The Kabo Deliberative Council has addressed this issue through proposing for expansion of public schools and commercializing education to allow private schools to participate in provision of education.
The king had enormous powers in 1894 including being the final decision maker. However, the 2013 reforms significantly alter the powers and jurisdictions accorded to the king. The form of government gave the king enormous powers including being the final decision maker in most of the government matters. The 2013 reforms on the other hand commissioned the setting up of a Council of Privy whose primary role is to assist the king in making decisions on crucial matters of the state. These reforms also unlike the old ones advocate for the setting up of the three arms of government that is the legislature, the judiciary and the executive so as to enhance the efficient running of government systems.
The old reforms were formulated at a time when the Choson State was in massive financial troubles. The Choson administration was experiencing dire budgetary issues that could not be solved completely solely using local resources .The administration rather than relying solely on domestic capital imported capital from neighbouring states like Japan in form of investments (Henthorn 45). This inadvertly led to the saturation of Japanese and other foreign infrastructure in the Choson kingdom. The 2013 reforms formulated by the students however calls for the acquisition of foreign infrastructure. The state would then assume full control of this infrastructure but not without first compensating the foreign companies.
In the social aspect, the old reforms were viewed as advocating for the establishment of systems of social status. The Deliberative council established at that time did not take any significant steps in trying to eliminate this status that discriminated against certain societal members. On the other hand, the proposed 2013 reforms call for the abolishment of the existing social system including the immediate slave emancipation. These reforms are aimed at ensuring the establishment of a just society where everyone has equal opportunities.
References
Yu, Yŏng-ik. Early Korean Encounters with the United States and Japan: Six Essays on Late Nineteenth-Century Korea. Seoul: Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch, 2008. Print
Henthorn, William E. A History of Korea. New York: Free Press, 2012. Print.
