한류에 담긴 ESG | Joon-Beom Kim | TEDxGoyang

The Popularity of Korean Culture (Hallyu)

• The speaker intends to discuss three points related to the popularity of Korean culture, known as Hallyu, around the world.
• The speaker will explore the reasons behind the global appeal of Korean culture and the factors that contribute to its widespread popularity.
• The speaker acknowledges the global popularity of Korean culture as an indication of its universality and seeks to understand the specific characteristics of Korean culture that contribute to its widespread appeal.

The Hidden Code of Korean Culture

• The text discusses a hidden code within Korean culture, referred to as the "hidden code of Korean culture."
• This code is described as the principle of energy circulation.
• The numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7 are presented as key elements of this code.
• The number 1 represents the Taegeuk, a symbol with a red (yang) and blue (yin) section.
• The number 3 is explained as the combination of the red and blue sections of the Taegeuk, representing the union of yang and yin.
• The text suggests that Korean culture is coded with these numbers and can be decoded using them.
• The Korean concept of "Cheonjiin" is represented by a geometric shape called "Wonbanggak," which is similar to the one seen in the popular show "Squid Game."
• This concept of "Cheonjiin" represents the transformation of "1" into "3."
• Korean culture also incorporates the concept of "Ohaeng," which refers to the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
• The combination of "Taegeuk" (representing yin and yang) and "Ohaeng" forms the foundation of many aspects of Korean culture.
• The number "5" in "Ohaeng" transforms into "7" through a cyclical process, which is a mysterious phenomenon.
• This transformation from "5" to "7" occurs through the cycle of the four seasons.
• This cyclical transformation represents the principle of energy circulation in Korean culture.
• The hidden code of Korean culture is represented by the numbers "1, 3, 5, 7" and the concepts of "Taegeuk," "Cheonjiin," "Ohaeng," and "Chirye."
• Korean culture reflects the order of the heavens on Earth, with the numbers "1, 5, 7" representing both celestial and terrestrial cycles.
• The Korean term "Jamiyeon Taemi Cheonwon" refers to this connection between the heavens and Earth.

The Korean Alphabet (Hangeul)

• The Korean alphabet, Hangeul, was created by King Sejong the Great.
• The creation of Hangeul is based on the principle of 1, 3, 5, 7.
• This principle represents a cycle of energy, where 1 evolves into 3, 3 into 5, and 5 into 7.
• This principle is reflected in the structure of Hangeul, with the vowels representing the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
• The principle of 1, 3, 5, 7 is also found in the "Hunminjeongeum Haerye," which explains the usage of Hangeul.
• The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul, uses the three consonants 천 (cheon), 지 (ji), and 인 (in) to create all other letters.
• The arrangement of these consonants reflects the natural cycle of energy in the universe.
• The consonant 천 represents the beginning of the cycle, like a seed in winter.
• The consonant 지 represents the growth of the seed in spring.
• The consonant 인 represents the energy reaching its peak in summer.
• The consonant 우 (u) represents the energy descending in autumn.
• The consonant 어 (eo) represents the energy returning to its resting state in winter.
• This arrangement of consonants, known as 천지인, reflects the principles of Yin and Yang, where everything in the universe exists in pairs.
• The text describes a system where opposing forces, represented by "yin" and "yang," are paired together.
• The system begins with the "winter" energy, represented by "o."
• The second stage involves the "fire" energy, represented by "u," which descends from the "yin" energy.
• The "u" energy then pairs with the "yo" energy, which represents an ascending force.
• This pairing results in the formation of "body," which transitions into the "autumn" season.
• The "autumn" season is characterized by an inward energy, represented by "ya," which pairs with the "yin" energy.
• In the "winter" season, the "yin" energy descends, pairing with the "yu" energy.
• Finally, the "spring" season, represented by "a," is characterized by an outward energy that pairs with the "ye" energy.
• This cyclical process of pairing opposing forces creates eight characters, representing the fundamental elements of the "heaven, earth, and human" world.
• These eight characters form the basis of the "ja" vowel system.
• The speaker explains that King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, based on the natural cycle of energy.
• The speaker uses the example of the consonant "eeung" (ㅇ) to illustrate this point.
• The "eeung" represents a seed in the ground, which is symbolized by the sound of water in the throat.
• The consonant "hieut" (ㅎ) represents the seed pushing up from the ground.
• The consonant "ieung" (ㅣ) represents the seed emerging as a sprout.
• The consonant "gieok" (ㄱ) represents the sprout growing into a stem.
• The text describes a process of transitioning from summer to autumn, using Korean alphabet sounds to represent different stages.
• The initial stage is represented by the sound "ni-eun," signifying a high temperature and upward movement.
• The sound "di-geut" represents a point where the upward movement stops and the energy needs to shift direction.
• The transition from summer to autumn requires a significant amount of energy, represented by the sound "mi-eum."
• This energy is needed to move the summer energy into autumn, represented by the sound "bi-eup."
• The transition is facilitated by the sound "pi-eum," which represents the gathering of energy.
• The final stage of the transition is represented by the sound "ban-chi-eum," which signifies the summer energy being absorbed into the autumn energy.
• The sound "eul" represents the transition itself, acting as a bridge between the two seasons.
• The Korean alphabet, Hangeul, was created by King Sejong the Great based on the principle of natural energy cycles.
• The creation of Hangeul was inspired by the natural world, with each letter representing a sound found in nature.
• King Sejong believed that Hangeul could represent all sounds in the world, including the sounds of wind, dogs barking, and thunder.
• Hangeul is considered by linguists to be one of the greatest inventions in human history.
• The original Hangeul alphabet contained 28 letters, but currently only 24 letters are used.
• The Korean alphabet, Hangeul, was created based on the principles of natural energy cycles.
• Hangeul can represent all sounds, including those from all languages on Earth.
• If an AI system were to learn and understand Hangeul, it would likely attempt to represent all languages using Hangeul.

The Taegeukgi (South Korean Flag)

• The Taegeukgi, the South Korean flag, also embodies the principle of energy cycles.
• The Taegeukgi features a central Taegeuk symbol representing the balance of yin and yang, surrounded by four trigrams representing the four seasons.
• The trigrams are named "geon" (heaven), "gon" (earth), "gam" (water), and "ri" (fire).
• The placement of the trigrams, particularly "gam," can be confusing due to their similar appearance.
• The speaker describes a symbol with water at the top and fire at the bottom.
• The speaker explains that this symbol represents the natural order of energy flow, with the lower part being warm and the upper part being cool.
• The speaker states that this natural order is essential for health and well-being.
• The speaker connects this concept to the Taegeuk, the symbol of the Korean flag, which represents the balance of yin and yang.
• The speaker emphasizes that the Taegeuk is a representation of the unity of the three elements: heaven, earth, and humanity.
• The speaker discusses the concept of "yin and yang" in Korean culture, stating that the combination of these two forces is essential for life.
• The speaker connects this concept to the Korean flag, the Taegeuk, which represents the harmony of opposing forces.
• The speaker explains that the Taegeuk represents a culture of fusion, achieved through reflection and practice.

The Concept of "Seonbi"

• The speaker defines "seonbi" as individuals who have achieved a state of transcendence through understanding the principles of energy circulation.
• The speaker emphasizes that the concept of "seonbi" is not limited to the Joseon Dynasty, but is a fundamental aspect of Korean culture.
• The speaker notes that the term "seonbi" is not of Chinese origin, and suggests that the closest Chinese equivalent would be "xianren," meaning "immortal."
• The speaker identifies Dangun Wanggeom as the first "seonbi" in Korean history, according to the Dangun myth.
• The speaker also suggests that Hwanung or Mago could be considered earlier "seonbi" figures, depending on how far back one traces Korean history.

Korean Culture and ESG Principles

• The Korean culture, including the Korean flag, the Hangul alphabet, and Confucianism, is based on the principle of energy circulation.
• This cultural foundation is the basis for the Hallyu wave, which is gaining popularity in the current era.
• The current era is characterized by a move away from binary thinking, which is reflected in the growing importance of ESG principles.
• ESG principles challenge the traditional separation of humans and nature, individual and society, and individual profit and collective well-being.
• The current era is marked by a recognition that the Earth is facing a crisis due to environmental degradation and social inequality.
• Quantum physics, a dominant field in science, emphasizes the interconnectedness of matter and consciousness, challenging the previous materialist worldview.
• The universe is comprised of matter and consciousness, which are integrated through the interaction of the observer, known as humans.
• This concept is not a dichotomy, but rather a fundamental principle in Korean culture, known as the "Sam-Hwa" spirit and culture.
• The "Sam-Hwa" spirit emphasizes that the interests of the community and capital are not mutually exclusive, which aligns with the principles of ESG.
• This cultural perspective promotes a global approach to sustainability, emphasizing energy circulation, social harmony, and a culture of consensus, fusion, and joy.
• This unique aspect of Korean culture has become increasingly relevant in the current era of globalization, as it offers a sustainable approach to a world facing challenges of globalization, industrialization, and materialism.
• The speaker suggests that Korean culture is inherently ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and that it is unconsciously appealing because it offers a sense of comfort and ease.
• The speaker argues that Korean culture is already embodying ESG principles, while other countries are still trying to implement them.
• The speaker believes that Korea has the potential to develop a unique Korean-style ESG model, which could be beneficial for developing countries.
• The speaker suggests that Korea could collaborate with developing countries to share its ESG knowledge and experience.
• The speaker discusses the concept of "Korea Discount" which was a perception of Korea as a risky investment due to its political instability and division.
• The speaker argues that Korea has transitioned from a "discount" to a "premium" due to its alignment with the zeitgeist.
• The speaker suggests that Korea can further enhance its global standing by developing a unique Korean approach to ESG principles, which could lead to the emergence of "KESG".