David Tizzard is a professor at Seoul Women’s University and Hanyang University. A regular contributor to television and radio, he holds a PhD in Korean Studies, writes a weekly column in the Korea Times, and hosts the Korea Deconstructed podcast. He has lived and worked in Seoul for more than two decades, making music, playing football, and enjoying the rice wine. 

Email: datizzard@swu.ac.kr.

Korean democratization empowered citizens to wrestle control from the state. Since then, historically overlooked identities, from Joseonjok and third culture kids to disabled voices and feminists, have emerged and positioned themselves as essential to the nation’s social fabric. We now have a world of labels, some viewed positively and some viewed negatively accordingly. By reflecting on both the benefits and challenges of a more identity-conscious society, I can’t help but wonder what an identity-free world would look like? I also try to argue that true inspiration comes from lived action, embodying the values we hope to see in the world, creating spaces for diverse voices, and behaving honestly.