By Honorary Reporter Ianina Osgueritchian from Argentina
Photos = Ianina Osgueritchian

Sam Richards is a renowned sociologist and lecturer at Penn State University and distinguished professor of digital culture and content at Konkuk University in Seoul. 

On June 26 at COEX Mall in Seoul, he delivered the insightful talk "What Makes a Good Society?" as a part of the lecture series "7 Life Questions from 7 Celebrities" to mark the seventh anniversary of the mall's Starfield Library. The enthusiastic crowd was eager to hear his insights on social dynamics and human behavior.

Professor Sam Richards holds a talk at Starfield Library of COEX Mall in Seoul.

Known for his groundbreaking research and engaging teaching style, he discussed comparative topics between Western countries and Korea including housing, education, disabilities, social well-being, cohesion, inequality, the environment, transportation, health care, and crime and public safety.

Richards discusses topics affecting both the West and Korea.

Richards highlighted the unique cultural mindset in Korea, where personal and social critiques are approached differently than in the West. "In Korea, personal criticism is directed at others: 'I need to get better so that I can improve my community.' This feeling emphasizes that other people are more important," he said.

"In Korea, the prevailing mindset is 'It's my fault that this is a problem.' In Western cultures, people are more individualistically oriented and think 'It's someone else's problem.' Here, problems are viewed as communal: 'Problems are our problems, but our problems are my problems, so it's my fault.' This mindset makes Korea an exceptional society."

Yours truly in a photo with Richards

Richards' humility and approachability made the lecture engaging, and I considered it an incredible opportunity to meet him during my visit to Korea. His insights offered a deeper understanding of cultural differences and what the world can learn from Korea's approach toward society.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.