Recently, a special documentary produced by French broadcasting aired across France, and the Chinese government could not hide its embarrassment. This is because, despite the tremendous efforts made by the Chinese government to establish friendly relations with France, French society has pointed out that the best cooperation partner and model alternative for its economic development is not the United States or China, but South Korea. In this context, the French media outlet Daily Motion recently noted that amidst the fierce power struggle and technological competition between the United States and China, an interesting development has emerged: South Korea has rapidly risen as a powerful technological nation that rivals these two countries. The outlet highlighted how, after the Korean War devastated the country, it was believed that South Korea could never become a developed nation, yet today it is receiving global admiration.

A French media outlet reported that South Korea has risen to become a technological powerhouse and a strong player in soft power. It analyzed how, unlike other countries that are suffering significant economic and security impacts due to the intense hegemonic competition between the United States and China, South Korea has managed to gain recognition as a global leader in the international community through independent technological development and cultural capacity enhancement. 

The outlet expressed admiration for this achievement, noting that, particularly in terms of technology and industry, South Korea has already established an overwhelming industrial base that is difficult for others to follow, including in sectors such as heavy and chemical industries, automobiles, consumer electronics, and semiconductors. This evaluation by the international community is not at all unfounded. The French media also mentioned the U.S. Department of Defense.

Joseph Nye, who served as Deputy Secretary of Defense and is currently a political scholar researching soft power theory, recently presented an interesting analysis regarding South Korea's remarkable development. Unlike other major powers, South Korea has become the only nation to advance economically through non-coercive means such as culture, education, and diplomacy, rather than relying on military force. This has led to South Korea being referred to as a soft power powerhouse. In particular, French media noted that according to Dr. Nye's research, South Korea's rapid rise as a technological and cultural powerhouse, akin to the United States with its Tomahawk missile technology, is rooted in several unique insights and approaches specific to the Korean people. First, South Korea has a history and tradition that spans thousands of years, which has contributed to its development even before the modern era, including the creation of Hangul and metal movable type.

Korea has built a unique and creative cultural technology foundation, and today, it boldly expresses this capability. In fact, even in the cultural sector, Korea has dramatically increased its recognition and favorability in the international community through K-pop and Korean dramas. This connection has also linked to trade and industry, generating substantial economic benefits. This transformation marks a departure from the image of Korea in the 1990s, which was primarily known for exporting low-cost goods. Recognizing the importance of cultural capabilities, Korea initiated what is known as the second founding movement, along with various cultural policies and support measures aimed at realizing a cultural nation in the 21st century. This has not only brought about a golden age for Korea's cultural industry but has also contributed to the global wave of the Korean Wave.

Korean products are being perceived as high-end and of superior quality. French media reported that music videos and dramas featuring Hallyu stars often showcase Korean cosmetics and appliances. As a result, many people around the world can frequently be seen lining up to purchase Korean products. This can be interpreted as Korea infusing new vitality into its economy by integrating cultural elements with technological advancements. Furthermore, the French media cited Dr. Barthelemy Courmont, a senior director at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and a professor at Lille Catholic University, who analyzed that no other country reflects the cultural capabilities of its technological industry as well as Korea does, expressing great admiration for this phenomenon. Subsequently, the media continued...

The background of South Korea's technological prowess and cultural status rising to the level of the world's strongest countries is attributed to the unique patriotism of the Korean people and their strong determination to develop into a advanced nation. In fact, the media reported that Koreans are united by the belief that their culture and technology are the best in the world. This determination has resulted in massive investments in sustainable development by both the government and the private sector. 

In particular, the mobile communications sector can be seen as the most exemplary case. Since the late 1990s, the South Korean government's multifaceted support, combined with the fierce technological development efforts of Korean companies, has led to the country having the fastest high-speed internet network in the world. Moreover, French media stated that South Korea's efforts do not stop there, extending into home technology, semiconductors, and cultural sectors as well.

By continuing on this path, South Korea has grown into a world-class nation that remains unfazed by the intense power competition between the United States and China, eliciting great admiration. Consequently, the French media reported that, in light of France's current reality—where extreme social conflicts have hindered not only economic growth but also technological innovation, causing it to lag behind other major powers—South Korea's status is understandably enviable. The French media emphasized that in order to wisely overcome the challenges faced by their country and to carve out an independent voice amidst the U.S.-China conflict, it is crucial to learn from South Korea's example. In particular, they noted the importance of closely observing the development of Samsung, which is well-known as a representative global company of South Korea. Indeed, the media pointed out that Samsung currently holds the top position in not only semiconductors and home appliances but also the shipbuilding industry.

Samsung has been praised for growing into a unique global company that accounts for 20% of South Korea's total GDP. In particular, the media reported that in the semiconductor sector, Samsung, along with Taiwan's TSMC, is recognized as one of the two giants of the semiconductor industry, establishing itself as the world's strongest semiconductor company. However, the French media pointed out that despite Samsung's undeniable position at the top of the global market today, the company is not satisfied with the current situation and is preparing for an even greater leap forward. This is noteworthy because the media reported that Samsung actively participated in the Korean New Deal project promoted by the South Korean government in 2020, making large-scale investments to secure an overwhelming advantage in new digital environments represented by artificial intelligence and virtual reality, as well as in the sixth-generation mobile communication business. In particular, the media highlighted Samsung's...

In the semiconductor sector, which can be considered a core business, Samsung is making unprecedented investments. In fact, it was announced that in 2023, Samsung will invest $230 billion to build five new semiconductor factories in Korea, which elicited great admiration. Consequently, the media praised Samsung's innovative technology development and astronomical investments, stating that they demonstrate such tremendous influence in the international community that even a powerful country like the United States is struggling to keep up. A French media outlet reported that amid the intensifying U.S.-China conflict in the 2020s, the importance of semiconductors, which are essential for advanced industries like AI technology, has risen higher than ever. It noted that in 2022, President Joe Biden was seen urgently visiting Samsung's semiconductor factory located in Korea. The media highlighted the global status of Korea and Samsung.

In order to successfully integrate, as mentioned several times before, it was pointed out that there needs to be a large-scale investment in technology, with collaboration between the government and the private sector. Furthermore, the media noted that the current French society is struggling to establish clear direction and goals, resulting in severe factional conflicts and policy confusion every year. To regain its past glory as a cultural powerhouse, France must enhance its sense of cooperation and unity, just like the Korean people. This is understandable, as the French media highlighted that Koreans, having overcome repeated invasions from China and Japan over thousands of years, are well aware of the value of the nation as a community. They also clearly understand that without a nation, individual happiness and rights can be shattered, regardless of any political conflicts or disagreements that may arise.

To enhance international status and economic development, if we can unite as one voice at any moment, the French society should learn well from this example. Ultimately, the reports from French media highlight the fact that if we do not strengthen ourselves, no one in the world will come to our aid. Our long-standing efforts, which have fiercely aimed for the world's best, are now greatly impressing French society. If you found the Guinness Book video helpful, please subscribe and set notifications.

"한국은 어떻게 세계의 리더가 됐나!" 프랑스 방송이 제작한 특집 다큐멘터리가 프랑스 전역에 방영되자 경악한 중국 상황

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