‘Sugu,’ in other words ‘adherence to tradition,’ generally means
irrational or stubborn thought - or attitude - in present Korean society.
Sugu is usually compared with conservatism, which is thought to be more
rational or flexible than sugu. Sugu has been, however, commented in
journalism in general, not in the academic world. Therefor I wish this
study would promote academic discussion on the subject.
Similar concepts of sugu might be ‘reactionism,’ ‘fundamentalism,’ and
‘orthodoxism.’ One of their characteristics is, first, an idea of ‘dual world.’
On the other hand conservatives think the world is one orderly system.
According to sugu believers, their world is ideal and other world is evil.
Therefor sugu believes in ‘utopia,’ which is not exist in conservatives
mind. Because conservatives don’t believe in utopia, they tend to be
utilitarians, but sugu believers generally are fundamentalists who sometimes
become extremists. Another characteristic of sugu is sexism, which is not
adhered by conservatives.
Sugu ideology is generally followed by ‘marginalized’ men in society.
On the other hand, conservatism is an ideology of upper class. In many
cases sugu ideology is neither practical nor useful to economic development,
which is one of causes of its decline.