Constructing ‘others’ and a wider ‘we’ as emotional processes: A case of South Korea in times of crisis

Abstract

This article examines how growing fears, insecurities and uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted an emotional distance from others. The aim is to explore how global solidarity and nationalism are challenged and constructed as collective emotional processes concerning ‘others’. Drawing on social theories of emotions during crises and emotions towards others, this study looks at policy decisions around vaccines and health services and their associated emotions in the context of Korea, which has a relatively small migrant population and a short history of supporting people in lower-income countries. The study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened nationalism, both ethnic nationalism and cosmopolitan nationalism. This points to the need to highlight global norms such as human rights and justice and cultivate foundational emotions such as empathy and compassion. This article suggests paying attention to the role of emotions in generating othering practices and developing global solidarity.

‘Living in crisis’: Introduction to a special section

“…In many parts of the world, government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have overwhelming prioritised national interests. Jae-Eun Noh (2022) takes us to South Korea to examine the impact of the pandemic on political culture and shifting perceptions of migrants within Korean society. Prior to the pandemic, Korea had gradually been becoming a more cosmopolitan nation with an increasingly inclusive attitude towards migration.…”