Kim Dongyeon Meets Michael Sandel: "The World Should Learn from the Power of Awakened Citizens"

by Lee YeongKyu

Published 04 Nov.2025 13:39(KST)

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, shared that he met with Professor Michael Sandel, who has a large readership in Korea for his book "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?", to discuss how South Korea overcame illegal martial law and successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

On November 4, Governor Kim wrote on his social networking service (SNS), "I met Professor Michael Sandel (yesterday)," adding, "As someone who has read most of Professor Sandel's books and considers myself a fan, it was a truly delightful experience."

He continued, "The place where I met Professor Sandel was the 'DMZ Eco-Peace Forum,' hosted by Gyeonggi Province. At the forum, I delivered the opening remarks, Professor Sandel gave the keynote speech, and then we participated in a keynote conversation moderated by Professor Choi Jaecheon."

He went on to say, "While the official conversation at the forum was meaningful, what I appreciated even more was the private discussion I had with Professor Sandel. We talked about South Korea-a country that, just eleven months ago, was under illegal martial law, but restored democracy through the power of its citizens, launched a 'government of the people,' and then, just a few months later, rose as a leading nation by successfully hosting the APEC summit."

Governor Kim Dongyeon of Gyeonggi Province posted a message and photo on his social media on the 4th.

Governor Kim said, "Professor Sandel spoke about this dynamism, even remarking that democratic countries, including the United States, should learn from Korea. We also discussed how the 'power of awakened citizens,' demonstrated throughout the impeachment of the president and the subsequent presidential election, closely aligns with the 'civic virtue' that Professor Sandel often advocates."

He further added, "I am grateful to Professor Sandel for delivering an outstanding lecture and engaging directly with the audience at the DMZ Eco-Peace Forum, which focused on 'greater peace' and 'ecology.' He mentioned that he had just returned from Boston last weekend after achieving an investment goal of 100 trillion won by attracting more than 5 trillion won from three companies, and that he had arrived from Boston yesterday. He suggested that we meet again next time, either in Gyeonggi Province or Boston."

Professor Michael Sandel's "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" is known for having sold more copies in Korea than anywhere else in the world. In this book, Professor Sandel emphasizes that justice is about maximizing happiness, pursuing virtue, and respecting freedom.