Shrimp to Whale

South Korea has a remarkable history. Born from the ashes of imperial domination, partition, and a devastating war, back in the 1950s there were real doubts about its survival as an independent state. Yet South Korea endures: today it is a boisterous democracy, a vibrant market economy, a tech powerhouse, and home to the coolest of cultures. In just seventy years, this society has grown from a shrimp into a whale.

What explains this extraordinary transformation? For some, it was individual South Koreans who fought to change their country, and still strive to shape it. For others, it was forward-looking political and business leaders with a vision. Either way, it's clear that this is the story of a people who dreamt big, and whose dreams came true.

Shrimp to Whale is a lively history of South Korea, from its millennia-old roots, through the division of the Peninsula, dictatorship and economic growth, to today's global powerhouse.

'This is a book by someone who adores South Korea and has done so since his first trip there as a student. [...] Pacheco Pardo captures the remarkable scope of recent triumphs that give South Korea both agility - as Moon's diplomacy has shown - and the affection of a global audience.' - Financial Times

'A wonderful introduction to contemporary Korean history. This book shows how a small "hermit nation" has transformed into vibrant, dynamic society. A must-read for those who want to understand Korea today.' - Sung-Hwan Kim, Chairman of the East Asia Foundation, former South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

'A fluid and informative read. Pacheco Pardo's recounting of Korea's remarkable odyssey is accessible to a general audience, as well as an important contribution to the scholarship in the field. Highly recommended!' - Victor Cha, author of The Impossible State, and former Director for Asian Affairs, US National Security Council

'With passion, comprehensive depth and a bird's eye view from afar and up close, this is a valuable read for anyone with an intellectual curiosity in South Korea and its remarkable journey, achieving in several decades what has taken others centuries or millennia.' - Eun Mee Kim, President of Ewha Womans University, Seoul

'Since the Korean War, Korea has established itself as a "Global Korea"...Pacheco Pardo's book will be an insightful guide for the general public as well as experts who seek to gain a deeper understanding of Korea.' - Sang Hyun Lee, President of the Sejong Institute