Jeong (情), Civility, and the Heart of a Pluralistic Democracy in Korea

Abstract This chapter seeks to reinterpret the Neo-Confucian concept of emotions (情 jeong / qing ) as a core political notion what might be called Confucian democracy within traditionally context South Korea. Grounded in tradition Korean li-ki metaphysics and envisaged kind critically affectionate solidarity that holds together diverse groups people, this interpretation attempts lay basis for imagining thriving pluralistic sustained by public culture civility—that is, grounded habits mores yet ethos.