How Holding Back East Asia’s Women Holds Back Asia

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2018 — NPR Seoul correspondent Elise Hu discusses gender disparities in South Korea and Japan, their long-term consequences, and potential solutions that could address the problems before it’s too late. The presentation was part of Asia Society Policy Institute’s “AsiaX” series of programs in Washington, D.C. Click here to see the corresponding visual presentation. (28 min., 54 sec.)

South Korea and Japan are among Asia — and the world’s — largest economies and seem futuristic on the surface: lightning fast internet speeds, pristine public transportation, and cultural exports of skincare and pop music that are known the world over. But for women, these societies are often anachronistic, and the lack of equality for South Korean and Japanese women can have alarming societal costs.

The Asia Society Policy Institute is pleased to host NPR Seoul correspondent Elise Hu for a discussion of gender disparities in both societies, their long-term consequences, and potential solutions that could address the problems before it’s too late.

This is the fourth session of the Asia Society Policy Institute's AsiaX speaker series and networking event for Asia policy professionals and young executives. AsiaX is focused on bringing fresh ideas from up-and-coming Asian innovators and experts to the Washington D.C. policy debate. These private events bring together young leaders from across the government, business, and policy communities to discuss emerging trends and issues that are re-shaping Asia and the U.S. role in the region. 

Speaker

Elise Hu is an award-winning correspondent assigned to NPR's Seoul bureau, where she is responsible for covering geopolitics, business, and life in both Koreas and Japan. Before joining NPR, she was one of the founding reporters at The Texas Tribune, a non-profit digital news startup devoted to politics and public policy. She has also worked as the state political reporter for KVUE-TV in Austin, WYFF-TV in Greenville, SC, and reported from Asia for the Taipei Times. Her work has earned a Gannett Foundation Award for Innovation in Watchdog Journalism, a National Edward R. Murrow award for best online video, and best reporting awards from the Texas Associated Press.