Decolonizing the Concept of Justice in a Postcolonial Space Haunted by Tricksters

The history of colonization and war has left its specters haunting Korean soil, shaping the multilayered socio-political dynamics of the Korean people. Intertwining with these historical specters, neoliberalism has added yet another layer of complexity. The dualism of oppressor and victim, perpetuated by these specters, has become intricately woven into the social fabric, fostering a particular sense of justice that often inhibits empathy and compassion. Entering this scene after more than twenty years in the United States as a Korean or Korean-American practical theologian, I find myself facing a reality that feels simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar. The theological concept of justice I encountered upon my return to Korea appears particularly fluid, frequently challenging my own understanding and prompting ongoing theological reflections on my experiences. This paper, therefore, seeks to examine my unique position as a researcher—a formerly marginalized foreign scholar with a hyphenated identity in the United States—who has returned to her homeland significantly transformed by her time abroad. As this study takes place approximately a year after my return, I occupy a postcolonial space marked by time. My hybridity continues to evolve as time progresses, revealing an intriguing process of perceptual development. Reflecting on the same concept at different stages of my adjustment highlights how this process generates profound theological insights. By documenting my time-marked experiences in higher education, I explore the concept of justice and consider the possibility of its decolonization.