possible to the practical realities of new leaders and to motivate and inspire them with stories of success of those already on the path.

Equally important is that training doesn’t end with participants receiving certificates. Ongoing support is provided to graduates, not merely to monitor outcomes, but to assist in resolving complex and conflictual situations inevitable during the implementation of new practices in established village life.

Understanding this factor through the lens of psychology can be framed in terms of Albert Bandura’s theory of social learning. Observing others’ successes can influence perceptions of one’s own abilities, while people’s beliefs about their capabilities shape those very abilities.[125]

The inspirational component stands as a cornerstone in the contemporary international “franchise” of the movement. On one hand, it recounts the Republic of Korea’s success story in rural development, courtesy of the Saemaul movement. On the other, active efforts are made to provide support to project leaders and participants, aimed at bolstering their self-confidence and capacity to improve their territory. This component, grounded in patterns observed by Bandura, appears to be a primary driver of effectiveness. Examining experiences with implementing community development programs in rural areas — such as the Solidarity Communities program[126] — suggests a potential area for growth: increasing the incorporation of inspirational narratives from successful experiences (this component is not as pronounced in them), which could enhance the efficacy of such programs.

DISCIPLINE

In psychology, discipline is explored within the context of outward behavioral displays (compliance with externally imposed demands) and internal attitudes (compliance with self-imposed standards). External demonstrations of discipline may stem from social pressures, but a disciplined mindset is a conscious behavior, irrespective of changing circumstances[127].

History has proven that the citizens of the Republic of Korea stand unrivaled in their demonstration of discipline. Here, in the birthplace of K-pop and Hallyu (the ’Korean Wave’ phenomenon), dozens of pop idols and esports champions are annually molded in strikingly similar fashion — through talent incubators. Following rigorous, if not cruel, selection processes, these young talents sign meticulously regulated contracts, binding their futures to the directives of their production companies. Amidst an atmosphere of ironclad discipline and respect authority, they undergo relentless, highly intensive training sessions aimed at realizing their objectives within specific timeframes.[128]

A glance at the daily regimen of the early leaders of the Saemaul movement reveals striking parallels: “Course participants rose early each morning. At 6 a.m., they assembled in formation on the grounds, saluted the national flag, and sang the anthem, followed by a two-kilometer run. Upon return, they completed requisite hygiene routines (closely monitored), then had breakfast promptly at 7. Lectures commenced at 8, often prefaced by a volunteer sharing success stories from their village. Discussions began at 9, with a particular emphasis on real-life examples of the New Village Movement’s successful implementation. Throughout the day, attendees watched films related to the movement, played soccer or volleyball, and embarked on excursions to nearby villages or rural industries. Physical labor involvement was also encouraged. Evenings were dedicated to discussions.”[129]

Still today in Korea, one can often encounter the so-called dawn bells. Known as Saemaul Bells in English, or the bells of the new village, these traditional Korean bells marked the start of the labor day with their resounding chime at dawn. Unlike their European counterparts, Asian bells often lack internal tongues, though they share a similar shape, resembling inverted bowls. Consequently, their sounds are produced differently, either by striking it with a nearby suspended log or using specialized mallets. These bells remain in village museums, preserving the history of Korean rural life.

Why focus on these dawn bells? Because within their presence and function lies a quintessential trait of the Korean people, a trait that undoubtedly fueled the success of the New Village Movement — the discipline and remarkable industriousness of Koreans, as previously discussed. Whether mid-century peasants rebuilding the nation after decades of Japanese occupation, civil strife, and political turmoil, or contemporary pop idols being at the cutting edge of youth culture, Koreans possess the ability to rise at dawn (and even before) to forge their tomorrows.

One could debate at length the boundaries of the “optimal” level of discipline required for members of community development initiatives to achieve significant outcomes from their efforts — especially considering the potential emergence of the phenomenon of reactive personality resistance in decision-making described by Brehm[130]. This phenomenon manifests as resistance to any limitations on personal freedom, arising when external conditions (other individuals, norms, or rules) encroach upon freedom or threaten to suppress the expression of opinions, views, etc. In essence, it involves imposing a singular behavior or advocating for a specific course of action as the only correct one. Given the potential threat of this phenomenon when organizing discipline and implementing rules, it’s advisable to consider the mechanisms of another psychological decision-making theory phenomenon — personal investment. This involves elevating the value of what an individual has invested their time and resources in, such as by offering suggestions, etc.

In summary, adherence to rules and norms, and the completion of project tasks according to predefined plans, appear to be critical factors for project implementation efficacy, alongside other components requiring a certain level of discipline from participants. However, it’s crucial that all involved residents participate in discussions and decision-making processes. The decision to embrace discipline, adhere to schedules, and complete tasks promptly must be collective, collaborative, ensuring each individual feels a sense of ownership and participation in the decisionmaking process.

FROM SIMPLE TO COMPLEX

One of the defining traits of the New Village Movement can be characterized as its step-by-step ethos. Unlike the Soviet Union’s rigid five-year economic plans, Saemaul didn’t embark with a predetermined outcome but rather unfolded