The Korea Times
Having maintained long-standing ties with Sweden, I have had many opportunities to observe the country’s distinctive social character. Decades ago, I was invited to the residence of a CEO of a Swedish business group who served as a high-ranking government official in the historic city of Uppsala. To my surprise, his home was filled with modest, almost antique furniture. Even more strikingly, he relied on a bicycle for daily transportation rather than a car. His way of life reflected the values that once shaped Sweden. Eight decades ago, the country struggled with economic hardship, unemployment and intense labor conflicts marked by frequent strikes. Yet, it transformed into a leading welfare state, ranking among the highest in global happiness and integrity. Tage Erlander (1901–1985), who served as prime minister from 1946 to 1969, stands at the center of this transformation. He led Sweden for 23 years. He won 11 consecutive elections, finally securing an absolute majority before gracefully handing over power to his successor, Olof Palme. Though Erlander began his career on the radi
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