Rebranding Korea

By Jonathan Ha

I recently read one of The Korea Times columnist's articles on ``Rebranding Korea." I suddenly began to connect my thoughts on this with previous visits to the Korean War Museum and the tombs of soldiers who died during the Korean War.

Visiting these places reminded me of pictures from my father's generation. Those involved in the war must have experienced traumatic moments. When I went to the war memorial in Dongjak subway station, I tried to see the names of those who died protecting our country.

During a visit one day, I thought, ``What have I contributed to this country?''

I am expatriate Korean who lived in the United Kingdom for 14 years. I was brought up in an English speaking environment. I developed a British accent and received a sound education in one of the most international places in the world ― London.

Learning English by itself was a great blessing for me and, while other Koreans struggled to find a job in the economic turmoil of the late 1990s, I was lucky enough to land a job in Britain.

During the whole process of growing up in the United Kingdom, I unconsciously lost many things. When I returned to my old country after 12 years, everything had unnoticeably changed. The transportation system developed a lot and the country made remarkable improvements. As I visited many places, I discovered hidden jewels I never imagined witnessing in Korea. During the 14 years I spent away, I lost my background and respect for my home country.

I ― like many other expatriates ― had lost my identity. I knew that there was no future for those who lost their original roots. I continued to ask myself the same question ― ``What have I contributed to my country?''

Korea has gone through major economic growth since the war. We made tremendous achievements. We turned Korea into the 15th-largest economy. We built the nation of Samsung, LG, Hyundai-Kia and SK. Korea is still one of the fastest developing nations in the world right now.

If my ancestors had chosen not to sacrifice their lives fighting to defend our freedom, we would have fallen under North Korean communism and suffered the same fatal realities of inhumane harshness. ``Rebranding Korea" seems to be a catchphrase for many politicians and seriously minded people.

Who should rebrand Korea? Why should they? Is it because Korea is famous ― or infamous ― for being divided?

We all know that Korea has great potential to rival other developed nations in terms of culture, history, politics and economic development. Rebranding the national image is not a one-day process. Our country was built on the sacrifices of our ancestors. Those people never lost their identity and nationalism during the Japanese dictatorship. They fought for the future of this country. They saved this whole nation from the Japanese.

In order to rebrand this country, we must preserve the attitude of the previous generation. Learn their hard work, nationalism, patience and reserve. They left a great legacy for us. They achieved miracles; can we?

First of all, we waste so much money in moving to other countries and brainwashing our youth in negative ways. We want our sons and daughters to gain foreign citizenship. But what will they be when they grow up?

Second, numerous young people are afraid to marry for many reasons, including financial issues, personal relationship troubles and domestic issues. That is why some people estimate that in 2040 the majority of those over 40 will be single. We must remember that our parents raised us to overcome the same issues that scare us today. If we do not face this problem seriously, there will be no future for Korea.

Third, I think we must abandon our habit of respecting Western culture. We have been educated to think that American culture is more advanced than ours. Look at the European Union. They try to share national identities. What are we doing in Asia? We do not treat each other like brothers and sisters.

We need to combine our cultural differences and think positively about them.

We are all part of the rebranding team. We should sense that we represent the whole nation. Every individual is an important part of the nation. If we want to succeed in reinventing our national image, we should remember what our ancestors have given us.

The writer is an expatriate Korean visiting his homeland. He is an English teacher and can be reached at tigerw2008@hotmail.com.