Dear editor,

Regarding an editorial, ``Dual Nationality,'' published in the Oct. 21 edition of The Korea Times, I agree with the idea that easing the citizenship regulation is needed rather than maintaining the rigid single-nationality regulation, because it will bring more benefits to our nation.

Approving dual citizenship is one of the global trends, because over 150 nations already allow it and the number is rising. It is becoming more common in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

We can infuse our nation with economic vitality by using dual citizen's bilingual and bicultural experiences, and broaden a country's economic base by promoting trade and investment between their two respective countries.

Also we can't just ignore Korea's falling birthrate, which is the lowest in the world, and quickly aging population. I think it significantly damages our national competitiveness. Therefore we should allow people to retain their Korean nationality or make it easier for foreigners to acquire Korean citizenship in this aging society.

These days a brain drain is becoming more of an issue in our society. According to official statistics, the number of talented people who have abandoned Korean citizenship is increasing.

So attracting global talent as if it were a magnet for brainpower is one of the key factors for our nation because we do need brainpower to reach $30,000 national income per capita and become a leading nation in the world for the 21st century.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Justice, more than 56 percent of Koreans support the government's plan to allow limited dual citizenship.

In addition, the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights acknowledged that the right to change nationality is one of the basic rights of human beings. Hence, we need to consider validating dual citizenship.

Ryu Ha-suk
Elementary school teacher
Sangil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
hanbom248@hotmail.com