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Wed, December 19, 2018 | 21:01

Opinion > Columnists > Bernard Rowan >

A living national treasure

Im Kwon-taek is famous for directing many of the best Korean films. Over the last 55 years, he's created 100-plus classics for present and future audiences. I think he deserves recognition as a Living National Treasure. Let me tell you why.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-03-13 16:56

Trump's bald spot on trade

Trump spent some time this week talking about how he covers up his bald spot. He needs to talk about the bald spot in his trade policy and how he can't cover it up.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-02-27 17:02

Unification soap opera

I'm going to write about the unification flag and hubbub surrounding it these days. But before I do, a few disclaimers. I'm a fan of eventual unification. The 1950-53 Korean War is an unending monstrosity. It can't prevent South Korea's continuing advance, but the grotesque division is something to live down. Second, I am thrilled for South Korea and the world the Winter Olympics is happening in PyeongChang. I've enjoyed watching from Chicago, and everything I've witnessed occurs with the usual attention to detail, welcoming atmosphere, and thorough enjoyment of competition in global friends...

Bernard Rowan | 2018-02-13 18:43

Growth of Korean forests

South Korea is now a green space to envy. I've read forests cover about 60 percent of Korea's land! A cursory look at a few Korean websites reveals dozens of distinctive and widely known forests that beautify the land. They provide support for a healthier environment and create the basis for multiple industries. They improve the quality of life for millions of Koreans and visitors.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-01-30 17:13

Of accumulated evils and foolishness

President Moon Jae-in has hit his stride. The New Year speech had many initiatives and proper recording of successes. Moon can claim to have improved one of the coldest ties on the planet with the North's offer to join the Winter Olympics. The chairs in Panmunjom's meeting rooms have warmed just a bit with recent use. Moon also repeated important promises about employment, chaebol reform, and a people-centered economy.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-01-16 17:12

Workweek Reforms Half-Baked

Among OECD countries, South Korea's workers toil more hours but currently aren't as productive. Surely, part of the South's ascent came from the zillions of hours Korean men and women toiled on production floors, in government offices, and other places of work. Progress doesn't happen on one's laurels!

Bernard Rowan | 2018-01-02 16:39

Thaw the Freeze for Freeze

China's proposal of a “freeze for freeze” deserves some comment. I'll eventually say it needs a thaw. China claims to want a nonnuclear peninsula. Never mind her nukes or those of America and other players. China proposes the North halt her nuclear tests (freeze) in exchange for the U.S. and South Korea ending their military exercises (for freeze). Trump claims Xi knows it's a nonstarter. The Chinese government continues to state it as a serious proposal. The North needs to agree but has already shown its contempt for the idea.

Bernard Rowan | 2017-12-18 16:27

A Trump retrospective

Should I write a Trump retrospective, even a limited one? I'm talking about a retrospective of his recent swing through Asia. I think what we've seen with Trump's Asia Tour is just about all we're going to get. It's a Duke's mixture at best.

Bernard Rowan | 2017-12-05 16:17

Future of Korea and orphans

The future of Korea rests with the future of her orphans. That's not a typical byline for a column or expert statement. However, I'd argue it's the truth. The greatness of a culture this century depends on advancement of society's most vulnerable social groups. Orphans depend on others. Korea's orphans are people and have rights in need of greater care and support. So do their moms.

Bernard Rowan | 2017-11-21 17:39

Ginkgos of Sungkyunkwan

Many people know about Samsung, the Korean chaebol of technological renown, global success, and economic might that is “everywhere.” Some people know Samsung is a major partner with Sungkyunkwan University, Asia’s oldest institute of higher education. But too few people know about Sungkyunkwan’s ginkgo trees. The ginkgos symbolize Korea’s endurance and vitality. My column concerns the nearly 500-year-old ginkgo trees, Natural Monument No. 59. We can find them in the beautiful complex of Confucian buildings also called Sungkyunkwan at the foot of the Seoul campus next to Daehangno. They crown...

Bernard Rowan | 2017-11-07 17:43

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Pictures of the year 2018