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Opinion

Columnists

Wed, June 3, 2020 | 19:53

bernard Rowan

Divorce and in-laws

One cause for divorce in Korea today is pressure arising from in-laws. This ranges from in-law interference to financial conflicts. Money problems and in-laws have destroyed several friends' marriages. In other cases, emotional and power issues with in-laws create problems. Let's explore this cause of divorce and family stress a bit more.

2019-08-13 17:14

Finding summer shade

It's summer. These days, I find myself seeking shade. It's something I didn't value much when younger. Those days I enjoyed outdoor fun and suntans. I celebrated hot weather. Now, I love to find the ease of shade. I still enjoy outdoors and find my way to sun but give me a way to beat the heat!

2019-07-30 17:19

Our cheating hearts

Infidelity remains a leading cause of divorce in South Korea. Even though other factors have risen, cheating on one's spouse remains an independent justification for divorce. And while the courts decriminalized adultery, there's no doubt it's toxic to the marital tie.

2019-07-16 17:27

Korean greetings and goodbyes

By Bernard Rowan Some of the first words I learned in Korean were the expressions typically used to say “hello” and “goodbye.” The words “annyeong haseyo,” “annyeonghee gaseyo,” and “annyeonghee gyeseyo” mean more than their English translations suggest. As with many related words, Hangul opens an understanding of Korean manners or spirit if one looks a bit more closely.The root word in Korean terms of greeting and leaving is “peace.” When one uses the word “annyeong,” she or he wishes another person more tha...

2019-07-02 17:00

Violence, women and marriage

I'm writing about another cause for high divorce rates in South Korea. Violence against women in marriage (and outside it) remains unambiguously high. Not just in South Korea, mind you. This column discusses South Korea. Why do women divorce? Tragically, they must run for their lives! Too many women suffer physical and mental abuse at the hands of other men, including their husbands. It gives me no pleasure to write about it, but it's one of the leading causes of trouble in Korean marriages and families.

2019-06-23 17:47

Few of my favorite things

I'm not feeling sad, a la the Julie Andrew's song from “The Sound of Music.” I'd like to tell you about some of my favorite Korean keepsakes. I don't have a treasure trove or anything monetarily valuable to speak of. However, my favorite things are icons of humanity. They keep me thinking about Korea around the year!

2019-06-06 17:11

Recently, I wrote about the high incidence of divorce in Korea as a social problem. Today, I'm writing about a contributing reason to divorce, the gender gap and unequal economic prospects for women here. This continuing lag, more of a critical drag, in equalizing opportunities and results for women is the No.1 barrier to further advancement.

2019-05-24 18:00

Korean refreshments

I've devoted several columns to different types of Korean drinks, including alcoholic drinks and types of tea. I'd like to write this time about nonalcoholic drinks, including juices and types of pop. This isn't a health foods column. I'm writing for foreigners to appreciate how to get a quick, refreshing drink. I enjoy the unusual kinds of drinks in Korea.

2019-05-06 17:23

Divorce in Korea today

According to the Statistics Korea website, the divorce rate here was 4.4 per 1,000 people in 2017. Divorces have declined from early 21st century highs. Yet over 100,000 occur each year. More occur among older Koreans. “Twilight divorces” are increasing; couples with 20 to 30 years of marriage are now calling it quits. They think of later life too. More Koreans apply for divided pensioner benefits, and divorced spouses can claim part of their ex's pension.

2019-04-23 17:50

Korean terms of respect

Present-day Korea remains a Confucian society in several respects. Respect for elders matters. So do the family and family ties. Less-discussed but equally central are networks of seniors and juniors organized around professions and education.

2019-04-12 17:58

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