Conservative Victory
Dear editor,
Korea is turning to a conservative government. And this makes me happy, as a foreigner. The liberal parties and platforms of South Korea are far more hostile to foreigners than the conservative parties. Conservatives in Korea look back on the international cooperation that occurred during the Korean War.
They acknowledge the intentional community's role in the explosive economic growth during the 1980's. They realize the need for a dynamic and international Korea, and not a petty, jingoistic state that advocates a neo-nationalism based on a misguided unity between North and South Korea.
The liberal parties complain about the 'horrors' of the Japanese occupation while turning a blind eye to the cruelty and starvation policies of the North. This is hypocritical and unfair. In the eyes of the liberal parties, the wrongs committed by a foreign country against Korea almost 60 years ago are worse than the crimes Kim Jung Il and his army commit upon the citizens of North Korea day by day.
Slave labor goes on in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in the name of 'unification' whilst making money for chaebols and NK party officials. This twisted logic goes even further in the case of a certain party that advocates the removal of US forces from Korea, and comparing them to an `occupational force.' Why not disarm the Korean Army as well and de-mine the DMZ? It would certainly send a message of ``reunification'' that would delight the People's Leader.
A conservative government that would give rights to and simplify the lives of foreigners would be a great boon to both foreigners living here, and to international prestige and business. A conservative government understands that international presence and prestige is not a zero-sum game.
Korea is not made stronger by other countries being made weaker. South Korea must emulate and continue to follow the success of foreign countries, and modernize its banking, investment, and business sectors. Complaining about the US, Free Trade Agreement, Japan, and other injustices do all of us, Korean or not, no good. In comparison, all liberal parties can offer is more of the same, blaming the problems in Korea on foreigners and accusing us of crimes we didn't commit. Let's hope a conservative government will treat us with the same respect as Koreans, as we all work together to improve the country.
Nicholas Chiasson
Samcheok, Gangwon Province