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Sun, June 24, 2018 | 10:17

Opinion > Columnists > Bernard Rowan >

Korea's automotive industry gains

These days, Korea garners much favorable attention for its automotive industry. Long a global player in heavy industries, the automotive industry stands as one pillar of Korea's advanced society. Today's leaders and workers continue the legacy of those scions of government and industry who chartered the success of Korean development. Hyundai, KIA, and other automakers gain further prominence on the world market. Other Korean firms excel in providing automotive parts, hybrid cars, or in developing next generation technologies and engines. Despite economic cycles and global demand swings, Kore...

Bernard Rowan | 2016-06-21 16:50

Korean ballet rising

Among many of dance's wonderful forms is the ballet. Each year worldwide, countless young girls, and even a few brave boys, undertake lessons in this champion of dancing arts. In Korea, ballet continues to gain popularity and international reputation. Some even use the phrase “K-ballet” to refer to it. This aspect of Korea’s advanced development, and an example of Korea's learning from other civilizations as a way of building her own, is the basis for my discussion in this column.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-04-26 16:07

Crisis for Korean seniors

Advanced nations create many opportunities and benefits for their citizens and for people of the world. Longer lifespans, new technologies, rising incomes, and advances in health and education, to name only a few. South Korea has entered the ranks of advanced nations in many respects, a miraculous story of development following the Korean War that continues to unfold.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-04-12 17:08

For The Children

When I lived in Seoul, my life felt richer because of volunteering at a home for foster children. I enjoyed visiting once a week with about 20 elementary schoolchildren interested in learning English. My, how their bright faces gladdened my spirit! My experiences with Korean children gave me an expectation of one day becoming a father too!

Bernard Rowan | 2016-03-29 17:06

K-beauty grows!

For years, my wife and I marvel when we travel to or through Korea using Incheon International Airport. The shops are beautiful and sell outstanding products. Increasingly, beauty products dominate the counters and shop spaces. A traveler can buy all the top brands. The same goes for shopping in the fine department stores and shopping areas of Seoul and other cities.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-03-15 17:01

No North Korean Spring

Following North Korea’s recent “nuclear missile test,” status quo powers have decided to take notice and to provide a result. This week, the United States, South Korea, and China (perhaps, most hope) have signaled an agreement on sanctions against Pyongyang. These sanctions won't harm the North too much, let alone prompt changed behavior. South Korea can’t allow provocative actions to go without a response. However, the context of forces and relations in the region will need continuing patience and vigilance, for there is no quick fix.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-03-01 16:19

North Korea's new policy: catch two birds with one stone

Progress in Korean-Japanese relations

The historic statements about comfort women and reparations by President Park and Prime Minister Abe last month promise a new era of cooperation between Korea and Japan. The two nations also should develop other avenues of cooperation. When many events challenge regional and international stability, South Korea and Japan should continue to serve as agents for positive change and stability in international relations. Several recent events bode well for their relations in some key respects.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-02-16 17:25

The newest Koreans

Migrant workers in South Korea are a small group, relatively speaking. They account for less than five percent of the population. They stick out like a sore thumb to parochialists of culture because they often come from China or other Asian nations. Nonetheless, migrant workers are an important Korean population because they perform the kinds of jobs that other Korean workers don’t want to perform. They make up the slack for an economy with declining numbers of people willing to perform necessary tasks in the second and third economic ranks. Underpaid and overworked compared to their Korean ...

Bernard Rowan | 2016-02-02 17:03

Hydrogen hyperbole

When examining the recent actions of North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un, we can see the pitiable plots of a paranoid regime looking for attention. The regime’s troubles and anxiety reflect on its survivability - external regional developments isolate it. Her state, society and culture don't value democracy and individual freedom. Kim continues to use totalitarian means to cover many problems. Pyongyang's shortages of life, liberty and happiness embarrass it.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-01-19 17:04

Take this step forward

Last week's announcement of an agreement about the comfort women issue is a singular step forward in Korean-Japanese relations. It suggests the impulse of positive cooperation between two Asian and global powers. It marks practical thinking for the interests of both nations and peoples. It frames a genuine act of leadership, in particular by Japanese Prime Minister Abe but also President Park Geun-hye.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-01-05 17:07

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Daily life in North Korea