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Opinion

Columnists

Wed, November 20, 2019 | 16:23

bernard Rowan

Watch your feet!

I’m writing about the Korean custom of not wearing shoes in the house. Though not unique to Korea, and in fact not even just to Asian cultures, it's a general practice that may want a few minor adjustments for foreigners. I learned to accept it too. Let’s take a look at this custom. The practice of not wearing shoes reflects Korean thinking about homes and other spaces. Since Koreans often heat their floors and sleep on their floors on bamboo mats and other types of bedding, keeping a clean floor has greater importance. Who wants to sweep dirt and shoe marks all the time? In addition, Korean...

2017-02-14 17:22

Turtle thinking

An early memory of visiting Korea is images of turtles I saw in various places such as palaces and temples.

2017-01-31 16:21

Move the statue

It gladdened me to read the comments of the South Korean foreign minister. The Busan comfort woman statue location needs further thought. South Korea has every right to memorialize this monstrous injustice committed by the Japanese military. However, all parties must remember the recent agreement with Japan and the age-old truth that old enemies become new friends. Japan and South Korea share many more interests. The comfort women issue continues to divide. The statue needs to be moved. Why? There’s more to learn from this historic evil than pedestrian discussions and denunciations. This sta...

2017-01-17 16:13

I didn’t think Trump had a chance. His campaign rhetoric didn’t reveal much knowledge of global affairs. Beyond the pedestrian, it showed a demagogue hell-bent on thumping illegal immigrants and socking it to convenient enemies. However, Trump did win, and he’ll soon raise the hand as the next American President. There’s no better way to learn that serving as President isn’t the same as running for president than occupying the office.

2017-01-03 17:13

What's in a name?

What’s in a name? I’m not a fan. I remember faces better than names. However, I’m likely wrong. Names show individuals. They honor family ties and lineages, at least partially. They stand for dreams of parents and families. They project purposes, religious and varied. I’m going to write about the Korean practice of using name seals or chops or dojang.

2016-12-20 16:46

Looking for a Magpie?

Have you seen a Korean magpie or ggach’i lately? This beautiful if loud bird found throughout Korea stands as a national symbol. Let’s discuss the magpie and its meanings.

2016-12-06 16:28

Democracy more than Park II

Two weeks have passed, and the Choi-Park controversy continues to get bigger. The controversy imperils the presidency of Park Geun-hye, and it appears increasingly likely irreparably so. There are growing calls for her to resign or to face impeachment. Rallies are drawing hundreds of thousands. Her popularity has tanked. Choi Soon-sil may have violated laws, but now so sadly, the President may have violated her constitutional mandate.

2016-11-22 16:39

Democracy more than Park

It's painful to watch the events enveloping the presidency of Park Geun-hye. I say this not the least because it suggests the same malady affecting the American Democratic presidential contender, Hillary Clinton. I want to suggest respectfully that in the Korean context, Park’s likely failings frame symptoms of a much wider problem, one characterizing Korean democracy nowadays. Too much executive power and too much national dependence on it calls for public change and civic patience.

2016-11-08 16:38

Remembering life in Korea

About fifteen years ago, I lived for six months in Seoul while on sabbatical. The experience was a high point of my life. It provided me with an international experience of research and learning. I made friendships and renewed others that continue today. I went past book knowledge to engage Koreans in their language. I shared in Korean manners, style, and customs of daily living.

2016-10-25 17:08

Election 2016: stakes for Korea

I’m writing this week about the American presidential election and what it forecasts for South Korea - and the North to some extent. The choice between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will chart the next four years or more in our relations. Despite the pundits’ predictions, this race is close. Both candidates have weaknesses in the public mind. Let’s isolate a few issues that play out in Korean-American relations. There's much at stake for Korea, whoever wins.

2016-10-11 17:04

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