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AnonymousIn a nutshell, I learned last night that South Koreans are very smart and innovative in that they brought their economy from non-existent (according to the world's perspective) to booming. They are extremely advanced in technology as many well-known brands world-wide are Korean. However, when it comes to leadership and presidencies, their luck does not fall on the same side. They've had so much trouble with their past presidents. We learned of presidents being impeached, jailed, and committing suicide.
As we left class last night, I thought about the troubled presidencies and how with each new president, there was hope for a true democracy. It seems to me that S. Koreans see how democracy works in the Western world and they like what they see, so they want to implement it into their own culture and see the success that we see. However, it's failed time and time again because the presidents would implement these changes to the law so they would have more power, shifting the state of their government away from a true democracy. Could it be because their culture is not naturally of a democratic nature? In the Asian cultures, especially with the influence of Confucian teachings, there is always a more dominant and less dominant role between 2 people in a relationship. The levels of 2 people in a relationship is not naturally equal. Perhaps it's so difficult for S. Koreans to maintain a true democracy because it's not in their nature. The Chinese don't have democracy in their country.
Just a thought! It'll be interesting to see what the Japanese government is currently like.
AnonymousI was browsing the web this morning and found this yahoo article that was amusing. It satires the North Korean leader as the sexiest man alive. There is a picture of him on horseback, with the familiar serious look. It you squint, you can Imagine Brad Pitt in legends of the fall. Below is the link and a small quote from the onion article.
[font=Helvetica]http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/kim-jong-un-onion-sexiest-man-alive-newspaper-144736602.html[/font]
"With his devastatingly handsome, round face, his boyish charm, and his strong, sturdy frame, this Pyongyang-bred heartthrob is every woman's dream come true. Blessed with an air of power that masks an unmistakable cute, cuddly side, Kim made this newspaper's editorial board swoon with his impeccable fashion sense, chic short hairstyle, and, of course, that famous smile," it said.
"He has that rare ability to somehow be completely adorable and completely macho at the same time," said Marissa Blake-Zweiber, editor of the Onion Style and Entertainment.
AnonymousUs News reported that The People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party quoted sections of The Onion informing people in China that Kim Jong Un was the sexiest man alive 2012. Apparently there was also a 55 photo gallery slideshow that accompanied the article.
This is not the first time a Chinese news outlet has been fooled by The Onion. Apparently there was once a story in 2002 that the US Congress was planning to build a new Capital Building in Memphis or Charlotte to accomodate more bathrooms and parking. The Beijing Evening News reported this story to their followers.
AnonymousIt was interesting to learn how South Korea was able to turn their countries' severe economic problems from being basically broke, to hugely successful! They have many well known and highly innovative products that are doing extremely well here in the US as well as the rest of the world. South Korea seems to be very extremely savvy when it comes to creating advanced technologies and are now a huge competitor world wide. I agree with nfong, that South Korea's impressive success in their economy in comparison to their very unsuccessful leadership is really puzzling. I didn't realize that they have been trying to implement Democracy into their own culture. It seems to me that they don't truly understand what a true Democracy is and how it works.
AnonymousROK is a success story in the current era. As the first recognized country to come out of the recession and to have innovative business that thrives globally, what is the potential of the ROK as a world power? Media polls on the streets? Cheap wifi access? Who's really ahead of the curve? There are some advantages to the governmental run agencies. Unschooled to overschooled, rural to urban. We can learn a few things from the work ethic and collective values of such a country.
AnonymousI am surprised to find out how private the lives of the North Korean leaders are. In comparison to our culture, where a leader can hardly hide any scandal, how is it that no one new that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was married or even his exact age? According to reports it is unclear how long this woman, Ri So-ju, and the North Korean leader have been married or if they have any kids. I wonder why this secrecy exists?
AnonymousI was also interested to learn that the leader of North Korea could be married with no public announcements or prior knowledge. After the lecture I was curious about her. I read a July, USA News Today report that said ,"Kim's several public appearances with the woman, and Wednesday's almost off-hand announcement that he is married, are a striking contrast to the style of his father, Kim Jong Il, whose 17-year rule was known for its secrecy. The elder Kim's companions and children weren't discussed — including Kim Jong Un, who was virtually unknown before his formal introduction to the world in late 2010." In some of the other articles that I read there is speculation that Kim's uncle chose her because she scored high on her university examinations. Such different criteria than the western world might consider. There were comparisons made with his grandfather who had allowed his wife to be photographed with him at events.
edited by dsciarrotta on 12/2/2012
edited by dsciarrotta on 12/2/2012
AnonymousThe future of the Koreas will be interesting to be a witness to. With a new young leader in North Korea, and a new leader in 2013 in South Korea and the re-election of Obama, the interaction of the three vested powers will hopefully prove to be fruitful for the global community. I would surely hate to see the consistency of the North Korean people to endure as it is. The starvation of its people and the seclusion of the country does nothing to promote the health of the world and will prove to be divisive. It is a transitory time in Asia. Where the west has thrived and is currently cultivating its people, the east is changing into a more influential presence globally.
AnonymousI think it will be very interesting to see what happens in North Korea in the next coming years with Kim Jong Un at the helm. Recently, it has been reported that he has taken precautionary steps to protect himself in the event of a military coup. Will he be able to maintain control of North Korea? I will definitely keep my eye on this area of the world in the coming years. I enjoyed learning about the previous leaders of Korea and the ups and downs of both nations.
AnonymousIt was interesting to see how many S. Korean companies are flourishing in the world market today. Four years ago I actually bought a Huyndai car. I have been very happy with it and was also very happy with the price. I was also interested in seeing S. Korea's contributions to pop culture. I watched the Gangnam style video on you tube. Yes, can you believe I hadn't seen it before?
I also agree with nfong in that I find it sad and interesting that S. Korea has not been able to make a democracy work. I think nfong is right with her idea that in a relationship historically there has always been one person with more power than the other. In our last lecture on Korea we discussed the class system in Korea. It was very rigid and people were always trying to move up to a higher class. I think that the leaders that came to power in Korea fell to the weakness of wanting more power. It is amazing that the S. Korea's economy is doing so well with all of the political unrest and difficulties.
I have had many Korean students in my classes over the past years. Their families are so generous and so respectful. They are always giving me gifts and are supportive of me as a teacher. I really appreciate all of their kindness!
After seeing photos of Korea during our lecture I realize how advanced they are technologically. I think traveling to Korea would be a great experience!
edited by lvaden on 12/14/2012
edited by lvaden on 12/14/2012
AnonymousReflecting on Korea’s advancements and accomplishments, as they strive to make this country economically powerful, I find quite interesting the fact that they have not been able to set up a true and strong democracy. It might very well have something to do with their being so militarized; their army ranks as the 4th largest in the world.
AnonymousNoelle,
I found the question you posed to be very interesting! America was founded on all men created equally. It is in our country's nature to strive for equality, which even we struggle with greatly as seen in the increasing gap between rich and poor. However, it is in our historical make up to strive for equality and see it as ideal. It may be that Korea's long history will not let those who gain power truly strive for equality and democracy. It may not be in their nature.
AnonymousI find it interesting that Korea's economic development and political development don't seem to be in stride together. I feel that Korea strives to have a democratic nation, however are just not quite able to reach it. It's interesting how tradition and history play a role in current political events.
In addition, I find the differences between North and South Korea fascinating....how two countries with the same historical background could be so dramatically different. I wonder if unification will ever occur?
edited by lpalmer on 12/30/2012
AnonymousThe contrast in economic wealth and poverty between North and South Korea was most striking for me. I had no idea of the poverty level. Starving children. It broke my heart. The Wifi access machines were also shocking to me as it seems so smart. Why don't we have the access in the United States?
AnonymousI was surprised the United States supported Syngman Rhee despite his dictator like political moves. His National Security Law which allowed him to go after political opponents who spoke out against him as well as his continued political moves to exceed term limits do not sound like a leader go against a democratic society that the United States would want to push. Then again, the United States has often backed several questionable individuals in countries that experience civil unrest. It's also fascinating how Park Chung Hee changed the constitution to give himself a lifetime presidency. It's amazing how power hungry these individuals were after shedding Korea from decades of Japanese rule.