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Entertainment & Arts

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Asia

Opinion

Columnists

bernard Rowan

In tribute to 'harabeoji'

This past week, Prince Phillip of the United Kingdom passed away. Even though I'm a Yankee, as some of my pupils in York called it, the United States has a special relationship with the U.K. Mind you, having overthrown monarchy and colonialism in our revolution, we've come a long way to stand as allies, now as strong as ever. The Anglo-American alliance is necessary for global security, whatever else may be said of the limits of European ideology and values these days and past. Critics should also think that America and Britain have spawned the global technology that is constitutional democr...

2021-04-20 17:15

Cherry blossoms remind us that life and love continue

I've never had the good fortune to be in Korea for spring. I'll have to fix that someday! But I know the cherry blossoms will soon make their annual appearance. Signaling spring and taking our memories away from winter's cold and COVID's dark embrace, the cherry blossoms remind us of life and love.

2021-03-23 16:58

Gangwon Miracle

Recently I interviewed Choi Moon-soon, the governor of Gangwon Province. This cheerful and energetic third-term leader of the province - with his citizens - has carried out a small version of the Korean development miracle. This week (Feb. 7 to 9), he hosted the PyeongChang Peace Forum, dedicated to promoting peace and friendship on the Korean peninsula and beyond.

2021-02-23 17:04

Seollal and sebae

I'm looking forward to New Year this year. I don't mean the Western calendar New Year, which has passed. I mean Seollal. It's Feb. 11-13 with New Year itself two days before Valentine's Day.

2021-02-09 16:50

Biden and Korean relations

I'm happy Joseph Biden has begun as the new President of the United States. I think Koreans are too, at least those South of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Among the many challenges of foreign policy facing the United States, relations with North Korea will remain a flash point over the next four years.

2021-01-26 17:08

Rule of law (II)

This past week, I'm sure I heard the Statues of Liberty crying. There is the famous statue in New York, and there are others. We name them as we see them. Atlasobscura.com lists some of them. But they were crying, and so was I. It was a deafening sound for those who listened.

2021-01-12 17:00

Rule of law in democracies

Several events have occurred in the United States and Korea that prompt confusion of citizens concerning the rule of law. President Trump worked very hard to challenge the results of his unsuccessful reelection bid. He's held much-needed economic relief funds hostage to the idea they're inadequate. Finally, he's pardoned a host of friends and associates guilty of many crimes, raising howls and cries galore. In South Korea, President Moon Jae-in has apologized for confusion surrounding the failed attempt to punish and prosecute Yeon Seok-youl, the prosecutor general.

2020-12-29 17:05

Hope and luck in Korea

At this time in our year and century, with the horrible war that is COVID-19, I thought to write about good luck. The Korean word for good luck is “bok.” In ancient Greek it's “tuche.” Luck is something not to rely on. However, some say luck benefits those who already think prudently. That's what Machiavelli reminded us about fortune. To others, luck is foolish superstition and completely irrational. Each of us gets to decide, right?

2020-12-15 17:10

Biden and Korean security

As the United States, her allies and the world prepare for the end of the Trump presidency, the calls begin for President-elect Biden to develop a coherent foreign policy respecting America's commitments and partnerships. The morass of public health that is COVID-19 in the United States and elsewhere should speed America's return to multilateral initiatives. This includes relations with the Republic of Korea and foreign relations on the Korean Peninsula, as well as with surrounding countries Japan, Russia and China. The thicket is too thick. It will take more than four years to return Americ...

2020-12-01 17:54

After the sideshow

While President Trump mulls the end of his presidency, life begins to move forward. Next year, when Joseph Biden becomes president of the United States, the sideshow that's marked Trump's presidency will end. None too soon! Four years marked by a 19th century dodger in 21st century clothing shouldn't have happened. But democracies don't guarantee the ruler's virtue. Thank God we have a new leader in a country premised on “We the People,” not “I the Leader.”

2020-11-17 17:10

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