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Opinion

Columnists

Where's 'jeong'?

“Jeong” is a Korean idea that defies a simple definition. When Koreans ask me what it is I like about Korea and why I've been engaged with the country and its people for so long, I can list a host of positives, but in the end, I can only explain to Koreans who ask, “I got 'jeong.'” Non-Koreas who have never been to Korea or only spent a quick trip here, or heard things in the news, still can't understand this crazy white guy who sees Korea as a second homeland - who lives here and loves the people and culture, but who will never fully fit in.

2022-04-13 16:17

A love affair with guilt

Christians, and perhaps other faith traditions, seem to have a love affair with guilt. Years ago, someone in my church posted a list of the members and how much each had donated. His rationale? People will see where they stand in the “ranking” and be persuaded to give more. Motivation by guilt is powerful. When guilt is weaponized, it can be lethal.

2022-03-23 16:30

Always an outsider

I love so much about Korea. I have so many wonderful Korean friends. I could say a lot about the variety and uniqueness of Korean cuisine. Most people are respectful, warm, and friendly. I enjoy the neighborhood where I live. I've found a warm, loving community atmosphere. I know many merchants, and I shop in their stores and eat in their restaurants. The quality of medical care and Korea's national medical insurance are tremendous.

2022-02-09 16:37

Organized religion

Pope Francis declared, “It is not necessary to believe in God to be a good person. In a way, the traditional notion of God is outdated. One can be spiritual, but not religious. It is not necessary to go to church and give money. For many, nature can be a church. Some of the best people in history did not believe in God, while some of the worst deeds were done in his name.”

2022-01-24 16:36

'Coffee isn't …'

About four years ago, in one of my early columns for The Korea Times, I wrote about Korea's modern coffee culture. My column was titled, “Coffee is …” Mr. Kim, the proprietor, spent years in corporate food and beverage service. In the autumn of 2015, he decided to launch his private enterprise.

2021-12-30 16:35

A year of profound loss

As we reach the end of the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, most are wondering, hoping, waiting for the time when we can begin to feel normal. Just as things started looking up, the Omicron variant appears. Before it we got the Delta variant, and who knows what is next. That is the nature of viruses.

2021-12-14 16:33

Happy reunion

It's been almost two years. COVID-19 disrupted my travel plans for retirement. The pandemic caused me to break some promises to my grandchildren.

2021-11-10 17:29

Trees, stars, and crosses

Last year during the year-end holiday season, downtown Seoul was adorned with bright, colorful lights and holiday-spirited decor. Department stores, shopping areas, and City Hall Plaza all joined the celebrations - wishing all people in Korea happy holidays.

2021-09-12 15:01

'I want to be like Jesus'

A time-honored hymn sung around campfires at church retreats and in prayer meetings is a favorite of mine, as it reminds me of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The primary phrases declare, “Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart; Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart; Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.” Most of us Christians leave those good thoughts on the church's doorstep or at the gate of the retreat center when we return home.

2021-05-13 17:20

What's in a name?

In times like these, with all the concerns and sometimes anger expressed over cultural appropriation, I find it odd that more and more Koreans adopt “Western” or “English” names. While national borders and cultural boundaries have been fluid throughout human history, I think one's name is closely connected with personal identity.

2021-04-11 17:47

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