[ed] Whistle-blowers should be lauded, not harassed Whistle-blowers have been changing the Korean society by disclosing corruption, violations of laws and other misconducts of individuals, government agencies and private firms. However, these selfless martyrs often face harassment by the entities th..
[ed] Historians should not brainwash students An ideological dispute is brewing over Koreas modern history. Conservative historians reportedly present key historical facts differently in the revision of a high-school textbook.
[ed] Real-name system failed to cut untaxed economy This year marks the 20th anniversary of the real-name system for financial transactions. However, as the latest slush fund scandal involving conglomerate CJ Group shows, the system has not reduced the untaxed economy significantly.
[ed] Korea needs to escape middle-income trap Korea remains stuck in what economists call the middle-income trap. Domestic consumption and investment are nearly frozen. Small-scale exporters find themselves behind their rivals in advanced countries in terms of higher-value products. Manufactur..
[ed] Conservatives should embrace pro-democracy song Tomorrow marks the 33rd anniversary of the pro-democracy movement in Gwangju, which occurred on May 18, 1980. It is still unclear whether the "Marching Song for the Beloved," the anthem of the movement, will be sung in the official pro-democracy me..
[ed] Korean history should become compulsory subject A recent episode of an SBS prime-time news program showed a significant percentage of students are ignorant of Korean history. According to the episode, less than 10 percent of the 121 students surveyed answered all four to five questions on modern..
[ed] Korea's war against untaxed economy Lately, many high-income earners, including lawyers, doctors, businessmen and professors, are spending sleepless nights as they face stricter tax audits.
[ed] Korean economy faces 'boiling frog's dilemma' Korea's economic downturn is likely to continue over the long term, and structural problems are to blame.
[ed] US Secretary of State eases inter-Korean tension U.S. Secretary of State John Kerrys visit to Korea last week was timely. One day before his visit to Seoul, President Park Geun-hye proposed a dialogue with North Korea, something it initially rejected.
[ed] Preventing another Korean war Few doubt the Koreas face the greatest risk of war since the 1950-1953 Korean War, given North Koreas hysterical reaction to the ongoing annual military exercise between South Korea and the U.S.
[ed] Newspapers in Korea cope with painful transition This Sunday will be the 57th Newspaper Day in Korea. However, Korean newspapers are in no celebratory mood owing to their declining readership and profit.
[ed] National Intelligence Service needs overhaul Korea's top intelligence agency is at the center of another controversy. This time, the former leader of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) faces investigation for allegedly manipulating the presidential campaign.
[ed] Regulators must protect mobile phone users As of 2012, Korea has the worlds highest penetration rate of high-speed Internet and the worlds fastest data connection, according to the OECD.
[ed] Koreas can create another economic miracle Last year, Korea became the seventh member of the 20-50 club, an unofficial group of countries with more than $20,000 per capita income and a population of more than 50 million. The group comprises of Korea and the G-7 countries, excluding Canada.
[ed] Korea must campaign for plain language Prime Minister Chung Hong-won has instructed government employees to use plain language and to refrain from using adjectives or adverbs in their reports. Chung said civil servants often use vague, empty expressions.
[ed] Promoting happiness is elusive national goal Happiness is a buzzword in Korea these days. President Park Geun-hye promised to devote herself to helping Koreans lead a happy life. In her inauguration speech Monday, she declared the peoples happiness as her administrations core national age..
[ed] Pre-inauguration anxiety Park Geun-hye is set to take office Monday, but even before she officially takes charge, some are questioning her leadership skills. Organizers are working on last minutes, hoping the ceremony sets the tone for uniting the people and jump-starting ..
