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Wed, April 25, 2018 | 03:02

Opinion > Columnists > Bernard Rowan >

Summit world and Korea

It's spring in the Northern Hemisphere, or at least getting to be spring! A scan of news articles shows it's also summit world with Trump on parade. U.S. President Donald Trump may have or will have or won't have summits with, variously, Arab League nations, other American nations including Cuba, faith leaders in Washington, and Vladimir Putin. There's little like summits to raise public awareness of issues and promote a leader's diplomatic goals and personal style. The same goes for a planned summit in May with Kim Jong-un.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-04-10 17:33

The autocratic moment

The world today stands in the gaudy and dangerous grasp of autocracy. Leaders of too many powerful nations are veering toward autocracy. Seemingly blinded, blindsided and blithe populations increasingly divided by invidious distinctions are allowing it to occur. And unwelcome parallels to early 20th century leaders are starting to emerge.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-03-27 16:37

A living national treasure

Im Kwon-taek is famous for directing many of the best Korean films. Over the last 55 years, he's created 100-plus classics for present and future audiences. I think he deserves recognition as a Living National Treasure. Let me tell you why.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-03-13 16:56

Trump's bald spot on trade

Trump spent some time this week talking about how he covers up his bald spot. He needs to talk about the bald spot in his trade policy and how he can't cover it up.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-02-27 17:02

Unification soap opera

I'm going to write about the unification flag and hubbub surrounding it these days. But before I do, a few disclaimers. I'm a fan of eventual unification. The 1950-53 Korean War is an unending monstrosity. It can't prevent South Korea's continuing advance, but the grotesque division is something to live down. Second, I am thrilled for South Korea and the world the Winter Olympics is happening in PyeongChang. I've enjoyed watching from Chicago, and everything I've witnessed occurs with the usual attention to detail, welcoming atmosphere, and thorough enjoyment of competition in global friends...

Bernard Rowan | 2018-02-13 18:43

Growth of Korean forests

South Korea is now a green space to envy. I've read forests cover about 60 percent of Korea's land! A cursory look at a few Korean websites reveals dozens of distinctive and widely known forests that beautify the land. They provide support for a healthier environment and create the basis for multiple industries. They improve the quality of life for millions of Koreans and visitors.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-01-30 17:13

Of accumulated evils and foolishness

President Moon Jae-in has hit his stride. The New Year speech had many initiatives and proper recording of successes. Moon can claim to have improved one of the coldest ties on the planet with the North's offer to join the Winter Olympics. The chairs in Panmunjom's meeting rooms have warmed just a bit with recent use. Moon also repeated important promises about employment, chaebol reform, and a people-centered economy.

Bernard Rowan | 2018-01-16 17:12

Workweek Reforms Half-Baked

Among OECD countries, South Korea's workers toil more hours but currently aren't as productive. Surely, part of the South's ascent came from the zillions of hours Korean men and women toiled on production floors, in government offices, and other places of work. Progress doesn't happen on one's laurels!

Bernard Rowan | 2018-01-02 16:39

Thaw the Freeze for Freeze

China's proposal of a “freeze for freeze” deserves some comment. I'll eventually say it needs a thaw. China claims to want a nonnuclear peninsula. Never mind her nukes or those of America and other players. China proposes the North halt her nuclear tests (freeze) in exchange for the U.S. and South Korea ending their military exercises (for freeze). Trump claims Xi knows it's a nonstarter. The Chinese government continues to state it as a serious proposal. The North needs to agree but has already shown its contempt for the idea.

Bernard Rowan | 2017-12-18 16:27

A Trump retrospective

Should I write a Trump retrospective, even a limited one? I'm talking about a retrospective of his recent swing through Asia. I think what we've seen with Trump's Asia Tour is just about all we're going to get. It's a Duke's mixture at best.

Bernard Rowan | 2017-12-05 16:17

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Missile attack on Syria