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Thu, April 26, 2018 | 20:45

Opinion > Columnists > Bernard Rowan >

No North Korean Spring

Following North Korea’s recent “nuclear missile test,” status quo powers have decided to take notice and to provide a result. This week, the United States, South Korea, and China (perhaps, most hope) have signaled an agreement on sanctions against Pyongyang. These sanctions won't harm the North too much, let alone prompt changed behavior. South Korea can’t allow provocative actions to go without a response. However, the context of forces and relations in the region will need continuing patience and vigilance, for there is no quick fix.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-03-01 16:19

North Korea's new policy: catch two birds with one stone

Progress in Korean-Japanese relations

The historic statements about comfort women and reparations by President Park and Prime Minister Abe last month promise a new era of cooperation between Korea and Japan. The two nations also should develop other avenues of cooperation. When many events challenge regional and international stability, South Korea and Japan should continue to serve as agents for positive change and stability in international relations. Several recent events bode well for their relations in some key respects.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-02-16 17:25

The newest Koreans

Migrant workers in South Korea are a small group, relatively speaking. They account for less than five percent of the population. They stick out like a sore thumb to parochialists of culture because they often come from China or other Asian nations. Nonetheless, migrant workers are an important Korean population because they perform the kinds of jobs that other Korean workers don’t want to perform. They make up the slack for an economy with declining numbers of people willing to perform necessary tasks in the second and third economic ranks. Underpaid and overworked compared to their Korean ...

Bernard Rowan | 2016-02-02 17:03

Hydrogen hyperbole

When examining the recent actions of North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un, we can see the pitiable plots of a paranoid regime looking for attention. The regime’s troubles and anxiety reflect on its survivability - external regional developments isolate it. Her state, society and culture don't value democracy and individual freedom. Kim continues to use totalitarian means to cover many problems. Pyongyang's shortages of life, liberty and happiness embarrass it.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-01-19 17:04

Take this step forward

Last week's announcement of an agreement about the comfort women issue is a singular step forward in Korean-Japanese relations. It suggests the impulse of positive cooperation between two Asian and global powers. It marks practical thinking for the interests of both nations and peoples. It frames a genuine act of leadership, in particular by Japanese Prime Minister Abe but also President Park Geun-hye.

Bernard Rowan | 2016-01-05 17:07

Heaven Korea II

Today I’m writing about one of my favorite hermitages in Seoul. It’s a place less traveled but ever-present for the seeker. Korea is heaven on earth; believe and act on that dream. I only just learned the name of this place: Hwangudan. It can mean “Temple of Heaven.” What’s Heaven Korea? Hwangudan tells us.

Bernard Rowan | 2015-12-22 17:03

Korea's biggest threat

This column has discussed issues related to Korea's status as an advanced nation. From the late 20th century to now, South Korea has moved past developing-country status. It is now an advanced nation. By many measures of power, be they population, gross domestic product or military might, South Korea outperforms and outranks many countries of similar size. Typically, these days in international relations, South Korea has the title of "middle power."

Bernard Rowan | 2015-12-08 16:48

Korea represents heaven on earth. I've believed that for nearly 20 years since I first traveled to your country. My study of Korea only deepened this first impression. Korea's miracle of advancement continues to make possible so much good throughout the world.

Bernard Rowan | 2015-11-24 17:36

Improve Korea's hospitals

Korean hospitals occupy a middle-tier of quality that needs further improvement. As an advanced nation, Korea’s health care provision through her hospitals must change to reach the standard of other advanced countries. This should occur while preserving Korea's valued practice qualities.

Bernard Rowan | 2015-11-10 17:09

Forward with Japan?

Japan and South Korea have more national interests in common than many believe. Too many South Koreans and Japanese obviously do not think so. Despite Japan’s 20th century history of fascist and misguided imperial atrocities against Korea and other nations, the present era is one of “old enemies become friends.”

Bernard Rowan | 2015-10-13 17:03

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Missile attack on Syria