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The Korea Times

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Opinion

Columnists

19. Steven L. Shields

My favorite time of the year

When the sweltering heat, humidity and heavy rains give way to the crisp air of autumn, even though it comes with a few warm and cool days, I enjoy my daily walks more than ever. The brisk air makes me move quickly and get in my 10,000 daily steps with great joy. The change of color is also welcome. I love Korea's verdant hills and mountains, thickly forested (thanks to former President Park Chung-hee's aggressive tree-planting) with all kinds of trees.

2022-12-08 17:02

Proper response to Itaewon tragedy

The catastrophic deaths of so many in that narrow alley in October prompt profound grief and inexplicable horror. And anger. We are rightfully angry but have little or no outlet to express our feelings.

2022-11-22 14:16

Rainbow and values of diversity

According to the Bible, a great flood in ancient times inundated the earth, killing everything in its wake. That is all except for Noah, his family and an extensive collection of animals on a giant barge. We don't know how many creatures there were, for some Bible accounts say two of every kind; other accounts note there were seven. When the waters receded, the writers of the Bible stories tell us that a rainbow appeared in the sky as a sign from God that there would never again be a flood of such magnitude

2022-08-15 16:01

Moral obligation

My upbringing as a Christian in the United States has formed my understanding of my moral obligation since childhood. I don't always get it right, but I try. I hope my understanding as an adult is deeper, more well-founded, and more in keeping with a being member of not just a global community, but a community that embraces all religions or none, all nationalities, languages, and cultures.

2022-06-29 16:31

Power of gathered community

The adage, “there is strength in numbers,” is more than just old wisdom. It is a fact that has been proven time and again throughout history. I've had many experiences with this. Work goes faster when several people are involved. Tasks get completed by using everyone's strengths, be it physical or emotional.

2022-05-30 16:11

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

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