Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Captain Corea]

Seems it's semi-confirmed now:

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200709/200709030011.html

[seoulsucker]

[GoldMember]

What is semi confirmed?
Bizzare terminology.
The article quotes a Taliban source, in other words it's quoting, lying, drugdealing, murdering, paedophiles and sodomizers.
A very credible and trustworthy source of information-NOT

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

South Korea's really got to think hard and answer some tough questions re:

* their citizens' activities overseas, particularly in developing and/or volatile regions such as the Middle East, South East Asia and Africa
* their Government's dealings with enemy States or terrorist organizations ie. the Taliban and North Korea
* their seemingly complete appleasement policy with the one country they're technically still at war with, North Korea
* their treatment of foreign workers from developing nations
* their treatment of ethnic Koreans from developing nations in particular North Korea and China
* their treatment of citizens deemed weak, vulnerable or ill by society
* their parasitic relationship with their one true ally, the US
* their overall xenophobic and nationalistic mindset which permeates through all they do and largely sabotages all the good work they do in increasing their economy and global trade output

Otherwise I can forsee that in 5 years time South Korea will be well on their way to becoming the international pariah of the developed world if they not already well and truly on that path now.

[komerican]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[komerican]

[The_Conservative]

[atomic42]

Not really sure why anyone cares whether or not they paid a ransom.

[Yaya]

I'm thinking a bit of money was paid, but NOT $20 million.

[RACETRAITOR]

[ajgeddes]

I think what's worse is that if it is confirmed that they did indeed pay $20 million, that the SK gov't has been lying and trying to cover up their tracks, while denying having paid.

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

My agenda is that I actually like this place, have made friends, had good times and bad times, but ultimately feel that the citizens of this country are often let down those in power in this country, whether it be the Government, the Police or the chaebols. This country has so much potential and has achieved so much but I worry that a lot of their achievements are being undermined by the actions of those in power and there are several issues such as the ones I listed which need to be addressed if this country is to achieve its potential.

I'm all too willing to mention my country's shortcomings and no country on this Earth doesn't have issues it needs to deal with.

Komerican some points you made I agree, some I don't. I'll just briefly head over the ones I don't:

By the first point, I was largely referring to the actions of individuals or groups who enter a country with little or no respect for the locals and/or their culture and customs. Korean tourists to the Philippines, despite bringing in much valued currency into the local economy (albeit a large portion of this goes to Korean-owned businesses), have developed a bad reputation over the years with their attitudes towards the locals. Another example, being Christian missionary activities in the Middle East where in many cases groups have been actively imposing their beliefs on the local residents with scant regard for their own customs, culture and religion.

Of course, China isn't an ideal nation-State but the reality of the situation is money talks and China has so many people and resources that its growth is having a direct effect of the global economy, and the world is at the moment largely willing to over look many of its issues as a strong Chinese economy is valued as a greater benefit and perhaps, optimists believe, the beginning of more democratic society. Whereas, North Korea is a tyrannical dictatorship that imprisons and starves its people whilst it carries on illicit activities such as drug running and counterfeiting. Not many nations are willing to stand by North Korea even China's pretty much had enough of them.

In regards to North Korea, you make good points and you're right. You no doubt have a lot more riding on how this ongoing stalement is played as it immediately affects your family. I agree to a certain degree that you have to engage and not provoke the enemy with so much at stake. I think however the Roh administration has been FAR too lenient on North Korea and far too willing to co-operate with little reciprocity in return. Roh's upcoming trip to North Korea is just selfish grandstanding and will do nothing to help the people of North Korea. So much so, it seems many younger Koreans have bought into the belief that the US is the greater enemy than the North.

The treatment of foreign workers in almost every nation is often deplorable and is something that needs to be addressed. Its an issue in the US, Europe and my homeland, Australia. No country is perfect in this regard. However, we're talking about Korea and the treatment of foreign workers in many cases is deplorable and needs to be addressed.

By talking about the treatment of those deemed weak, vulnerable or ill by society I'm referring to largely the treatment of the mentally ill or developed challenged individuals. Whilst, again no country is perfect in this regard, Korea does seem to really need to improve in this aspect. I've heard many reports of mentally ill or developmentally challenged individuals being beaten or in some cases, enslaved. This happens elsewhere too, including the West. But, it does seem more prevalent here.

Parasitic is I agree a tad over dramatic, but I do believe the relationship between the US and South Korea is somewhat one-sided. The FTA could improve this, but we all know the vast majority of Koreans were strongly opposed to it as their economy is still incredibly subsidized. You can buy a LG computer or Hyundai car in Bumphuck, Idaho. But, I don't see any Ford dealerships in Suncheon, a city of 250,000. I was also referring to the love-hate relationship Korea has with the US. Korea on one hand complains, argues and protests against a wide range of things concerning America. Yet, once they want or need America they come running back and get angry if America does give their unwaivering support.

Nationalism in my opinion is counterproductive and has the potential to be dangerous in this globalized world we live in. Once we start thinking less as nation-States and more as one Global society the better it will be for all of us, IMHO.

Maybe this pariah talk is a tad melodramatic but I also believe that Korea needs to address some points as they do take the shine off the remarkable achievements this country has made in the last 50 years. Granted it is a young democracy and many of these things take time. But, they do need to be addressed if Korea's ever to become a truly open, mature society and player on the world stage.

Just my thoughts and you're welcome to disagree.

[Scotticus]

[atomic42]