Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kiwiduncan]

The results of the election are pretty depressing. It seems that the political indifference and self-centredness of Korean youth has a lot to do with the low voter turnout (only 46%), the result being that conservative politicians have strengthened their control of the National Assembly.

Undoubtedly this thread will also get consigned to the Current Events graveyard as we are only allowed to discuss toothpaste, hot Korean chicks and bigfoot sightings in the General Discussion forum.

But before Blue Bus Boy comes along and removes this thread I'd just like to ask if, as an English teacher working and living in Korea, your attitude towards Korean society or your length of stay in Korea be at all affected by the election results and by Korean politics in general?

For the majority I'm sure it has no relevance, but for me - a person who wants to show at least a basic level of interest in and respect for my host country, the results of this election will only make me more jaded about life in Korea, and more contemptuous of mainstream society and politics here.

I must admit that, like the bulk of foreign teachers here, I'm in Korea for the money. But to think of only the cash seems like a pretty cynical way to live your life here. I've tried to get involved in the green movement while living in Korea and in the process I've met some very smart, liberal and progressive Koreans.

But this election result just has me thinking that Korea is a lost cause, a country full of self-centred, materialistic and narrow-minded sheep. Maybe I should just concentrate on the money and wash my hands of Korean society.

[Captain Corea]

As someone who has lived here for hald a dozen years, and plans to live here for may more, I am quite happy with the results of this election.

It will mean:

-My tax dollars will only go to the North if they reciprocate.
-Less bickering from the opposition (they've been trounced).
-Chung Dong Young got his arse handed to him and will stay out of politics for a while.
-I'll be able to take lovely boat rides through the peninsula

BTW OP, I think you might be missing the mark on why the voter turnout was what it was.

[kiwiduncan]

My boss said voter turnout was also low due to the rain.

And about that canal, aside from all the economic, environmental and water quality reasons for opposing the canal, doesn't LMB realise that the canal would provide a direct invasion route from North Korea right down to Busan?

The Norks will be harrassing the bikini girls at Haeundae in no time, with no viscious man-eating west coast jellyfish to get in the way.

[RACETRAITOR]

Wait a second, having an opposition is a bad thing? Why?

[Captain Corea]

[tob55]

I keep apprised of the politics going on in the country and do my best to discuss the issues with my wife before she goes to vote. We discuss it because she wants to try and make the best decision when she votes, and not just going in blind to make a selection based on who is winning the political gesturing game.

I am not on the F5 long enough to vote in local elections, but next time around I will be giving serious thought to who is running in our local area. There were many divided issues for this congressional election, so it will remain to be seen what the overall effects will be for a short time. Hopefully the people going into office will follow through with some of the promises my wife indicated she knew about going in to this election.

I personally think it is important if you have a serious connection to Korea as a permanent resident and want to see some positive changes taking place, to keep up with the politics of the nation. Change happens much more dramatically here simply because they haven't caught onto the party system that can often muddy the waters for the general public. Especially when all parties have their own agenda that can be bent to look like the other party's platform.

[endo]

[mrsquirrel]

No

[RACETRAITOR]

[Captain Corea]