Korean Job Discussion Forums

[number 7]

Why do the Korean Herald and Times even bother? Both newspapers, although �pieces of paper� would be a more apt description, contribute absolutely nothing here except to uphold the false belief that foreigners here are well catered for by the media. Both run nothing stories about how great Korea is, from the newest Samsung phone to the latest Korean pop start being compared to Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake, as if this is a good thing! and always, always, missing the irony these comments are coated in.
Lots of people complain about lots of things here, and that�s fair enough, some of its warranted, some not, but the absolute lack of press freedom here for us foreigners is one area that I can�t understand isn�t highlighted more.
I could give example after example of stories that affect those of us living here but are not written about it because it might damage Korea�s excellent international image, from attacks on foreigners by Koreans, to the latest report that Kimchi is likely a major contributor to the high levels of stomach cancer found here. Nothing, but by God, if someone says they like to have sex with Korean women on an Internet chat-site, then the whole country goes up in arms.
We are not represented here, not by a long shot, but the problem is, everyone thinks we are. We have two daily English newspapers, what more could we want? Surely, these publications, these beacons of freedom and representative voices of foreigners here in Korea are enough? Well, a quick look at the reporters is enough to tell you, I think there is one foreign reporter, and he does the bloody sport, reporting badly on the latest 0-0 thrill draw with Japan. The rest are Koreans, who, not wanting to rock any kind of boat, write about things they are told to, things Koreans think we want to read about, that is, things that Koreas want to read about, how great the country is, how everyone loves Korean movies, and of course, how good the national team will do this World Cup.
So what is my point I hear you asking, well it�s this, do we really need these pieces of paper? Do we, is there anyone out there who actually gets some information they can�t get anywhere else? I seriously doubt there is, everything is old, copied form better publications or just simply unimportant to life here.
We of course need papers that help us, that make life here easier, more interesting, papers that give us information we actually need, papers that will help bridge the gap between Koreans and foreigners, helping each better understand the other, highlighting problems we both face living in this country. Of course we are not going to get it, but still, wishing is not illegal, yet anyway.
So what is my bloody point I now hear those few of you still reading shout? It�s simple, stop buying the Korean Herald and The Korean Times. Now I know, Koreans buy these papers too, of course they do, that�s who they are aimed at, but there most be a lot of foreigners here who buy them I guess. If we stop buying them, then maybe, maybe, they will listen. If you don�t buy them anyway, then write things complaining about them, highlighting the obvious problems, start threads on chat lines, we know Koreans monitor them, send letters, e-mails to the papers, although I�ve tried this and NEVER received a reply, but write something nice about Korea which I did as a control to my test, and they replied the same bloody day, just do something, anything, and then in the end, maybe just maybe they will listen
Of course, I know people here are going to slag me off, you don�t like Korea, blah blah, fair enough, you are welcome to your opinion, despite it being wrong, but for the people who live here, and I mean actually live here, for those of use trying to make a life here, a newspapers which reports things we actually want and need to know, would be a small but significant step in making life here easier, in making this place more, dare I say it, homely.
So there it is, if you agree, then lets do something about it. I doubt they will listen, I definitely know they wont report about it, but still, it might be fun and at least give them something to think about.

J.J.R

[ddeubel]

I have my criticisms of JoongAng Daily but overall I think it does a good job. Doesn't paint just a positive picture and responds to reader feedback.

IHT is for me, a paper I can rely on to get a quick view of the world, wherever I am in the world . Also enables me to judge the standard of living in the country by comparing its price to the price of a loaf of bread................My own version of the Big Mac index.

If you don't like the papers, just don't stop buying them. START YOUR OWN!!!! That's how all good things come about, dissatisfaction....

DD

[number 7]

Great reply except its got nothing to do with the two newspapers i was talking about, jesus, now i know why most people are reluctant to say things on here.

[RACETRAITOR]

I know a guy who worked for the Herald and now works for Joongang. He says the Herald and the Times both are intended for a Korean audience, and the editorial staff at both papers hates foreigners.

[uber1024]

[capebretoncanadian]

Whatever....I get the Herald delivered daily. It's a good, cheap way to keep up on the current events in country. Not all the articles are so pro-Korean. I've taken in quite a few articles that are critical in one way or another of the current administration or the country as a whole. It's no Globe and Mail but it keeps me somewhat informed.

Why don't you submit some articles?

[Captain Corea]

[Hater Depot]

Do you know the percentage of people who buy those papers who are not Korean? I mean, if you think the English-language papers here are written for a foreign audience then I have some real estate in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you. Great deal, I promise.

It's also pretty ridiculous to whine about not being well-served by Korean newspapers. Newsflash, the world does not revolve around your arsehole.

[Satori]

I was just going to say we are lucky there are English language newspapers at all. There sure aren't foreign language newspapers in New Zealand catering to non English speakers.

I do agree they are not up to much. But expecting more is probably a bit hopeful.

[ChimpumCallao]

[number 7]

hahaha, great reply, god, you really blew me out of the water with that one. I was simply suggesting we should have more relevant news coverage here, but you're right, when we have knobheads like you here, why should we complain about anything, i mean we should just be happy that we can tie our bloody shoe laces.
Honestly, it's muppets like you who are killing these boards. Enjoy it divvie.

[Captain Corea]

Actually there have been a number of suggestions on here for you.

Why the chip on your shoulder?

[number 7]

Ahoy there capt, no chip, just a low tolerance for muppets.

[Bulsajo]

[number 7]

Of course theres no way this could be my first time, damn, you actually think i would use a different name on here or something, man, stop comparing others to your sad desperate self