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[Martin Schram] Speak truth to the nuclear powerless
Ever since those two mushroom clouds darkened the skies above the fiery hell that was Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world’s two nuclear superpowers somehow found ways to work together -- even in times of intense conflict -- to prevent the world from plunging itself into all out nuclear war. Yet, although we have gone 80 years without another nuclear bomb being detonated as an act of war, the fear of The Bomb remains as menacing as ever. This past week, we have been watching a nightmarish, longest
May 14, 2025 -
[Kim Seong-kon] We need a leader of 'duty and honor'
On June 3, 2025, the Korean people will elect their new president, who will lead the country for five years. Undoubtedly, the future of South Korea will depend on what kind of leader Koreans will choose at that time. In the eyes of some foreign experts, South Korea is now at the crossroads of a capitalist country with a free-market economy and a socialist country where the government controls everything. South Korea is also caught in the crossfire of a trade war between two warring countries. Un
May 14, 2025 -
[Editorial] Election race begins
With just three weeks until South Korea’s presidential election on June 3, the race has officially begun. On Monday, the seven declared candidates launched their campaigns, but early polls show the contest is mainly focused on a two-way battle. A poll released by Hangil Research on Tuesday showed that Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea led with 49.5 percent support. Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party followed at 38.2 percent. Lee Jun-seok of the minor conserv
May 14, 2025 -
[Editorial] Lowest in economic growth
South Korea posted the lowest economic growth rate among 19 major economies in the first quarter. The global economy is embroiled in unprecedented uncertainties caused by a tariff war that the US started and a renewed trade protectionism. Slowed growth has become the reality of many major economies, but the nosedive of South Korea's growth rate is obviously a matter that Koreans should think hard. According to the Bank of Korea, the Korean real gross domestic product -- a key measure of economic
May 13, 2025 -
[Lim Woong] True profanity: Hypocrisy in high places
While student rulebooks routinely label swearing as a form of misconduct, the reality in today’s classrooms is far more nuanced. Many teachers find it hard to address, as students often use offensive language casually — sometimes to vent frustration, sometimes to assert identity, and at times, unfortunately, to wound others. Yet research shows that swearing, when used with intent and in the right context, can have psychological benefits. It can increase pain tolerance, enhance physical performan
May 13, 2025 -
[Amrit Amirapu, Arvind Subramanian] Manufacturing-led export strategies still make sense
With the specter of deglobalization looming large, developing economies are scrambling to devise new growth strategies. The most effective path to development in recent history -- specializing in export-oriented, unskilled labor-intensive manufacturing -- now appears to be blocked. The model that once propelled the economies of South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China and Vietnam is becoming less accessible for countries in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. What made the traditional development mo
May 12, 2025 -
[Yoo Choon-sik] Warnings over Korea’s economy
Warnings about serious economic conditions do more than simply forecast impending difficulties — they serve as urgent calls to action, urging individuals, institutions and nations to adjust their course before a disaster strikes. These warnings are not just theoretical predictions but critical signals meant to prompt meaningful changes before circumstances worsen beyond repair. One example of an advance warning having a positive effect is when an individual alters their lifestyle after receiving
May 12, 2025 -
[Editorial] A party in disarray
By any political measure, the People Power Party’s recent chaotic maneuverings resemble a house in flames trying to repaint its walls. At a moment when cohesion and clarity are desperately needed, the ruling conservatives have spiraled into public infighting, strategic incoherence and self-inflicted wounds — a political fiasco that may leave lasting scars ahead of the June 3 presidential election. Impeached then President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office in April over his failed martial law
May 12, 2025 -
[Editorial] Cracks on the right
While Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential candidate, continues to lead in national polls ahead of South Korea’s early election on June 3, the conservative bloc remains mired in disarray — fragmented, feuding and devoid of a common purpose. This high-stakes vote, triggered by the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed coup attempt in December, comes at a moment of deep national uncertainty. The country is grappling with sluggish growth, volatile inflat
May 9, 2025 -
[Lee Byung-jong] Multilateralism without the US?
The world has spent the past 80 years building the current multilateral system —anchored by institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank. Born from the devastation of two world wars, this system was largely designed and driven by the United States with the goal of ensuring lasting peace and shared prosperity. Yet it took only a few months — perhaps a few years, if counting his first term — for President Donald Trump to seriously disrupt this structure. By withdrawing from or weakening
May 9, 2025 -
[Editorial] Rein in prices
Surging food prices at the time when the government lacks a fincance minister are worrisome. Dining and processed food prices have gone up significantly over the last few months, further dampening the already weak consumer sentiment. It is feared that the nation's economy could end up in a vicious circle of stagnation. According to Statistics Korea on Friday, dining inflation hit a 13-month high of 3.2 percent year-over-year in April. The increase in prices of jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean
May 8, 2025