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Monthly Archives: June 2011
Korea’s ‘Mob’ Republic
Shadows of racism darken this nation as long as wives from Vietnam are battered and foreigners do our dirty jobs with resentment. Continue reading
Posted in Society
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Sumo Wrestles with Globalization
The sport embodies the soul of Japan. Yet the number of Japanese recruits dwindles, and international talent is filling the gap. Why? Continue reading
[Interview] Donald Baker, Gwangju Massacre Witness & Korean History Professor of UBC
Coyner’s Comment: The below is a bit of a rambling interview in terms of subject matter, but nonetheless it is worth a scan if not a serious read. I learned a few things by reading it, and perhaps you may, … Continue reading
Posted in S Korean Politics, Society
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U.S. Said to Turn Back N Korean Missile Shipment
A good illustration of how diplomacy can effectively work with the military to achieve a desired end. Continue reading
Posted in Defense, North Korea, USA
Tagged diplomacy, DPRK, navy, North Korea, sanctions, South Korea, State, UN, US, weapons
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South Korea’s enthusiasm for recycling
Coyner’s Comment: Having lived the entire decade of the 1990′s in Tokyo, our family has experienced much severer regimens of recycling and neighborhood social coercion than anything we have experienced so far in Seoul. Also, the Korean process of sorting … Continue reading
Posted in Japan, S Korea Economy, S Korean Politics, Society
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Is the end of Kim Jong Il the only hope?
We have moved from a selection of only bad North Korea options to a resignation that there are no options to be realistically played. Continue reading
Posted in North Korea
Tagged diplomacy, DPRK, end game, Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-Un, North Korea
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North Korean Free Trade Zones
Is the DPRK opening up to international business – or is it slowly being absorbed by China? Continue reading
Posted in China, North Korea, Trade
Tagged China, development, DPRK, free trade zone, North Korea, PRC, South Korea, trade
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Pres MB Lee picks aides to prepare for 2012
The political indicators are so strong that I’m willing to stick my neck out and make a presidential election prediction this soon. Continue reading
Posted in S Korean Politics, Society
Tagged 2012, chaebol, conservative, election, Korea, politics, president, presidential, progressive, Sohn Hak-kyu, South Korea
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Samsung’s Lee cracks whip unit
Coyner’s Comment: As one Korean friend commented, “Reading Lee Kun-hee criticizing corruption is like hearing of a notorious philanderer being outraged that his son is having an affair.” Fair statement. Unfortunately, the overall situation is even worse that it appears. … Continue reading
Posted in Doing Business in Korea, S Korea Economy, S Korean Politics
Tagged business, business conglomerate, chaebol, corruption, defense, Korea, South Korea, supplier, systemic
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Korea Still on Ground as Apple Launches iCloud/Apple Aims at Korea’s IT Heart
Coyner’s Comment: As the industry alarm bells ring here in Korea, we would be foolish to expect to see Apple devices with iOS5 operating systems going on sale in Seoul come this autumn – unlike other major markets around the … Continue reading
Posted in Doing Business in Korea, S Korea Economy, S Korean Politics, Society, Technology, Trade, USA
Tagged Apple, cloud computing, iOS5, iPad, iPhone, IT, Korea, protectionism, South Korea
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