Korean Air Pollution

During the early years of Korea’s economic rise, the government paid little or no attention to the environment. The economic development started in the 70’s with Korea’s five year economic development plan. Korea became a leading steelmaker and shipbuilder. This created rapid industrialization and Korea started pumping out more and more products. Cars, computers and other products were flowing out of Korea’s factories and with it millions of tons of sulfur dioxide. Consequently, acid rain started to fall over Korea and started to dissolve it’s delicate ecosystem. Although some of the air pollution is generated by Korea, a large percentage also comes from the worlds’ largest greenhouse gas producer; China. The pollution is blown from China with the wind currents toward Korea. The problem has grown so bad that plants that only grow in heavily polluted areas have begun to sprout up in Seoul. Recently, the Capital city of Seoul is starting to take steps toward a cleaner, greener future, but many companies lack the technology to install desulferizing filters and reduce greenhouse gases. The Korean factories are trying to gain access to these technologies, but this takes time and progress is slow.

South Korean Deforestation

During the Korean war and the Japanese colonization, Korea’s forest was shattered. However, during the 70’s and 80’s the people of South Korea came together and started one of the best executed reforestation efforts in the world. This effort was started to provide a steady domestic supply of timber and for the growing agricultural industry. But South Korea has changed. More than half of its population lives in cities, and these cities are growing rapidly. Together with the exponentially growing agricultural industry, the forest is being pushed further and further back. In fact, South Korea lost 12.8% of forest between 1990 and 2005. The future of this issue is uncertain, but the future looks positive for this issue because of new public awareness programs.

TIMELINE SOUTH KOREA· From 1910-1945 Korea was under control of the Japanese. When World War II ended, Japan surrendered to the U.S. and Soviet Union, and therefore, Korea gained independence from Japan. The U.S. and the Soviet Union divided the peninsula’s ownership into two, the U.S. in the south and the Soviet Union in the North. In 1945, the first American military based government arrived in South Korea however; they had issues controlling a country where they did not know the language or culture. The People’s Republic of Korea, which had been established before the Americans arrived, was declared invalid and President Kim Koo was forced to step down. To solve this, the U.S. created the Korean Advisory Council and a year later, they established their own government. · In August of 1948, Syngman Rhee elected president and the First Republic of Korea formally established. Under his control, new governments were established within South Korea. In July, the National Assembly decided on a constitution in which the country was run by a strong president who was elected by the National Assembly. By December of that year, the United Nations recognized the Republic of Korea. · On June 25, 1950, North Korea began to invade South Korea. The war was messy at first, since all though North Korea was equipped with Soviet made tanks and weapons, their methods of transporting supplies were unreliable, and sometimes, civilians were forced to transport weapons to the North Koreans. While South Korea had a U.S. trained army and American made weapons, these were considered weak compared to the weapons of the North Koreans. South Koreans were quickly fleeing the country; however the surrender the North hoped for was no more, when U.S. forces as well as forces from other foreign nations began to intervene with UN approval. 3 years later, in 1953, armistice ends war, but has cost both North and South Korea about 2 million lives. · April 19, 1960, students and laborers protested in an attempt to overthrow President Syngman Rhee, who committed electoral fraud by changing the process to give him self an 8 year term. This was also known as the April Revolution. On April 26, Rhee resigned and the First Republic of Korea ended. · July 29, 1960, the Democratic Party which had been the original opposition of the First Republic of Korea won power and established the Second Republic of Korea. This constitution took on a parliamentary cabinet system, the first and only time when this system was used in South Korea. The elected president was Yun Po Sun and the prime minister as well the head of the government was Chang Myon. However controlling the country was not easy, since after the First Republic of Korea, many liberal and student groups and unions had formed and demonstrations protesting against them were happening frequently. During this time period, unemployment rates and wholesale prices grew. · May 16, 1961, Major General Park Chung-hee was one of the military leaders who were not satisfied with the choice of a parliamentary system and the overall way things were going in South Korea, all of this caused by the Second Republic of Korea. On that date, he led a military coup that ended the Second Republic and on December 2, 1962, South Korea was officially back to the democratic system and while the other military leaders made a promise to one another not to run for president, Park Chung-hee did. He won the elections in 1963. · Park Chung-hee ran again in 1967. In his doing so, he changed the constitution which originally allowed each president two term, he gave himself too and allowed himself to run again for a third term. He did run again in 1971, therefore receiving his third term of presidency. This was also the beginning of the Third Republic of Korea. During the time of the Third Republic, their main goal was to rebuild strong ties with Japan and the United States as well as receiving large amounts of aid from them. In this time, economy in South Korea also grew rapidly. However, Park Chung-hee also wished to reunite South and North Korea. On October 1972, he declared martial law and ended the National Assembly and the democratic way of presidential elections. · In 1972, Park Chung-hee and the Fourth Republic of Korea decided on a new constitution, the Yusin Constitution, which enabled him to take control of the parliament. While Park Chung-hee began to grow unpopular amongst the public, economy was still growing in South Korea. · 1979, Park Chung-hee assassinated. Military coup led by Major General Chun Doo-hwan in December and later, martial law declared and Fifth Republic of Korea started. Student unions and laborers broke out in protest against the new law. 1980, Gwanju Massacre took place in the city of Gwanju when university students broke out in a citywide riot that lasted 9 days after their school had been closed by the military and more than 2000 civilians had been killed. 1987, first democratic elections happened. · The Sixth Republic of Korea started and their first president was Roh Tae-woo who was elected by popular vote in 1987. The second president was Kim Young-sam who was elected in 1992. Kim Dae-jung was the third president and he was elected in 1997. That year was also the year South Korea suffered from a financial crisis, but recovered well from it. South Korea also was able to turn their government into a solid democracy once again. Kim Dae-jung started the Sunshine Policy in an attempt to make final peace with North Korea; this act awarded him with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000. Roh Moo-hyun elected in 2002. Current president is Lee Myung-bak.

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To the people of the Philippines,

On behalf of the South Korean people I extend my warmest regards. As you may know, South Korea is a small nation in East Asia. It covers just under one hundred thousand square kilometers and is surrounded by numerous islands. It is located in between China and Japan, and their influence on Korea is very prominent. To the west of Korea, lies the Yellow Sea and on the opposite side lies the East Sea. These bodies of water are a vital part of Korean culture and are a beautiful element of Korea’s landscape.

Korea’s population is around 44 million people, about half of the Philippine population. The capital city is Seoul and it is also the economic center of the country. The national currency is the Won. Won is distributed in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 Won. The greater the value represented by the bill, the larger it gets. The bills are decorated with important people in Korean history, landmarks, and historical events. Korean coins are valued between 1 and 500 won. There is a literacy rate of over 90 percent, and an average life expectance of 65. The average income is $10 000 to $20 000.

Korea has stunningly beautiful landscapes and environments that range from the high peaks of Seorksan Mountain that glow in the sun, to the river valleys below it that reflect it’s image and create a surreal environment. To the north of the country, in the area between North and South Korea, lies one of the best wildlife reserves where nature is untouched and animals and plants grow without human intervention. The Taebaek and Sobeak mountains also add to the beauty of the country. Like the Philippines, Korea’s coast is dotted with islands and the most beautiful of which is the island of Jeju. It is a pristine location with a blanket of bright yellow flowers stretching for miles and contrasted by the tall mountain of Hallasan. This island is famous for the Haenyo; female divers that collect seaweed, clams and other sea foods. They free dive into the ocean and sell their collected goods to make a living.

Korea’s culture is very unique and is a combination of Chinese and Japanese cultures, with a little bit of local influence as well. This shows in many areas, one of which is religion. The many influences brought Shamanism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Confucianism, Protestantism and other minor religions to the country. The Korean language consists of a mix of Chinese and Japanese languages and older Korean dialects. Like Japanese and Chinese, It uses characters and not letters. The Korean language is different from the languages of its neighbors on many ways, but it also incorporates many Chinese and Japanese Characters. Like Koreas language, the food has been shaped by Chinese and Japanese culture. The food is characterized by spicy and rich flavors. Kimchi, one of the nations most famous foods, is also one of the healthiest in the world. The staple food in Korea, like the Philippines, is white rice. The national costume of Korea is called Hanbok and is vividly colored. This is one of the brightest national costumes in the world. It is used during ceremonies and festivals and for select formal occasions. Now, western clothing is widely used and it is not uncommon for couples to wear western clothing during their wedding. Korea is also famous for Tae Kwan Do. This martial art has spread throughout the world and is now an Olympic sport.

The Government of South Korea is a democratic government and the country is officially known as the Republic of Korea. The Korean government’s history, similar to Korean culture, is also very rich. It has risen from the ruins of war and created one of the most economically successful countries in the world. The president is elected every five years. The current president is Myung Park Lee and he was elected mid last year. The South Korean government is striving to build ties with other nations and make South Korea a more global nation. The government is pushing for an end to the tension with North Korea and the recent summits paint a very promising picture for the future of the two nations. The government is also pushing economic development and this is showing to the world what Korea can do.

South Korea is home to magnificent landscapes and beautiful flora and fauna. It has its own rich culture, food, and traditions. It has evolved into a great nation after historical struggles, and with a new and confident government, it is its sights on and even brighter and more successful future.

PART2.

Summary and Response

As China rises, pollution soars

International Herald Tribune, Published: August 25, 2007

Summary

            China is on its way to being the next world power, but like all other world powers before it, power does not come without consequence.  In addition to China’s huge population and growing economy, their environmental footprint is also on the rise.  In major cities, only 1 percent of the citizens breathe healthy air.  It was previously predicted that it would take at least until 2010 for China to surpass the US in greenhouse gas emissions, but sources say that it may have already passed that landmark.  Cancer has become the leading killer in the country, and it’s not the only health issue emerging.  The smog covering most of the country is spreading to other countries as well, and is a big problem in South Korea and Tokyo especially, where it is causing acid rain to fall.  Because of the Olympics coming up, they are trying to come up with a quick-fix for the problem, but the answer isn’t as easy as it may seem.  This issue directly affects South Korea because of the problem with acid rain that is cause by China.

Personal Response

            Pollution is a big problem all over the world, and it is often connected with industrialization and development.  This is because developing countries all over the world are trying to get to the top too fast, and don’t pay attention to the consequences of their actions.  In this case, China has grown so much that one in every 5 or 6 people on earth are Chinese.  However, in addition to the largest population, some sources say it is now the largest producer of greenhouse gases, which have been linked to pollution and global warming.  Global warming is not the only consequense, though.  Acid rain is also becoming an issue all over Asia, and China is believed to be a major cause of this.  All this just goes to show that a growing population and economy doesn’t just affect the home country, it can have negative effects on other countries as well.  In this case, South Korea and Japan are suffering because of this.

Questions

1. If China’s leaders can acknowledge that they have a problem with pollution, why do they continue to develop the country so rapidly?
2. What kind of solutions is Beijing coming up with to attempt to clear the smog for the upcoming Olympics?
3. Why does China continue to use coal so much even when they are well aware of its effects on other countries such as South Korea and Japan?

North Korea threatens to turn South into ‘ashes’

International Herald Tribune, Published: March 30, 2008

Summary

            In response to a comment made by South Korea’s new head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea lashed out its most violent threat in years, stating that there will not only be a sea of fire, but South Korea will be turned to ashes if the new head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff decides to attack suspected nuclear test sites in North Korea.  Many threats have been made by the north in the last few years, but they were usually made when Washington and Seoul held military meetings or exercises together.  Despite the threat, however, the capital remained calm, and there was no sense of panic that day or in the days after.  The government was not in a rush to respond either.  They said they would wait a few days before they made a decision as to how to react.

Personal Response

            Personally, I think that South Korea’s relations with North Korea are very confusing.  They are supposed to be attempting to peacefully reunite, but the north seems to be lashing out at every given chance.  The leaders from both countries are willing to meet at a summit every once in a while to discuss issues between the two, and yet they still do not have peace.  It is unclear to me the reasoning behind North Korea’s threats, because South Korea is actually a very well-developed country with very good ideas and a trustworthy government.  North Korea really has no reason to threaten them except to interfere with South Korea’s success.  If it weren’t so secluded and secretive, North Korea could be much more powerful.  The constant threats seem to have become a bore, and soon South Korea will begin to just ignore them altogether.  This would be a good time for North Korea to strike, however.  Altogether, the issue of relations between North and South Korea remains fragile.

Questions

1. Why does North Korea continue to threaten South Korea?
2. What is the reasoning behind all the threats?
3. Will the two countries ever reunite?

PERSONAL RESPONSE:

In my opinion, I don’t think that the 2 officers who accepted the bribes in exchange for not shutting down the brothel were doing the right thing. 16 women from China and South Korea were being forced to work as prostitutes just to pay off their debt to whoever smuggled them into the country illegally. Also, as a police officer, you are trained to do the right thing because people trust you with their lives, not freeing those women from prostitution in exchange for money makes you think twice over how trustworthy the police is. I also feel bad for the Chinese and South Korean prostitutes who were living in the brothel, since in order to pay back their $100, 000 worth of debt, they had to basically sell themselves to other people, which is just sickening even though we all know many women do it when they are in trouble and no other jobs are available to them.

 

ACROSTIC POEM:

Policemen were not following their rightful duties as officers and succumbed to cash bribery.

Reputations of the 2 officers were ruined forever as well as any hope of being promoted.

Offering young Chinese and South Korean women to men for money.

South Koreans were the ones who ran the brothel and South Koreans also worked there.

The 2 South Koreans who ran the brothel were arrested.

Illegally smuggling in women from Asian countries and then making them work as prostitutes until they repay for the costs of getting them into America.

The sex trade of South Korean women in America has been going on forever, only this time they got caught.

Undercover officers were involved in catching the brothel at work at the exact right time.

Traffickers in this specific occasion were said to have earned $1.1 million dollars in 41 weeks.

It was so far the largest bribes in exchange for protection scandal in NYPD since a lot of officers were involved in both the bribery and the spying on the brothel itself.

On the brighter side, the brothel was shut down and the prostitutes were saved.

New York City was where the whole scandal happened.