Korean Ambassador to U.S. Strives to Inform Americans
In a recent Chosun Ilbo article it was reported that South Korea's Ambassador to the U.S. Hong Seok-hyun will strive to correct five misconceptions he feels Americans might have about Korea.
In an address at the Rotary Club in Washington, D.C., Hong said despite evidence that the alliance between the two countries has been a success, some people cast doubt on the soundness of the two allies' relationship. What emerged from them was a “surprising” depth of misunderstanding by intellectuals and the media, Hong said, and correcting them was one of his most important duties as ambassador.
The five are:
1. Anti-American sentiment is rife in Korea
2. Koreans no longer want U.S. troops in their country
3. South Koreans place greater importance on their ethnic unity with North Korea than their alliance with the U.S.
4. President Roh Moo-hyun is overly progressive
5. Korea is leaning toward China and away from the U.S.
Hong attributed such conceptions to a poor understanding of changes sweeping Korea and the world at large, and to excessive focus on trivial incidents.
Insights
A dimension to these issues is often generational. For example, Koreans over 50 tend to be more conservative and supportive of the U.S.
Those of the 386 group (now in their late 30s and 40s) tend to be liberal and less supportive of the U.S. policy and influence.
While the younger 20:30 gen tends to embrace American popular culture (Starbucks, Costco, TG Fridays). Most often the younger generation's concerns focus on job hunting and career--much to the dismay of 386ers.
In an address at the Rotary Club in Washington, D.C., Hong said despite evidence that the alliance between the two countries has been a success, some people cast doubt on the soundness of the two allies' relationship. What emerged from them was a “surprising” depth of misunderstanding by intellectuals and the media, Hong said, and correcting them was one of his most important duties as ambassador.
The five are:
1. Anti-American sentiment is rife in Korea
2. Koreans no longer want U.S. troops in their country
3. South Koreans place greater importance on their ethnic unity with North Korea than their alliance with the U.S.
4. President Roh Moo-hyun is overly progressive
5. Korea is leaning toward China and away from the U.S.
Hong attributed such conceptions to a poor understanding of changes sweeping Korea and the world at large, and to excessive focus on trivial incidents.
Insights
A dimension to these issues is often generational. For example, Koreans over 50 tend to be more conservative and supportive of the U.S.
Those of the 386 group (now in their late 30s and 40s) tend to be liberal and less supportive of the U.S. policy and influence.
While the younger 20:30 gen tends to embrace American popular culture (Starbucks, Costco, TG Fridays). Most often the younger generation's concerns focus on job hunting and career--much to the dismay of 386ers.
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