Frogs in a Well: China's Invisible Grip on Africa

As a quickly rising economy in today's US-dominated world, China is taking a radical approach in securing its international status. Veering away from the traditional European & western markets, the country has been steadily building up its influence in the African continent. According to Reuters, trade between the two regions was $166 billion USD in 2011, with two-way trade increasing by 30% every year for the past decade.Today, it is Africa's largest trading partner, having surpassed the US in 2009. But Sino-African relations do not end with commerce. Last month, Chinese Premier Li embarked on a tour in Africa, and offered $12 million USD in developmental loans to countries including Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Additionally, he presented thousands of dollars to fund new infrastructure projects in the continent, including a high-speed railway in Nairobi. Considering African leaders' constant insistence that relations with China are not "a one-way street," what is China receiving from this partnership?

African exports of natural resources are almost entirely directed toward China.

Simply put: oil & new markets. Oil demands in China, needed to fuel its perpetually growing industry, are incredible, and the nation is able to meet many of these requirements through its advantageous relations with African countries. One-third of African raw materials(iron ore, coal, timber) are exported to China, according to Africa Renewal magazine. Cities such as Johannesburg or Cairo are also benefiting from the influx of cheap goods from the far-off nation. For its active role in the continent, Chinese influences can be seen in nearly every aspect of African society. Take for instance Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International airport, the African Union's sleek new headquarters (located in Ethiopia), or the Chinese merchants' brief stint at textile sales. (The low cost of Chinese textiles provoked a crash in local industries, prompting the Tanzanian government to ban Chinese companies from directly interfering within the country.) To accommodate for this foreign presence, many countries have begun incorporating Mandarin in their education curriculum (such as this South African school), and broadcasts from China Radio International & Xinhua News can be heard on all stations, offering positive reinforcements of current Sino-African ties and the Chinese government views. President Obama has responded to China's encroaching presence with the development of programs such as "Power Africa" (funding electric generation) and "Trade Africa" (increase US exports), but the lack of incentive and real action has aroused great suspicion on whether the government is sincere in its efforts.

The African Union headquarters at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The plaque is inscribed in both Mandarin & English, and designates the facility as a gift from the Chinese government.

What does this mean for the rest of the world? By capturing a new market in which most other countries were unable or uninterested in investing, China now has the means and allies to expand its markets and cultural presence. With many young students in South Africa studying Chinese at school, walking past China-funded infrastructure, and constantly learning the Chinese government's stance on such controversial issues as the Tibetan revolts, or its ruling Communist party, we may be looking at a generation of African youth growing up in a cocoon of Chinese influence. Having been surrounded by this reinforcement of Chinese political beliefs, perhaps these students will someday serve to strengthen China's voice in diplomatic proceedings, especially with its neighbors Korea and Japan. Whether or not this will put other world powers at a disadvantage in international gatherings such as the United Nations, we have yet to see. In the words of G. John Ikenberry, "The rise of China will undoubtedly be one of the greatest dramas of the twenty-first century."

The "Gyo-Po": What Facebook Taught Me about Myself

Social media is a mysterious entity. And riding at the crest of this mania is Generation I- a generation of youth that are smarter, quicker, and more interconnected than ever before. Due to such advancements, many adults complain of the public aspect of the network, allowing any to easily breach your privacy on the grounds of social networking. While such risks are undeniably present, the internet has also given the new generation a chance to build a stronger sense of identity, and an awareness of the person behind the computer mouse.

I recently had the opportunity to create a Facebook account (at the constant insistence of my friends), and one of the first pages that popped up contained instructions for creating a personal profile. Based on your motives for creating an account, you could insert anything from family, education, life events, favorite movies, etc. The possibilities were endless, but as I hovered over the first blank, I realized that this was a much bigger decision than I had expected. Millions of internet users around the world would be able to examine and judge the person I breathed life into, purely based off of the info in my profile. So I was forced to contemplate, 'Who is June Lee, or rather, what about her is worthy of posting on Facebook?'

As I pondered the millions of paths my choice of self-description could lead to, I realized that my identity lay not in my hobbies, but in my family roots. I immigrated to the United States with my parents at 18 months old from Seoul, Korea, and while I do not have many recollections of living in Korea, my parents convinced me that only a sense of identity and pride can define a true Korean. While many "gyo-po children" (Koreans living on foreign soil) arriving around this age took on new names and lifestyles modeled after the "Yankee culture," my parents believed firmly that my brother and I could lead a revolution of Korean-Americans equally rooted in two cultures.

Before our move, America had been but a name referenced in my parents' conversations, but immediately after arriving in sunny California, we were immersed fully into the "American Dream." For every new venture that expanded our involvement in American society, a similar one in Korean was sure to follow. Some of my earliest memories of preschool involve working through mini-homework packets in two different languages, one for school, and one for Saturday Korean School, where I graduated this past year. As my interest in writing and public speech grew into a passion, I would never have imagined entering only English tournaments. From essay competitions, district speech contests, to competitive academic summer programs, my life revolved around two different cultures that merged and intertwined until the distinction between them blurred, forming a single heritage unique to our family. As I grew older, the expectation that I would retain an equally American and Korean identity developed until I was expected not only to feel pride in my dual identity, but to become an ambassador for both nations to my peers. Soon, I began giving presentations to my school classmates about aspects of Korean culture in the US. After listening to a lecture given by the Korean Consul General to San Francisco, I was inspired to start my own blog, "The Korea Book," and research the future of inter-Korean relations, in addition to setting the goal of working in the foreign service to increase the US's role in East Asian security. Whether it was flying across the World Championship tournament arena in a crisp white Taekwon-do uniform, or eventually starting my own student-led cultural fairs, there was never a moment in my childhood where I felt far from the heritages my lifestyle represented.

As I reflected on the process that had led to my Facebook-induced self discoveries, I realized 'who you are' comes not just from your preferences for favorite food/ movies/ books, but also the cultural environment that envelopes you through childhood. If we had never moved to the United States, I would probably be blind to everything but schoolwork and study, much less exposed to the diversity of the Silicon Valley, and nowhere near as determined to one day become the US ambassador to Korea. For now though, my blank Facebook profile beckons.

Frogs in a Well: The Sewol Ferry Accident

On the morning of August 16th, 2014, the Sewol ferry sank in a routine trip from the Republic of Korea's southern coast. The vessel was en route to the popular vacation island "Jeju" (a 13.5 hour trip), and was carrying 325 students from Danwon High School on an annual science field trip. The responsible ship company, Sewol's crew, and the Korean government have all faced harsh criticism for poor response to the disaster. But eighteen days following the accident, with little chance of saving the 300 lost passengers and victims, it's time we step away from the 'blame game,' and focus on providing for the affected families and comforting a mourning nation. How has this one tragedy affected parties across the world?

Memorial messages stretch across the gates of Danwon High School. In the aftermath of the accident, many high-profile concerts and events have been cancelled out of respect for the mourning families.

Foreign journalists/ media: Through reports in English news sources such as the LA Times, Reuters, and CNN, journalists have taken this chance to question Korean culture, blaming Confucianism's focus on "obedience to authority" for the high number of student deaths. According to the Dallas Morning News, "If that was a boatload of American students, you know they would have been finding any and every way to get off that ferry. But in Asian cultures…compliance is de rigueur." The fact that the captain and several crew members were the first to exit the sinking vessel has raised several eyebrows, especially as it immediately followed an announcement for passengers to remain in their seats. Many news sources have taken to this theme of "culture blaming" with enthusiasm, but this spirit of stereotyping only places the blame on the actions and beliefs of the victims and their families, the last parties we should accuse in the face of such a tragedy.

Chonghaejin Marine Company: The owner of the responsible shipping company, Mr. Yoo Byung-Un, has come under especial scrutiny for a questionable past. Financial difficulties aside, the CEO of this business is also the head of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Korea, making the family-led marine company a largely religious and private organization. Furthermore, evidence has been uncovered that Mr. Yoo supported the education and employment of several proteges over the past decades to high positions in companies beneficial to his own. It is believed that the Chonghaejin Co. has been able to slide by safety regulation tests due to such favorable connections. These favorable links are no where to be seen though, as the captain and numerous members of the Sewol crew, all employees of Chonghaejin, are currently under arrest and facing charges of murder.

Note from North Korea: In response to this unheard-of disaster, both sentiments of sympathy and tightening of ship safety checks have increased across the globe. Even South Korea's northern neighbor offered a surprising word of condolence. News on the message arrived via the South Korean Red Cross association president: The message expressed deep sympathy as regards the sinking of the ferry “Sewol” in the waters off Jin Island, South Jolla Province on April 16 claiming many casualties including young schoolchildren and leaving many persons missing.

The families of Sewol passengers await news on their loved ones near the port.

Different Voices of Korea

"Poetry is an act of peace." - Pablo Neruda

"The Hermit Kingdom" The Forgotten War De-militarized Zone. Korea's recent history, though embroiled in strife and pain, is largely unknown, forgotten, or ignored by the international community. The following poems highlight the bitter sentiment of Koreans (and people of any other country) through a period of continuous war, and the reality of youth growing up near the 38th parallel. In either case, an entire nation's emotions can be viewed through the depiction of a single cultural object and the commentary of a unique individual. As you scroll first through the following scenes from present-day Korea, take a moment to reflect on the struggle and determination it took to build-up the nation to its status today.

Major international companies originating in the ROK. Hyundai is the world's top ship-building company and a car manufacturer, while last year, Samsung was ranked 5th internationally in International Technology brands.

Exhibit 8.15

A pair of straw shoes hangs in the museum

Its seams are torn,

woven soles near thread-bare

Once upon a time, these shoes were a child’s pride and joy.

When he first put them on, the straw was sturdy and snug

the walls braided skillfully by a craftsman

They carried the boy through his joyful youth,

exploring the Korean mountainside, racing in the dirt path between rice fields

But one day, the boy was called off to war.

He marched to the beat of the Righteous army,

his childhood left behind in the trailing dust

The sandals guided him through smoky fields, between moaning bodies

speckled by flecks of blood from the Red Sun.

other soldiers would laugh at his worn soles

but the supple straw carried him where most steel boots could not

back to the familiar dirt roads, and the warmth of family reunion.

It was peacetime now, or so the news blared

every day, the man stood at the gate, listening to the echo of steel boots in rhythm

he longed for the rush of battle

the thrill of holding a gun, firing for one’s country

Without a word to anyone, he re-enlisted

and the last the straw shoes ever saw of him

was the glint of sunlight on his shiny steel-toed boots

But the shoes never forgot

what dying men sound like

the sight of countless boots, lined up and ownerless

and though it occupies the museum’s stand of honor

the shoes are in eternal mourning,

for the peaceful farm days

when war was but a dream

The Opposite Bank

Every day, I walk

Surveying the bank along the river

Where the water laps at the stones lining its shore

In this alcove, I find security

The violence and pain surrounding life cannot find me here

Or so I was told

On the other side of the Han* River

Is a land where ‘safety’ has no meaning

No one ever walks along those shores

Except with gunfire at their backs, fleeing with their lives in their hands

The river tries to help them

With quick flowing fingers, it pulls them across

Tugging them away from the ‘pinging’ of bullets

Sometimes they make it

And Mother will hurry to clear a spot by the fireplace

But other times, my river takes them into his arms

And envelopes their pain in his soothing current

The same shiny pebbles that line my side of the river

Stretch across the opposite bank

On good days, I can see the reflected sunlight winking from their smooth surfaces

And I imagine another child is standing

In the land that produces shivering souls and whistling bullets

Staring at my own land

Wondering, what lies on the opposite bank

(*The river that marks the boundary between Korea’s North & South)

'Land of the Morning Calm': 5 Things Americans need to Know about Korea

When you hear the word 'Korea,' what images enter your mind? Black and white photos of troops in the Korean War, or scenes from the Communist North? Ever since President Bush labelled the North as one of the "axes of evil" in his 2002 address, American perception of the Korean peninsula has largely narrowed to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea nuclear capabilities (the official name of North Korea). In a recent survey by Princeton University, only 11% of American voters "rate[d] North Korea favorably," making it the least favored regime world-wide. Caught up in this view, so many of us tend to forget that the peninsula is also home to the 12^th largest economy, and the ship-building capital of the world. Believe it or not, the Korean peninsula is a region vastly more complex and instrumental to the US than we imagine.

The main entrance to "Gyeongbokgung"- the Northern Palace

1. Opening the 5000 year-old doors: According to legend, the early Gojoseon* kingdom was established in 2333 BC, 300 years before the first Chinese imperial dynasties (*Gojoseon = Old Joseon, the 1st Korean dynasty). For the next 5000 years, the peninsula progressed through some of the most peaceful times in history, characterized by unusually long dynasties, and nonviolent power handovers at the turn of each era. However, this period of stability and “closed-door policies” came to a close with the implementation of the “Japan-Korea Treaty of 1856 (ie. Treaty of Amity),” which forced open the gates of Korean portsto both Japanese and European trade. About the same time the Wright brothers were amazing audiences with their control over flight, Koreans were watching the Japanese as they quickly took advantage of the treaty, and declared supremacy over the Korean peninsula. Until liberation in 1945, the citizens of "the Land of the Morning Calm" saw only a future of destruction as the Japanese mercilessly hounded the protectorate country, and embarked on inhumane brainwashing campaigns.

At the turn of the 20th century, Korea found itself embroiled in the conflicting interests of its neighbors: Japan, Russia, and China.

What began as a temporary boundary line is now a maximum security border; American and Korean troops patrol both sides of the DMZ (De-militarized Zone) at all times.

2. Division- Was it a Mistake?: After being liberated from Japanese rule, Koreans began planning for the road to reconstruction. (This movement was led by the Korean Provisional Government, which had functioned secretly in China during the Japanese occupation.) However, the Allied Forces were concurrently drawing up the "United Nations Trusteeship" (신탁통치), a treaty meant to aid in the establishment of a democratic government by dividing the peninsula into a US-led South and USSR-guided North. Although they began with good intentions, the two superpowers were unable to reach a “joint trusteeship,” and the hastily drawn 38^th parallel line became the official political boundary on August 15, 1948. Due to this, many older Koreans view the founding of the Republic of Korea with wistfulness and frustration for the united nation that could have been.

The DMZ today.

3. Rising Trade Star: Dwarfed by neighboring China & Japan, South Korea is often unacknowledged by the international community. But did you know that the Republic of Korea is the first in the world in ship-building (Hyundai Courtyard), second in IT development (Samsung-Galaxy, LG), and fifth in petroleum exports? This nation is the US's sixth largest partner in supplying imports, and its seventh largest market for exports, immediately behind countries like China, Japan, and Germany. This year marks the second anniversary of the US's Free Trade Agreement with South Korea, and according to Ambassador Froman, the KORUS (Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement) is one of the most profitable deals the US has signed to date. Only 60 years ago, no one could have imagined that this poor country, demolished by decades of war, would ever reach the status it is at today.

Hyundai Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, reputedly the largest shipyard in the world.

4. Looking beyond the meme: As Americans, we tend to either tremble in fear at the prospect of nuclear invasion from North Korea, or scoff at the daily whims of its ruler, the world's most powerful "spoiled brat." But as citizens of the world's policeman, it's time we took our awareness beyond this level, and recognize the near 25 million people struggling under the Kim dynasty's despotic rule. We have to understand that after the collapse of the Japanese colonies, "the Great Leader" Kim Il Sung centered his entire nation around boosting the show of military finesse out of fear of future invasions. This set the stage for the world’s 5th most powerful military power, but it also resulted in absolute stagnation in the economy, and a vast famine (analysts to this day are not sure of the exact number of deaths). North Koreans live devoid of religious or speech freedoms, and their only exposure to the rest of the world is through the Chinese black market. Currently, any aid that the US or foreign NGO's attempt to give the regime are redirected as funds for the military. Before we can help the victims in North Korea, we must first crack the US's image as a calculating, backwards nation, its portrayal under Kim's "brainwashing" education techniques.

The heart-wrenching reality of families split by war in Korea has led to complete loss of contact between family members in the North and South. Through highly contentious family reunions, and the now-expanding Chinese black market, Koreans are just beginning to rekindle their old bonds.

5. We are one!: Koreans share 5000 years of history as a single people, and to this day, many firmly believe that reunification is in the peninsula’s near future. One of the many branches of the South Korean government is the ‘Ministry of Unification,’ and it has been the requirement of every presidential candidate to release a plan for union. Other indicators of this shared mentality can be found in the periodic “North & South family reunions,” and the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which until recently, allowed South Korean companies to employ thousands of North Korean workers in a ‘mutual benefit’ scenario. Through constant opportunities for interaction, both Kim Jong-Il and President Park Geun-hye are trying to steer their countries toward one destination. But the greatest hurdle lies in security, and such concerns have prevented a direct meeting between the two presidents (From the South, perceived nuclear and missile threats & from the North, the presence of permanent American troops). As American citizens, we are at a windfall, the enemy of one party and a strong rapport for the other. But in this conflict, it is our duty to keep in mind not just American interests abroad, but the interests of Koreans throughout the peninsula, and avoid the mistakes of our predecessors. 

Life- Hack: What we can learn from the life of President Park Geun-hye & other world leaders

​“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” But, “those that sleep now can dream, while those that do not can achieve their dreams.” Whether it is from parents, teachers, our peers, or idols in history, we live in a world of increasing pressure to be productive and successful in life. Especially with the continual rise of brilliant new entrepreneurs in the Bay Area, the expectation that we follow in their footsteps surfaces every day. In spite of this, we are never told how to succeed, and the words of role models such as Benjamin Franklin and Ban Ki Moon often deliver contradictory messages. Could there be a secret step-by-step guide to becoming a noteworthy name in history? As author Brian Tracy once stated, “Successful people are simply those with successful habits.” Take a look at the habits of five famous figures, and what it took for them to be revered.

​President Obama has inspired many Americans with his dedication to a daily workout at 6:45 A.M, but the First Lady, Michelle Obama, normally leaves the gym at this time, returning home to pack lunch for her daughters. Her workout includes forty-five minutes of cardio and forty-five minutes of strength training, and she has yet to miss more than a single day at a time. What else can we expect from the founder of the “Let’s Move!” campaign?

         Adopting the lifestyle of his mother, a full-time novelist and mother of six children,Anthony Trollope believed firmly in the power of early morning inspiration, and would wake up at 5:30 A.M. to write. During this time, Trollope would sit with a watch in front of his paper, and demand of himself 3000 words by 8:30 A.M. or 250 words every fifteen minutes. At the end of his morning, he would immediately head off to a job in the postal service. Although work under such stressful conditions may seem difficult, Trollope managed to publish forty-nine novels in a period of thirty-five years, with his more famous works such as The Chronicles of Barsetshiremaking him the most celebrated English writer in the Victorian era.

           Most heads of state keep up with the height of technology in their country: not Park Geun-hye. The South Korean president is jokingly called “the notebook princess” for her adoration of the quickly-disappearing art of note taking. From meetings with high-profile leaders, to banquets with other Korean politicians, President Park is never seen without a notepad to jot down points that arise in discussion. This habit has both pleased and annoyed fellow officials, but it allows her to be prepared to deliver remarks at all times.

South Korean President and "notebook princess," Park Geun-hye, in discussion with President Obama.

         Many artists will attest to the saving power of a daily cup of coffee, and composer Ludwig Van Beethoven was no different. The first order of business every morning was to make breakfast, consisting of a large jug of coffee with exactly sixty coffee beans. (He often counted out the beans one-by-one himself.) Afterwards, he would pour in an incredible amount of sugar, near filling the cup to the rim, and mix it together with a concoction of very strong, black coffee. Perhaps it was such breakfast habits that contributed to Beethoven’s brilliance at the piano, conducting, and composing, even as a deaf musician.

​Neurologist and psychologist Sigmund Freud is famous for his discoveries on the power of human dreams, but he is also known for his well-groomed appearance. After waking up promptly at 7:00 A.M. each morning, the researcher would eat a light breakfast, and spend an hour at the barber shop, trimming his beard. It was once said of him that, “[Freud possessed] a commanding air… an air of power disciplined. Even Freud’s mustache and beard were subdued to order by a barber’s daily attention.” Freud worked hard to cultivate an image that appeased his patients, and through the daily routine, he created a ritual that eventually became an essential part of this incredible life.

       From artists, politicians, and writers, each of these giants possessed completely different habits, personalities, and working attitudes. So what was the secret to their success? Each of them lived strictly by a daily routine that allowed them to leave a unique imprint on the world. In order to make our contribution to society, perhaps it’s time each of us re-evaluate our lifestyles, and organize work and leisure around an unvarying time frame.

Frogs In a Well: What is our view of the world?

In a society where face-to-face communication has become a thing of the past, we are constantly hounded by conflicts resulting from misunderstanding and lack of empathy. The story of 'the frogs in a well' (originating from a Korean folktale: '우물 안 개구리') depicts the predicament of several frogs who stare up at the little circle of sky above their heads, and imagine it to be the entire universe. Limited by the stone walls around them, the amphibians have no desire leave the safety of their "haven," but they lose the opportunity at a life of incredible freedom in the great world just outside the well. 

Our greatest challenge today is to prevent ourselves from becoming trapped in this narrow worldview, and ponder on the perspective behind each country's actions, regardless of their implications at first sight. Imagine the outcome if the Taiwanese and Chinese people stopped to place themselves in each others' shoes, or if the US considered the historical and cultural significance of nuclear development before pressuring nations like Iran or North Korea. Through this "blog column," my goal is to introduce different perspectives on controversial current events, so as to extend deeper understanding of world happenings, and hopefully reveal a little more of the sky. Before our loyalty to a single nation, we are first and foremost citizens of the world, so never let the image of a united and peaceful Earth fade from your sight.