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President Roh Tae Woo [South Korea] Visit 10/17/89 [OA 8748]
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President Roh Tae Woo [South Korea] Visit 10/17/89 [OA 8748]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Mark Davis Subject Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Davis, Mark, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1989-1991
OA/ID Number:
13875
Folder ID Number:
13875-008
Folder Title:
President Roh Tae Woo [South Korea] Visit, 10/17/89
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19
2
7
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Davis/Martin
Title: korea
Oct. 11, 1989
Draft: One
DEPARTURE STATEMENT: PRESIDENT ROH TAE WOO, SOUTH PORTICO
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1:15 p.m.
There have been many high-level visits between Washington
and Seoul recently, proof that good relations are important to
both countries. But today it has been my special pleasure to
welcome President Roh ((No)) and his cabinet to Washington.
Mister President, I hope you ((and Madame Roh??) ) have enjoyed
your visit to the White House as much as Barbara and I enjoyed
our visit to the Blue House last February.
This has been a busy day of discussions with President Roh
on a range of important bilateral, regional and multilateral
issues. We have confirmed that the governments and peoples of
the United States and the Republic of Korea are resolved to
promote and defend, economic growth and democracy. Our
discussions have been intense and meaningful. And our
partnership has been strengthened.
Let no one doubt that the United States stands by its
commitment to maintain the armistice and prevent the outbreak of
hostilities on the Peninsula. As I said in Seoul in February,
U.S. forces will remain as long as both governments and both
peoples believe it is in the interest of peace. And, of course,
our forces will remain as long as there is a threat from the
North.
2
I understand that President Roh, when asked about the
American presence in South Korea, answered with a colorful,
American phrase: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Mister
President, my sentiments exactly.
At the same time, our two nations aspire to lessened
tensions between North and South. This, and the creation of the
conditions that favor reunification, can only be the result of
the vision and tireless efforts of the Korean people.
The United States applauds President's Roh's creative
diplomacy, and supports his plan to create a Commonwealth between
North and South as a step toward reunification. President Roh's
unification formula is based on principles that we share --
independence, peace and democracy. It is my hope that the
resumption of other forms of inter-Korean dialogue will lead to
institutions that will serve as a basis for eventual
reunification.
But the division of Korea is merely a part of a great divide
between all the nations of the world. It is in the other half of
the world, the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, that momentous
change is underway. President Roh and I are of one mind in
dealing with this change. Simply put, we will seek to strengthen
ties of mutual interest between the democracies and the socialist
world. President Roh's Nordpolitik -- a diplomatic endeavor to
reach out to socialist countries in Europe, as well as in Asia --
complements the policy of the United States. Mister President,
may I follow your practice and quote a few Korean sayings? World
3
peace is not a pavilion in the sky. If beans grow where beans
are planted, then surely peace will grow where peace is
planted.
Just as South Korea is taking a leading role in diplomacy,
so has it also become a major economic force. South Korea is now
the world's tenth largest trading nation and America's seventh
largest trading partner. Korean workers and companies have
benefited from U.S. open markets. But American workers and
companies deserve equal access to Korean markets.
As I told the National Assembly in February, protectionism
offers a false prosperity. It may seem to be the easy way out,
but it is really the quickest way down. Trade -- free and fair -
- is the way up, for the consumers and the workers of both
nations. And that is why I am pleased to note the progress made
in the past few years in reducing trade barriers. We applaud
these moves, realizing that they have often been achieved with
difficulty. We will welcome continued improvements on the trade
front.
Last, but not least, President Roh and I today discussed the
dramatic changes occurring in Korean society and politics. Under
President Roh's leadership, the Republic of Korea has moved
toward greater democracy and respect for human and civil rights.
The history of my own nation suggests that such change is hard-
won. But our history also suggests that the struggle for
democracy is crucial to a nation's political, economic and moral
development.
4
President Roh, you have my highest respect and support for
your goals. I wish you well in your efforts for continued peace,
and the growth of democracy and prosperity in your great
Republic.
#
#
#
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1ST DOCUMENT of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Public Papers of the Presidents
Digest of Other White House Announcements
The following list includes the President's public schedule
and other items of general interest announced by the Office
of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this
issue.
25 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 279
March 3, 1989
LENGTH: 1295 words
February 22
In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush departed the White House for a
visit to the Far East.
February 23
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush arrived at Haneda Airport,
Tokyo, Japan, where they were greeted by Japanese and American officials. The
President and Mrs. Bush then went to the U.S. Ambassador's residence, where
President Bush and senior staff members attended a working luncheon with
President Francois Mitterrand of France. Following the luncheon, President Bush
met with Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita of Japan in the Asahi-No-Ma Room at
Akasaka Palace and then proceeded to the Hotel Okura, his residence during his
stay in Japan.
In the evening, President Bush returned to the U.S. Ambassador's residence
and met individually with President Mario Alberto Soares of Portugal, President
Mohammed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Prime Minister Chatchai Chunhawan of Thailand,
King Juan Carlos I of Spain, King Hussein I of Jordan, and President Chaim
Herzog of Israel. Following his meetings, President Bush returned to the Hotel
Okura for the evening.
February 24
In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush attended the funeral ceremony for
Emperor Hirohito at Shinjuku Gyoen. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the
President and Mrs. Bush went to the U.S. Embassy, and the President greeted
members of the staff in the auditorium.
In the afternoon, President Bush went to the U.S. Ambassador's residence,
where he met individually with President Richard von Weizsacker of West Germany,
Prime Minster Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, King Baudouin I of Belgium, Prime
Minister Turgut Ozal of Turkey, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan,
President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire and President Francesco Cossiga of Italy.
At the conclusion of his meetings, President Bush returned to his hotel.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush attended a reception at Akasaka
Palace hosted by Prime Minister Takeshita. President Bush then met with
President Corazon C. Aquino of the Philippines. At the conclusion of the
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meeting, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to their hotel.
The President declared that a major disaster exists in Kentucky as a result
of heavy rains and flooding that began on February 13. He directed the Federal
Emergency Management Agency to provide funds to supplement State and local
recovery efforts.
February 25
In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush had an audience with Emperor
Akihito at the Imperial Palace. They then went to the U.S. Ambassador's
resident, where President Bush met individually with President Ibrahim Babangida
of Nigeria and with President Jose Sarney Costa of Brazil.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush left Tokyo and flew to Beijing
International Airport, where they were greeted by Chinese and American
officials. They then went to the Diaoyutai State Guest House, their residence
during their stay in China, and exchanged gifts with Premier and Mrs. Li Peng.
In the evening, President Bush participated in a bilateral meeting and a gift
exchange in the Great Hall of the People with President Yang Shangkun. The
President and Mrs. Bush then attended a banquet in the Western Hall hosted by
President Yang. At the conclusion of the banquet, the President and Mrs. Bush
returned to the Diaoyutai State Guest House.
February 26
In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush attended morning prayer services
at the Chongmenwen Christian Church. The President then attended meetings at
the Great Hall of the People with Premier Li Peng and Chairman (Central Military
Commission) Deng Xiaoping.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush attended a luncheon in the Big
East Hall hosted by Chairman Deng Xiaoping. At the conclusion of the luncheon,
they went to the International Club, where the President visited with friends.
He and Mrs. Bush then attended a reception at Ambassador Winston Lord's
residence. Upon returning to the Diaoyutai State Guest House, President Bush
met with President Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia. President Bush then met with
General Secretary Zhao Ziyang at the Great Hall of the People.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush hosted a tea and dinner for
Chinese leaders in the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Great Wall Hotel. At the
conclusion of the dinner, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to the Diaoyutai
State Guest House.
February 27
In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush bid farewell to Vice Premier Wu
Xueqian during an informal departure tea at Beijing International Airport.
In the afternoon, upon arriving at K-16 Airport in Seoul, South Korea, the
President and Mrs. Bush were welcomed by Prime Minister and Mrs. Kang Yong Hoon
and Korean and American officials in a formal arrival ceremony. They then met
with President Roh Tae Woo and First Lady Kim Ok Sook at the Blue House, the
official residence of the Korean President, and were invited to sign the guest
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book. Later in the afternoon, President Bush met privately with President Roh
in the study at the Blue House. The meeting was then expanded to include Korean
and American officials. Afterwards, the two Presidents and the officials
attended a luncheon in the Korean Traditional House. Following the luncheon,
President Bush addressed the National Assembly and met with the Assembly's
leadership. The President and Mrs. Bush then went to the U.S. Ambassador's
residence, where they greeted the American community. At the conclusion of the
reception, they left Seoul and returned to Washington, DC.
February 28
The President met at the White House with the Vice President; John H. Sununu,
Chief of Staff to the President; Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs; and members of the CIA briefing staff.
The President transmitted to the Congress the national trade policy agenda
for calendar year 1989 and an addendum to the 1988 annual report on the Trade
Agreements Program that was sent to the Congress on January 3, 1989.
March 1
The President met at the White House with:
-- the Vice President; John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President; Brent
Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and members
of the CIA briefing staff;
- administration officials, to discuss the budget;
- conservative leaders;
-- representatives of the Toys for Tots organization;
-- Secretary of State James A. Baker III;
- John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President.
March 2
The President met at the White House with:
--- the Vice President; John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President; Brent
Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and members
of the CIA briefing staff;
- Adm. William J. Crowe, Jr., USN, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
and Deputy Secretary of Defense William Howard Taft IV;
- President Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo of Guatemala;
--- Senator Barry Goldwater;
-- John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President.
March 3
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25 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 279
The President met at the White House with:
-- the Vice President; John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President; Brent
Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and members
of the CIA briefing staff;
- Ambassador Jack Matlock;
- Secretary of Labor Elizabeth H. Dole and Secretary of Transportation
Samuel K. Skinner, to discuss the Eastern Airlines strike;
- Secretary of State James A. Baker III.
In the morning, the President telephoned President Carlos Andres Perez, to
express support for the Venezuelan Government in light of the recent rioting.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush left the White House for a
weekend stay at Camp David, MD.
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2ND DOCUMENT of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Public Papers of the Presidents
Remarks Following a Meeting With President Roh Tae Woo in
seoul, South Korea
25 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 253
February 27, 1989
LENGTH: 324 words
Well, President Roh and I had very useful, wide-ranging discussions. We
reviewed the political sitution in this part of the world. I told him about my
China visit, and we had a chance to review our relations with the Soviet Union
as well. We are both pleased by trends towards relaxations of tension in this
part of the world. President Roh's nordpolitik - reaching out to China, the
Soviets, and Eastern Europe - and his initiatives toward North Korea
contributed importantly to these trends.
The U.S. fully supports Korea's creative diplomacy. Despite such positive
policies, some hard realities remain. Among these is that North Korea maintains
the world's fifth largest military force, a force deployed just 25 miles north
of here. And the United States remains committed to the security and freedom of
the Republic of Korea. And I had an opportunity to make that point very clearly
at President Roh. Perhaps some of the confidence-building measures that we've
proposed, measures that have worked well in Europe, will also be applied to the
Korean Peninsula.
Besides the diplomatic and security issues, we discussed ways to strengthen
the free world economic system. We had a frank discussion of economic problems
--- Korea being a very important trading partner with the United States. Korea
has benefited from U.S. open markets, and I think we both agree we need to move
as quickly as possible to fully open markets. We must expect fair access to the
markets here. And I believe that President Roh understands that.
But all and all, the trip has been too short. The hospitality has been
wonderful. And inasmuch as I do not want to make the Assembly mad --- the
elected leaders in the various parties that represent Korea's democracy - we
should go.
But thank you, Mr. President, very much for an unforgettable visit.
Note: President Bush spoke at 2:49 p.m. in the Blue House, the residence of
President Roh .
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3RD DOCUMENT of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Public Papers of the Presidents
Address Before the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea
25 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 254
February 27, 1989
LENGTH: 2119 words
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, and I hold out my hand to you, to the
Government of Korea, and to the people of Korea. Mr. Speaker and Members of the
National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and distinguished guests, I am
honored by your invitation to address this body today. I stand in your Assembly
as Presidents Eisenhower, Johnson, and Reagan have stood before me. And I
reaffirm, as they did, America's support, friendship, and respect for the
Republic of Korea and its people.
As a former Member of a body like this, of the House of Representatives of
the United States, I take particular pleasure in coming back to this legislative
chamber, where the freely elected representatives of Korea's own democratic
success story meet to debate and implement the will of the Korean people. I
know there must be times when this body, just like the United States Congress,
is full of noise and contentin and emotion. But that is the sound of democracy
at work, and we wouldn't have it any other way. As the great statesman Winston
Churchill once said: "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all
others."
This is my first major address on foreign soil since becoming the 41st
President of the United States of America. And my visit here today reflects the
importance that I place on the relations between our two countries, the strength
of our nations' ties, and the promise that our relationship holds for the future
of the world. My inauguration as President a month ago represented a tradition
in the United States that speaks of both continuity and change. Continuity and
change will also be the guideposts of relations between the United States and
Korea in the years ahead. Where change is needed or inevitable, let us be a
positive force for change. Where continuity is our mandate, let us go forward,
resolute in our commitment to freedom and democracy. Throughout, let our close
economic and strategic relationship remain as it is: a pillar of peace in East
Asia.
I first came to the Asian Pacific region during World War II, more than 45
years ago. I was a teenager, 19 years old. I was flying torpedo bombers in the
United States Navy. It was then, for the first time in my life, that I truly
appreciated the value of freedom and the price that we pay to keep it. Believe
me, I have never forgotten.
In the early years following World War II, the future of Korea and of all
Asia was very much in doubt. It was a time of great struggle between Korea's
hope for freedom, Korea's hope for prosperity, and the twin menaces of war and
invasion. On a June morning in 1950, the Communist army of the North smashed
into the Republic of Korea, intent on destroying your nation. And without
hesitation or delay, American and U.N. forces rushed to your aid. And together,
Americans and Koreans fought side by side for your right to determine your own
future. And I do remember the devastation of your country. Your cities lay
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in rubble. Your factories were in shambles. Millions of your people wandered
the streets homeless and hungry. And in 1 951, in the midst of the war, General
Douglas MacArthur addressed a Joint Session of our Congress. And he spoke of
Korea, saying, "The magnificence of the courage and fortitude of the Korean
people defies description." And as he spoke those words, our Congress
interrupted him with applause, sustained applause, for you and your people.
And after the war, you overcame every imaginable hardship. History will long
record your story: how in less than a generation you stepped into the light of
liberty and economic opportunity. You can be proud of the miracle that you've
achieved. And we are proud to be associated with you.
Today Korea is a rising nation; a vibrant, dynamic nation; a nation riding
the crest of the wave of the future. And never before has the pride and the
progress of your nation been more evident than last summer when this magnificent
city played host to the 24th Olympic games. Nearly 10,000 athletes from 160
nations were here. Another 3 billion people watched on television. And what
they saw from the moment Sohn Kee Chung carried the torch into your Olympic
Stadium until the last embers of the Olympic flame were extinguished at the
closing ceremonies was an incredibly spectacular sports festival. You played
host to the world, and what a truly gracious host you were. Congratulations.
The past several years have witnessed the emergence of the entire
Asian-Pacific region. My trip --- beginning in Japan, stopping in China, and
concluding here in Korea - stands as testimony to the reality and what it means
to the future of the world. Today Asia is one of the most dynamic areas on
Earth -- economically, politically, diplomatically. The Republic of Korea
stands at the fore. You're a world-class economic power. Your commitment to
democracy is demonstrated daily right here in this chamber. And your bold
diplomacy, yournordpolitik [South Korean contact with Socialist States], is
reshaping relations in and beyond the Asia-Pacific region.
In my meetings with Prime Minister Takeshita of Japan, China's Deng Xiaoping
and the three other top leaders, and with you and your leaders, I've discussed
challenging bilateral, global, and regional issues. And our discussions have
been marked at all times by a spirit of friendship and cooperation.
I've come here today as the leader of a faithful friend and a dependable
ally. And I'm here today to ensure that we continue to work together in all
things. Our most important mission together is to maintain the freedom and
democracy that you fought 50 hard to win. As President, I am committed to
maintaining American forces in Korea, and I'm committed to support our Mutual
Defense Treaty. There are no plans to reduce U.S. forces in Korea. Our
soldiers and airmen are there at the request of the Republic of Korea to deter
aggression from the North, and their presence contributes to the peace and
stability of northeast Asia. And they will remain in the Republic of Korea as
long as they are needed and as long as we believe it is in the interest of peace
to keep them there.
In the years ahead, we must work together as equal partners to meet the
evolving security needs of the Korean Peninsula. Peace through strength is a
policy that has served the security interests of our two nations well. And we
must complement deterrence with an active diplomacy in search of dialog with our
adversaries, including North Korea. The American people share your goal of
peaceful unification on terms acceptable to the Korean people. It's for that
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reason that we actively support the peaceful initiatives of President Roh to
build bridges to the North. And I will work closely with the President to
coordinate our efforts to draw the North toward practical, peaceful, and
productive dialog to ensure that our policies are complementary and mutually
reinforcing.
I've spoken of the need for vigilance, strength, and diplomacy to deter
aggression and preserve peace. There's another source of strength, and it is
well-represented in this Assembly. The development of democratic political
institutions is the surest means to build the national consensus that is the
foundation of true security.
Just as we must work together to achieve better security within a democratic
framework, we must also work together to achieve greater economic prosperity
within the system of free and open international trade. The progress of the
Korean economy is an inspiration for developing countries throughout the world.
By unleashing the energies and creativity of your talented people, you've led
Korea into an era of unprecedented opportunity and prosperity. Korean has
become an industrial power, a major trading power, and a first-class competitor.
You are fulfulling the prophecy of the Indian poet Tagore who wrote: "Korea once
a bright light of the golden age of Asia, if it is relit, it will be the light
of the East." Korea has achieved great prosperity through participation in the
international trading system that has made the nations of free Asia the envy of
the world. And all Koreans can take pride in what you, as a people, have
achieved.
And yet we also cannot overlook that your economic success has created
concern in the management of our bilateral economic relations. For the American
people and for the Korean people, as well, reducing our bilateral trade
imbalance will be both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge will be to
resist the calls for protectionism; the opportunity will be to expand the
prosperity of both our countries. And we both, you and I, have a lot at stake.
You are our seventh largest trading partner, larger than many of our traditional
European trading partners, and our trade is growing. The United States is both
Korea's largest market and second largest source of imports. And we're also a
leading source of the investment and technology that you will need to fuel
further economic growth and development.
Korea's economy has benefited greatly from the free flow of trade. And yet
today, in many countries, there is a call for greater protectionism. And I'm
asking you to join the United States in rejecting these shortsighted pleas.
Protectionism is fool's gold. Protectionism may seem to be the easy way out but
is really the quickest way down. And nothing will stop the engine of Korea's
economic growth faster than new barriers to international trade.
We've made progress in this area. American exports to Korea are up. Korean
tariffs are down, and its nontariff barriers are down, too. And the service
sector is opening. And let me be candid. I want you to have this direct from
me. If we are to keep our bilateral relationship growing even stronger, much
more needs to be done. And I am confident that our two nations working together
can accomplish the tasks still before us.
As one of the world's major trading powers, the Republic of Korea sets an
example for other nations who are watching what you do. As an emerging economic
leader, you inevitably shoulder important responsibilities to ensure the
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continued strength and stability of the global marketplace. You, the
representatives of the Korean people, will face the challenge to improve living
standards, to continue to open domestic markets, and to adopt appropriate
international financial and exchange rate policies that reflect your standing as
a prosperous and powerful trading nation. The United States shares similar
responsibilities for the well-being of the world economy. Our two peoples
should, at all times, bear in mind that our trading system is truly an
international joint venture and that we share a special responsibility for its
continued success.
My friends -- and we are truly friends - I began today by talking about my
inauguration as the new President of the United States of America just a few
short weeks ago. The tradition of passing the torch of leadership from one
American President to another is a time when we celebrate the strength of our
democracy and a time when we renew our commitment to the values on which it is
built. Today I am renewing my commitment to you, as the leader of one sovereign
state to the elected legislative body of another. I am renewing my commitment
to you to work together for the good of our peoples and of all humanity.
And as I reflect over the last 40 years of Asian history, the trend is
remarkably positive. At the end of the Second World War, Asia lay in ruins.
Through the 1950's and the 1960's, the forces of radical revolution at times
appeared to be the wave of the future. And now, in the 1980's, human
aspirations for basic political and economic freedoms have become almost
universal. And as we gather here in your National Assembly, these aspirations
are no longer a far-off dream for your great country, for Korea. Instead,
through your devotion and hard work, they've become a reality, and we celebrate
your triumph. In the years ahead, the United States will stand with you against
the forces of oppression and for the forces of peace, prosperity, independence,
and democracy.
And so, on behalf of my wife, Barbara; of our Secretary of State, Jim Baker,
who is with me here today; and others, our leaders in our government, I came to
observe, I came to reaffirm. And from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for
the warmth and the hospitality you have bestowed upon all of us. Thank you, and
God bless you all.
Note: The President spoke at 4:01 p.m. in the National Assembly Hall. In his
opening remarks, he referred to Kim Jaison, Speaker of the National Assembly.
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4TH DOCUMENT of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Public Papers of the Presidents
Written Responses to Questions Submitted by the Yonhap News
Agency of South Korea
25 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 239
February 16, 1989
LENGTH: 967 words
South Korean Relations With Socialist Countries
Q. Would you tell me your views on South Korean efforts to increase economic
cooperation and political relations with Socialist countries?
The President. I support these efforts. President Roh's opening to the
Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and China is aimed at fostering world peace and
understanding. Today almost every country recognizes South Korea's great
economic importance. I an sure more countries in time will move from economic
ties to full political and diplomatic ties with the Republic of Korea.
Conference on Korean Reunification
Q. In his address before the U.N. General Assembly in October last year,
President Roh proposed a six-party conference, calling for South and North
Korea, the United States, Japan, China, and the Soviet Union to discuss a
peaceful reunification of the divided Korean Peninsula. What is the U.S.
position of the proposal?
The President. President Roh's six-party conference idea is an imaginative
forward-looking proposal. It is another example of the Republic of Korea's
Government's new approach of reconciliation and accommodation in dealing with
peninsula political and security problems. Obviously, such a conference would
require careful preparation and a cooperative attitude by all participants.
North Korea-U.S. Relations
Q. While seeking improved relations with China and the Soviet Union, the
South Korean Government has asked the United States to open its doors to the
isolationist North Korea, hoping that exchanges between Washington and Pyongyang
will contribute to reduction of tension on the Korean Peninsula. Have you seen
any fruits of progress in U.S. efforts to help North Korea to get rid of its
isolationist party?
The President. We have long supported North-South dialog as the key to peace
and reunification of the peninsula. Presiddent Roh's initiatives to that
purpose in July 1988 and in his October speech at the United Nations were most
welcome. In the spirit of these measures, the United States announced last
October 31 some new steps to encourage private academic, cultural, and other
nongovernmental exchange with North Korea. We also authorized the export of
humanitarian goods to North Korea and again authorized substantive exchanges
between our diplomats in neutral settings. Since then, the United States and
North Korea have had substantive contacts in Beijing on December 6 and January
24. There has been greater academic exchange between the United States and
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25 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 239
North Korea as well. Several American universities plan to host North Korean
scholars this year. I do now know how far these academic and diplomatic
contacts will go, but they are useful first steps.
U.S. Forces in South Korea
Q. Radical Korean students with anti-American sentiment are demanding the
withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea. At the same time, I know that there
are some American experts on northeast Asian affairs who speak of a symbolic or
gradual reduction of the troops. Do you envision any possibility of the troop
withdrawal in the near future in light of the security situation on the Korean
Peninsula?
The President. There are no plans to reduce U.S. forces in Korea. Our
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are there at the request of the Republic
of Korea to deter aggression from the North, and their presence contributes to
the peace and stability of northeast Asia. They will remain in the Republic of
Korea as long as the Government and the people of South Korea want us to remain
and as long as we believe it is in the interest of peace to keep them there.
Our two governments periodically review the appropriate strength and composition
of U.S. forces stationed in Korea under our Mutual Defense Treaty obligations.
South Korea-U.S. Trade Relations
Q. The United States has continued to ask South Korea to open its markets
fully for more U.S. exports. The Korean people have an understanding of U.S.
efforts to reduce its large trade deficits, but they think that current U.S.
pressure is excessive. I would like to hear your views on trade friction
existing between the two countries.
The President. Korea has enjoyed very open access to the American market,
especially in cars, consumer electronics, and machinery. This has been crucial
to Korea's achievement of the world's highest economic growth rate during the
last 3 years. We seek access to all world markets. A free market enhances a
country's standard-of-living. Consumers benefit from lower prices and a wider
variety of goods and services. The United States and Korea have prospered
together on the strength of a free world trading system. I believe it is in
Korea's self-interest to work to preserve this system. Therefore, I do not see
U .S. market-opening efforts in Korea or elsewhere as excessive.
The President's Trip to China
Q. Your visit to Beijing will be followed by the visit by Soviet leader
Mikhail Gorbachev, which is expected in April or May for the first Sino-Soviet
summit talks in three decades. Do you have any special reasons for your
decision to go to China after attending the funeral of the late Japanese
Emperor? Do your discussions with Chinese leaders include the problem of the
Korean Peninsula?
The President. Having represented my country in China, I have fond memories
and close ties there. Barbara and I are looking forward in a very personal way
to going back to Beijing. We also have important matters to discuss with the
Chinese leaders. I am sure our talks will touch on issues affecting the Korean
Peninsula.
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25 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 239
Note: The questions and answers were released by the Office of the Press
Secretary on February 25.
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10TH DOCUMENT of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Public Papers of the Presidents
Written Responses to Questions Submitted by Dong-A Ilbo of
the Republic of Korea
24 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 274
February 24, 1988
LENGTH: 964 words
Korean Democratization
Q. With the inauguration of Mr. Roh Tae Woo, Korea will celebrate its first
peaceful transfer of power. Since Korea has only experienced authoritarian
rule, and not true democracy under a good or enlightened President, could you
tell us the secret of being such a leader, and what can be done in Korea to
bring expanded democracy?
The President. Over the past few decades, Korea has impressed the world with
its economic miracle of rapid growth. In the past year, Korea has matched that
economic progress with a kind of political miracle, setting a new course toward
an open and democratic political system.
The 1987 Presidential election marked an important milestone in that process.
It is, however, important to remember that democracy is a process, not an end
point. Americans value democracy, because it is a dynamic system that changes
as a nation changes.
As you know, I met President-elect Roh in Washington last year. He
impressed me as a man committed to the democratization of your country, because
he knew that was what Koreans, including himself, wanted. I understand that
President-elect Roh likes to refer to his having big ears. That is really the
key to leadership in a democratic society. You have to listen carefully before
you make decisions.
Sometimes --- especially when you have a wide-open election year as we have
now -- some may not like the results, but accept them and understand the
different ways in which others see problems.
South Korea-U.S. Relations
Q. In a political sense we expect closer cooperation between the United
States and the new Korean government, but economically (trade) we expect
increased tensions in the short term. What can be done to keep these tensions
under control so that this area tracks the political area?
The President. Korea and the United States are longtime allies and friends.
The relationship has become closer, stronger, and more complex over the years.
You are now our seventh largest trading partner. Korean and American
businessmen routinely visit one [anJother. We have a growing Korean-American
community living in our country. All of these trends are very positive, yet
sometimes overlooked.
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24 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 274
Change has also brought some new stresses -- notably in the trade and
exchange rate areas. There are real problems. Working together, as we have
done for so many years in other areas, I am sure that we can solve these issues.
The key is remembering that it is in our mutual interest to find good
solutions. Participation in the international open-market system that has
enabled Koreans to prosper has both benefits and responsibilities. Korea must
be willing to accept responsibilities commensurate with its new, increased role
in the international economic system.
Reduction of Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
Q. Could you characterize how the recent improvement in U.S. relations with
the Soviets can contribute to reduction of tensions on the Korean Peninsula? In
the coming U.S.-Soviet summit would you encurage the Soviet leader to play a
more active role in restraining or completely stopping North Korea's terrorist
actions, including jeopardizing the 1988 Seoul Olympics?
The President. The United States and Soviet Union and everyone else in the
region should be cooperating to reduce tensions on the Peninsula as well as in
the world as a whole. We hope that improved U.S.-Soviet relations will help
move things in that direction and, of course, improve the situation in other
areas of the world, too.
The key problem in Korea is North Korea's proclivity to use violence. The
world was shocked again by the recent murder of 115 innocent people aboard KAL
858 by North Korea.
A successful incident-free Olympics in Seoul this September is in everyone's
interest. The prospect of North Korean -- or anyone else's - attempts to
disrupt the games through violence is a danger that we and the Soviets can agree
to work against.
We hope that Moscow will use its close relations with Pyongyang to urge
moderation and to encourage the resumption of direct North-South contacts on
practical ways to reduce tension. It is time for the North to eschew violence
and get down to the serious business of resuming dialog with Seoul. If it does,
it may be able to join in the peace, progress, and prosperity other nations in
the region have begun to share.
South Korea-Eastern Bloc Relations
Q. How do you assess possible diplomatic initiatives of the new Korean
government toward the East bloc, including the Soviet Union? Is there a role
for the United States to play in helping improve Korean-East bloc relations?
The President. In recent years the Republic of Korea has made some progress
in expanding contacts with the Eastern bloc. The Olympics will emphasize how
this has happened. Continued progress in this direction is inevitable since
Korea has so much to offer - products and expertise in the economics of
free-enterprise industrialization. We support further movement and further
opening in whatever appropriate ways that Korea may ask.
South Korea-U.S. Summit
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24 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 274
Q. What are the chances for a U.S.-Korean summit with Mr. Roh Tae Woo,
either in Washington or Seoul, and when could that take place?
The President. We have a close alliance with Korea and always welcome the
opportunity for such discussions. Our people meet and share views all the time.
Talk now of the details of summits and such seems a bit premature, since
President-elect Roh is only now being sworn in and is busy setting up his new
administration.
Note: The questions and answers were released by the Office of the Press
Secretary on February 29.
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12TH DOCUMENT of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Public Papers of the President
Foreign Issues/Federal Budget
Radio Address to the Nation.
23 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1543
December 19, 1987
LENGTH: 819 words
My fellow Americans:
As we approach the end of the year, I thought I'd give you a brief update on
several important issues. First, the historic treaty we signed last week
eliminating an entire class of U.S. and Soviet INF missiles --- it's taken 6
years of tough negotiating to get this far, but signing a treaty doesn't end the
process. It must now go before the full Senate for ratification. They will
certainly want to look very closely at this complex treaty, but I'm confident
that once they do they'll find it solid, verifiable, and most definitely in
America's interest.
Well, next let's turn to events on the order side of the world. South Korea
has long been a brave, free world outpost on the border of a hostile northern
neighbor. Economically one of the freest nations on Earth, they have
demonstrated to the world the wonders of economic liberty. In three short
decades, South Korea's vibrant free markets have catapulted that nation out of
the ranks of the Third World and into the forefront of world economic growth.
South Korea has long known most of the freedoms we now enjoy in this county:
freedom to work where and how one pleases, freedom of speech, freedom of
worship. And this week, South Korea has taken a great stride toward full
democracy. For the first time in 16 years, they voted in a direct election for
their President. Ninety percent of the country turned out to show its
commitment to the democratic process.
Mr. Roh Tae Woo, the candidate of the Democratic Justice Party, has emerged
the winner by almost 2 million votes, and I've sent my congratulations to him.
But the most important victory is for democracy. As Americans know, and as
Koreans are finding out, elections have losers as well as winners. The essence
of democracy is the willingness to accept the results and, perhaps, to try again
at the next election. I particularly welcome Mr. Roh's calls for
reconciliation as he undertakes to form a government with broad national
support. We look forward to continuing cooperation in security and trade and
competing in next September's Olympics in Seoul.
Now, if I may return to Washington, I'd like to speak for a moment on the
budget process. I have often criticized Congress' habit of putting the
appropriations for almost the entire Federal Government into one mammoth bill
called a continuing resolution. Each year, I'm given a choice: hold my nose and
swallow it whole, wasteful spending and all, or veto the entire bill, closing
down much of the Federal Government. I do not believe that this is what the
Founding Fathers had in mind when they gave the President the power to veto
individual appropriations bills. That said, I expect this year's continuing
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23 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1543
resolution to meet the budget agreements worked out between the administration
and the congressional leadership. One item we'll be looking very closely to see
included is funding for the freedom fighters in Nicaragua.
Recently, a high-ranking defector from the Sandinista Communist government
has come forward with some shocking revelations. The Nicaraguan Communists, it
seems, have been planning all along to use the Central American peace process as
a weapon to consolidate their power. Daniel Ortega as much as confirmed this
last week when he publicly stated that, elections or no elections, the
Sandinista Communists would never give up power.
To make sure they would never have to, the Sandinistas have negotiated a
secret agreement with the Soviets and Cubans that calls for a major military
escalation in Nicaragua over the next 7 years, including the delivery of M1G-21
jet fighters and enough military supplies to increase th army to 500,000
soldiers. Such an escalation would create an unprecedented threat to the
national security of the United States.
As these secret plans were being made public, the Sandinista's Defense
Minister confirmed them -- bragging, in fact, of a 600,000-man army by 1995.
So, it's clear to all but the most naive that the Sandinista Communists have
been cynically manipulating the peace process, trying to lull others into a
false sense of security while they busily plan military dominance of the entire
region.
It has never been more clear why we must fund the freedom fighters. The
freedom fighters brought the Sandinistas to the negotiating table; only the
freedom fighters can keep them there. That's why our continued support is
imperative and why I will insist that the continuing resolution contains
adequate funding for adequate aid. If there were any doubts before, it's
certainly clear now: Making sure the freedom fighters remain a viable force in
Nicaragua is the only way to make the peace process go forward, to give peace
and democracy a chance in Nicaragua.
Until next week, thank you, and God bless you all.
Note: The President spoke at 12:06 p.m. from the Oval Ofice at the White
House.
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13TH DOCUMENT of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Public Papers of the Presidents
South Korean Elections
Statement by the Assistant to the President for Press
Relations.
23 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1536
December 17, 1987
LENGTH: 72 words
The President has been briefed on yesterday's elections in the Republic of
Korea. He will be sending his congratulations to the winner. The enthusiasm of
the Korean campaign and the remarkable voter turnout of 90 percent is
impressive. This speaks clearly of the commitment of Koreans to the democratic
process. The candidate of the Democratic Justice Party, Mr. Roh Tae Woo,
appears to be the winner by a substantial margin.
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Panmunjom Journal
185
For North Korea Still, the Americans Started It
08-12-89
By SHERYL WuDUNN
CHINA
naval and air forces were present and
Special to The New York Times
were hurriedly backed up by troops
PANMUNJOM, Korea -
The
In contrast, Western historians,
brought in from Japan.
northern half of this small village, full
and those in South Korea, say the
NORTH
At the Pyongyang Victorious Fa-
of soldiers and photographs of war, is
North attacked the South on June 25,
Pyongyang
KOREA
therland Liberation War Museum, a
devoted to a single proposition: that
1950. Both sides agree that after the
See of
grander version of the exhibition in
the Americans started a war against
war began, the North Korean Army
Panmunjom
Japan
Panmunjom, there are rooms with
the Korean people and are still divid-
captured Seoul in three days and
panoramas, relics of war, photo-
ing the country into North and South.
pushed as far south as Pusan before
graphs and maps that light up, all
At times spoken with fervor, at
American troops arrived to drive
Seoul
parts of a tenuous story about how
times with hardly a twitch, that belief
back the North Koreans nearly as far
Americans began the war.
stems from a monolithic view of the
north as the border to China.
Yellow
American Letter Displayed
past that few in the Western world
But the difference over who started
Sea
SOUTH
share but that in North Korea has be-
the war remains central to the ten-
KOREA
A museum reproduction of a letter
come official history, emblazoned in
sions between North and South
from an American official sent to
the minds of every citizen since child-
Korea. The South says American
President Syngman Rhee of South
hood.
troops are necessary for defense
Pusan
Korea in October 1949 suggests the
"I am sorry about how I refer to
against another attack from the
selective interpretation of historical
U.S. soldiers,' Maj. Lee Sang Hwan
North, while the North says the
material.
The New York Times/Aug. 12, 1989
said, apologizing to his American
troops are not only superfluous but
The North Korean side of Pan-
It focuses on a passage: "On the
guests for his harsh anti-American
also evidence of American imperial-
question of attacking northward, I
language. "But why are U.S. soldiers
ism and interference.
munjom is a symphony of anti-
can see the reasons for it.
The
standing on this land here, thousands
"If you admit that the North invad-
American propaganda.
standard feeling among American of-
of miles away from their country?
ed, then you admit that the South has
ficials and public circles is we should
They should go home at once."
a legitimate security concern," said a.
continue to lean way over backward
Roh Research
Panmunjom is a "truce village"
Westerner who has lived in Pyong-
that differs on how to write the past
to avoid any semblance of aggression
straddling the demarcation line be-
yang. "Who started the war is more
war. Because it does not have enough
and make sure the blame for what
tween North and South Korea. West-
than just a detail, because from that
facts, it can say that North Korea in-
happens is upon Russia."
erners normally see it from the south-
you can trace so much."
vaded the South. But we have the
A museum guide omitted any refer-
ern side, but North Korea recently ad-
The North Koreans do not even
facts. We have experience, so we do
ence to a major point in the letter:
mitted groups of Western journalists
volunteer the fact that China, which
not worry about educating our coun-
"However, it is very evident to us
and allowed them to visit Panmun-
suffered an estimated 900,000 casual-
try on who invaded first."
here that such an attack now, or even
jom from the north.
ties in the war, helped at all, although
History education does not just
to talk of such an attack, is to lose
A Closed Society
they confirm it when asked.
take place in the schools. Large mu-
American official and public support
seums have been put up to house the
and will weaken our position among
'A visit to the village confirms the
History Is Political
documents and pictures that the
other nations. It is too bad that this is
impression that there is virtually no
History in North Korea is not so
North Korean Government says are
true, yet I am positive that such is the
pluralism of thought in fiercely na-
much an academic discipline as a
testimony to its view of the past. But
fact.'
tionalistic North Korea. In fact, unity
political one, and it falls not within the
museum officials are not always pre-
When asked about the passage, a
of mind is praised. People have no ac-
social sciences but within the propa-
pared for questions from skeptical
museum official, Col. Li Fang Chun,
cass to Western publications or
ganda apparatus. Who started the
foreigners.
avoided a direct response.
broadcasts, and they almost never
war, and who poses a military threat,
One sticky point is whether Amer-
"Americans have launched war
meet Westerners, let alone Amer-
is never debated by North Korean
ican troops were on Korean soil when
many times in other countries, and
icans.
scholars, whose official textbooks are
the war broke out. American texts
they say they did not start the at-
It has thus been possible to raise an
used by schools all over the country.
say Army troops were withdrawn in
tack," he said. "But they trained peo-
entire society on one historical view
"History is history; it consists of
1949, which would make it difficult for
ple and supplied military materials
and cultivate a language in which
the facts, said LI Chol Sin, Deputy
them to start the war. North Korean
and mapped out the plan. They
"United States" and "imperialists"
Minister of Culture and Foreign Rela-
officials either insist that there were
launched the attacks from behind the
are linked in a single phrase.
tions. "There is a voice in the South
American troops or that American
scene."
08-18-89
Seoul election tests ropes in Roh-Kim tug of war
by four of the six candidates in the
ened to call for Mr. Roh's impeach-
party, who has admitted secretly vis-
The six candidates are the DJP's
political war between Mr. Roh's
ment by the opposition-dominated
iting communist North Korea last
Mr. Rha, the PPD's Lee Yong-hee,
By Michael Breen,
Democratic Justice Party and the
race, raising the possibility that the
185
outcome could again be declared
National Assembly on grounds that
year and is accused of accepting
Park Sang-woong of the New Demo-
SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
main opposition Party for Peace and
he violated the neutrality require-
$50,000 from Pyongyang officials,
cratic Republican Party, Lee Won-
Democracy led by Mr. Kim.
void.
have publicly accused Mr. Kim of
bum of the Reunification Demo-
SEOUL, South Korea The Yong-
As the legal campaign period of
Joint stumping sessions have fea-
ment.
dungpo district in Seoul, pop-
tured fistfights and bottle-throwing
The government sees the by-
lying to authorities and being an ac-
cratic Party and two independents
ularized by Bob Hope for Korean
18 days ended yesterday, the rival
election as a substitute for the vote
cessory to espionage.
- Ko Young-koo and Kim Hyung-
War-era GIs in an "I left my heart"
parties traded accusations of dirty
between groups of "supporters" mo-
of confidence Mr. Roh promised
Last-minute campaign swipes
joo.
tricks, vote buying, slander and il-
bilized by the main parties.
tune. votes today in a by-election that
yesterday included a DJP charge
Regional antagonism is a major
Election Management officials
during his 1987 presidential cam-
factor in Korean voting patterns.
is viewed as a test of strength be-
legal electioneering.
Some 100 local election officials
have called on the ruling DJP to ex-
paign but dropped this year, claim-
that the PPD had spread leaflets
tween President Roh The-woo and
ing it would cause political "instabil-
slandering its candidate and had
Analysts say that the recent North
are monitoring the campaign to pre-
plain why Mr. Roh apparently vio-
leaked a purported public opinion
Korea spy accusations against Kim
his chief rival, Kim Dae-jung.
vent a repeat of the April 1988 fraud
lated the election laws by sending
ity."
Corrupt politicians, bottle-throw-
In its all-out drive to ensure vic-
poll that put the PPD man ahead of
Dae-jung have boosted his already
ing thugs and accused North Korean
by the government candidate that in-
letters to potential voters appealing
for support for candidate Rha
tory at the polls, the DJP has
the pack.
strong support in the southwestern
spies are all part of the cast of char-
validated his victory.
launched a major attack against
The PPD countered with a charge
Cholla provinces, his home region.
acters in the district by-election.
But traditional vote-wooing meth-
Woong-bae, a former deputy prime
Kim Dae-jung and his PPD.
that the cash-heavy DJP was hand-
About 30 percent of the 170,000 vot-
The outcome of today's vote in the
ods die hard and the Seoul Election
minister.
The Reunification Democratic
Prosecutors investigating the
ing out "white envelopes" containing
ers are immigrants to Seoul from
west Seoul district of Yongdungpo-B
Management Committee has filed
Party of Kim Young-sam has threat-
cash to undecided voters.
North and South Cholla provinces.
case of a lawmaker from Mr. Kim's
is seen as a crucial test of a fierce
complaints of illegal campaigning
WALL ST.J. :08-22-89
South Korea's Plan
To Devalue Won
Sparks U.S. Worry
By EDUARDO LACHICA
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
WASHINGTON-South Korea's appar-
ent intention to devalue its currency is re-
viving concern here about whether Seoul
will continue to reduce its trade surplus
with the U.S.
South Korean Trade and Industry Min-
ister Han Sung Soo said Seoul should lower
the won's exchange rate against the dollar
3% to 5%. Such a move would be a setback
to the U.S., which has been pressing South
Korea and other developing Asian nations
to raise the value of their currencies,
which Washington insists have been kept
artificially low.
"The newly industrialized countries,
particularly South Korea and Taiwan, have
come a long way, and they now should
shoulder more of the burden [of trade ad-
justments) rather than push if off to other
countries," a Treasury spokesman said.
In response to U.S. pressure, Seoul
raised the won's value against the dollar
15.8% in 1988 and 2.5% so far this year.
That made South Korean exports relatively
more expensive, and U.S. exports rela-
tively cheaper, thus helping to bring down
the South Korean trade surplus with the
U.S.
Mr. Han's statement on the won, cou-
pled with a call by South Korean President
Roh Tae Woo for a new export push, ap-
peared to signal the start of a retreat from
that accommodative position, but U.S. re-
action was somewhat muted.
Bush administration officials recognize
that President Roh is under severe do-
mestic pressures to recast his economic
thinking. Seoul's overall trade surplus for
the first seven months of this year has
shrunk to $166 million from $3.79 billion the
year before, and South Korean opposition
leaders are blaming the country's skidding
trade performance on Mr. Roh's conces-
sions to the U.S. At the same time, South
Korean industries are demanding more in-
centives to sell overseas.
Weaker exports and higher consumer
demand in South Korea combined to re-
duce the country's trade surplus with the
U.S. to $2.4 billion in the first six months of
this year from $5.8 billion in the equivalent
period in 1988. The U.S. wouldn't necessar-
ily object to a resurgence of Korean ex-
ports, but it would be concerned if that
wasn't accompanied by a progressive elim-
ination of barriers to U.S. products, a State
Department spokesman warned.
U.S. trade analysts said the proposed
3% to 5% devaluation wouldn't completely
offset the substantial rise in the value of
the won against the dollar over the past
two years. South Korea's earlier conces-
sions on the won were believed to have
been a factor in the Bush administration's
decision against including it on a list of
countries to be investigated under the so-
called Super 301 provision of the 1988 trade
act. However, Seoul may come under in-
tense U.S. trade pressures if it reverses its
exchange-rate policy.
Minister Han, for his part, cited a study
by the Korean Development Institute, a
government research group, that said the
won is now overvalued 4% to 10% against
the dollar and other major currencies. U.S.
officials, however, believe the won is still
undervalued.
South Korea Indicts Opposition Leader
Government's Move Against Kim Dae Jung Fuels Worsening Political Tensions in Seoul
then, the disgraced Chun now lives in internal
WASH: POST:08-26-89
By Peter Maass
185
exile at a remote Buddhist temple, while the man
Special to The Washington Post
his government condemned to death-Kim-is
SEOUL, Aug. 25-The government, in a
the key figure in the opposition-controlled Na-
move certain to fuel political tensions here, to-
tional Assembly.
day indicted opposition leader Kim Dae Jung on
Despite Roh's pledge to proceed with democ-
charges tied to another legislator's illegal visit to
ratization, signs of political backtracking have
North Korea.
emerged. The jails are again filling with hundreds
The prosecutor's office formally charged Kim
of political prisoners, mostly people accused of
and two senior members of his political party of
contacting communist North Korea. The govern-
failing to inform authorities of lawmaker Suh
ment has prevented many prisoners from having a
Kyung Won's secret trip to archenemy North Ko-
lawyer present during interrogation.
rea. Kim is also charged with breaking a foreign-
Suh was not permitted a lawyer during inter-
exchange law involving $10,000 he allegedly re-
rogation. After he signed a confession that im-
ceived from Suh. Suh is said to have obtained the
plicated Kim, Suh was allowed to meet with law-
money from a North Korean official in Pyongyang,
yers, who said he retracted the confession.
apparently without Kim's knowledge.
The lawyers quoted Suh as saying he had been
A trial date has not been set, and Kim, who
deprived of sleep and forced to stand during non-
bitterly denounced the charges, will remain at
stop questioning by agents from the National
liberty in the meantime. He reportedly faces a
Security Planning Agency, formerly called the
jail term of up to seven years.
Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
The surprising decision to charge Kim reflects
The government's case against Kim appears
the continuing atmosphere of confrontation be-
to rest mainly on Suh's retracted confession.
tween the government of President Roh Tae
Although government officials have insisted the
Woo and the opposition. Moreover, the deepen-
prosecution is doing its job independently, polit-
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ing hostility toward Kim, who leads the country's
Kim Dae Jung, indicted on charges linked to a
ical experts said the law is being applied selec-
largest opposition party, indicates that South
colleague's trip to Pyongyang, denies wrongdoing.
tively for political reasons.
Korea's shaky process of democratization may
One charge-that Kim delayed reporting the
be grinding to a halt, some experts said.
charges against me, knows it can't win in court,"
lawmaker's trip for two months after he learned of
The prosecutor's announcement of the indict-
Kim told members of his Party for Peace and
it-is based on a provision of the National Security
ment against Kim, 64, returns him to familiar
Law that even ruling party officials have said
Democracy. "So I suspect the regime may not
political territory. When South Korea was under
should be amended. In a report this month, the
military rule, he spent seven years in jail as the
put me on trial even if I have been indicted."
prosecution also said South Korea's Roman Cath-
Kim also accused the government of turning
country's best-known campaigner for democra-
olic cardinal knew of Suh's secret trip, but the car-
back the clock on democratic reforms made in
cy. He was convicted in 1976 and 1980 on anti-
dinal is not being prosecuted.
state charges, which were widely condemned by
South Korea since 1987, when massive protests
The other charge-failure to deposit the al-
human rights activists and Western govern-
forced the military-backed government of then-
leged $10,000 in a bank or convert it to South
ments, including the United States, and was once
president Chun Doo Hwan to accept direct pres-
Korean currency-is a minor and usually over-
sentenced to death.
idential elections. Roh, the ruling party candi-
looked violation committed daily by businessmen
Kim told supporters today that he has "nothing
date, won because the opposition vote was split
who deal in large amounts of dollars. Prosecutors
to fear" and would "squarely face trial."
among three candidates.
have conceded that Kim probably did not know
"I believe Roh's regime, which has fabricated
In a sign of the political changes here since
the money came from North Korea.
L.A.TIMES 09-01-89
242
also president of the Korea Assn. of
long tradition, a son carries on the
the blood type of the babies they
Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
family lineage"-which many Ko-
adopt match their own, place high
"Biologically, I simply can't ac-
reans trace back more than 70
priority on good looks, insist that
cept that," he declares. The only
generations, he says. "Daughters
the baby be healthy, and demand a
assumption that can be made, he
are only sort of 'half-family."
newly born infant-"within a week
says, is that unrecorded adoptions
So strong is the Confucian pref-
of birth 80 that they can fool those
inflate the statistics of families with
erence for sons that abortion of
around them," Kim says.
children and create an exaggerated
female fetuses has become a social
Couples even insist that the baby
fertility rate.
problem, according to Dr. Hong.
have a "good background," he says,
Careful screening by adoption
One gynecologist in Taegu has
with some insisting on a child of a
agencies and their inability to meet
become so proficient in helping
college-educated mother.
a long list of specifications that
pregnant women abort female fe-
"We tell Korean couples that
Korean couples typically have
tuses that boys born in South
raising a child is not romantic-
make adoption through agencies
Korea's third-largest city outnum-
cumbersome.
that they should be prepared to
bered girls by an extraordinary
First, Korean couples "absolute-
make sacrifices. But after we say
ratio of 130 to 100 in 1985, says
ly favor a male to assume the
this to them, only one or two of
Hong.
family inheritance," Kim says. "By
every 10 come back," Kim says.
Korean couples also demand that
In addition, adoption agencies
offer only one baby on a "take-it-
or-leave-it" basis and do not allow.
a couple to choose from a selection.
All of the bureaucracy at an
adoption agency, however, can be
avoided by a doctor or a midwife
"asking around and finding a baby
to meet the specifications of a
couple willing to pay," Kim says.
Another reason Kim suspects
that illegal adoptions are on the rise
is that "unwed mothers no longer
come to adoption agencies for
help." Babies born out of wedlock
account for between 70% and 80%
of children classified as "aban-
doned" and constitute virtually all
of Korea's "orphans."
Communist North Korea's pro-
paganda exploitation of the "or-
phan exports" issue as well as
unsubstantiated charges that adop-
tion agencies here "sell" babies for
profit overseas have made the
subject an extraordinarily sensitive
one. Officials of three of the five
adoption agencies, as well as bu-
reaucrats at the Ministry of Health
and Social Welfare, refused re-
quests for interviews.
There is one element in the
adoption picture in South Korea on
which agreement is widespread. No
one is trying to promote domestic
adoptions of mixed-blood children.
With widespread discrimina-
tion-even the government rejects
them for military service-there is
no possibility of finding homes for
racially mixed children without a
home. says Cho of the Holy Family
Catholic Adoption Agency.
TIMES: 09-01-89
142
Keeping Them Home
Now, the rallying call is what
the Yong Won, director of the
A rapidly rising level of educa-
Orphan
newly established Holy Family
tion in South Korea has made
Catholic Adoption Agency, sum-
women more aware of the availa-
marizes this way, "We should solve
bility of abortions. Economic gains
our own problem with our own
have brought abortions within
Shame Fades
hands."
reach of even the poor. The in-
Since 1954, the year after the
creasing practice of birth control,
phorean War ended, 109,579 chil-
meanwhile, has reduced the rate of
maren have been sent overseas for
pregnancy itself. And average cou-
in S. Korea
adoption-63% of them to the
ples, who used to have four or five
United States-while only 24,317
children, now have only two, di-
thave been adopted at home, the
minishing the economic burden of
By SAM JAMESON,
Health and Welfare Ministry ac-
child-rearing.
Times Staff Writer
knowledged in October, 1988, when
Although overseas adoptions fell
Att announced adoption statistics for
27% to 6,463 in 1988 from a peak of
"SEOUL-In the wake of a surge
she first time.
8,837 in 1985, domestic adoptions
oppride after the 1988 Seoul Olym-
have remained constant at about
Moreover, most of the foreign
pics, South Korea has discovered a
2,300 a year. Too few Korean
adoptions occurred not in the days
new national shame,
couples seek to adopt even the
of poverty but in the last eight
Decades after a war that created
diminishing number of "orphans,"
years, during which South Korea
adoption agency officials Cho and
thousands of homeless children and
has risen to relative affluence, the
Kim said.
the ensuing poverty that made it
ministry admitted.
impossible to find them homes in
So deep is the Confucian ethic
Mentality Changing
their native land, South Korea
against adoption that even Roman
remains one of the world's leading
Catholics are affected "deep in
"Only recently has Korean men-
exporters of "orphans." Its deep-
their hearts," said Father Choi
tality begun to change," Cho says.
rooted Confucian beliefs that work
Song Un, chairman of the Catholic
Experts, however, say they sus-
against adoption have been barely
Social Welfare Promotion Commis-
pect that the statistics do not
affected.
sion.
reflect a complete picture of what
+Indeed, more than half of all
Even worse, in a society which
is actually happening.
foreign children adopted in the
demands marriage and procreation
Legally, South Korean couples
United States come from South
as a "badge" of full manhood or
must go through licensed adoption
Korea.
womanhood, the act of adoption
agencies to adopt a child. Parents,
But now, with national per-capi-
itself is viewed as a disgrace for
however, are not required to pres-
to income approaching $5,000 a
couples unable to have children.
ent a birth certificate or any other
year, the government has declared,
Couples who do decide to adopt
document when registering a baby
publicly for the first time, that it
often keep it a secret from their
with government authorities, a sit-
uation that makes illegal adoptions
intends to seek change.
own parents. They might even set a
easier. Doctors and midwives also
date well in advance to accept a
For Sake of the Image'
do not report births.
newborn baby-so that the wife
can pretend to be pregnant for an:
Furthermore, unlike neighbor-
*For the sake of the image of the
ing Japan, where the "stigma" of
nation, which has achieved notable
appropriate period. Some couples,
adoption becomes part of the offi-
economic development, it is time
unfettered by parental scrutiny,
cial registration, no trace remains
for us to depend on domestic,
nevertheless time the adoption to
rather than foreign, adoption," the
coincide with a move into a new
on Korean records. Only the adop-
tion agencies keep records, which
nfinister of health and social wel-
neighborhood to make such pre-
are confidential.
fare declared early this year in
tense unnecessary.
Liunching a campaign to embrace
Although the new government-
Illicit Means Utilized
parentless children at home.
led campaign has yet to produce
Koreans, therefore, are free to
Income-tax breaks are now be-
quantifiable results, social changes
ing offered to make adopting more
that began to take root several
obtain babies through illicit
means-such as arrangements
attractive. Adoption agencies that
years ago appear to be reducing the
made through clinics or midwives
once specialized in overseas place-
number of parentless children
who deliver babies of unwed moth-
ments of children are being en-
adopted overseas.
couraged-some say coerced-to
If the present rate of decline
ers, Kim says. Although admitting
he has no evidence, Kim says he
seek adoptive parents in South
continues, all overseas adoptions
Korea.
will come to a halt within three
suspects that an increase in surrep-
titious domestic adoptions is ac-
And, perhaps most significantly,
years, predicts Kim Young Hee,
counting for at least part of the
a government-led campaign has
executive director of the Korean
sudden reduction in the number of
been launched to change the Con-
Social Service, one of the licensed
officially recorded abandoned chil-
fucian mentality against "or-
adoption agencies.
dren.
phans"-a word used by Koreans
Fewer Adoptable Babies
"Otherwise, where are the ba-
to include both children whose
bies going?" he asks.
parents are dead and those who
The thrust for change is coming
have no legal parent.
less from a surge in Koreans'
With the government trying to
promote birth control and cut down
willingness to adopt through
Confucian Emphasis
"orphan exports," enforcement of
standard procedures than from a
the legalities involving both abor-
The Confucian emphasis on the
drastic drop in the number of
tion and adoption is notably lax.
importance of the family and up-
children officially recorded as
Dr. Hong Sung Bong, chairman
holding its generation-to-genera-
abandoned. Their numbers, the
tion continuation through an un-
Ministry of Health and Social Wel-
of the obstetrics and gynecology
broken blood line has made
fare said, fell sharply by 36% to
department at the College of Medi-
adoption an alien idea to many
9,136 last year from 14,230 in 1985,
cine at Korea University says de-
ductive evidence exists to show
Koreans, who have resisted bring-
with a plunge of 4,000 occurring in
1988 alone.
that many Koreans, indeed, do take
ing up children who are not direct-
My related to them.
In the last 12 months, "the
other people's children as their
As a result, Koreans for years
number of babies available for
own without going through legal.
viewed overseas adoption as a
adoption has dropped by more than
procedures and have been doing it
for years.
"positive" program that benefited
50%," Kim said, adding that until
unfortunate children who other-
two years ago, "we never had
South Korea's sterility rate-the
wise would find no homes, Moon
difficulty securing babies for adop-
percentage of couples unable to
Tai Joon told the Korea Herald in
tion."
have children-is about 4.5%,
an interview early this year before
compared with 12% to 15% in the
he was replaced as minister of
United States, says Hong, who is
health and social welfare in a
Cabinet reshuffle.
trade performance. With exports up only
ing on a very delicate tightrope,' says a
Korea's Liberal-Trade Drive Is Sputtering
5% but imports climbing 19%, Korea's
presidential adviser.
trade balance swung into a deficit for the
President Roh wants a robust economy,
first eight months of this year. Imports
hoping good times will quell unrest by in-
and invited 10 buying missions from
of consumer products are up more than
suring jobs for graduating students, ade-
U.S. Trade Deficit
abroad, twice the scheduled number.
30% over last year and some "luxury"
quate raises for workers and optimism for
Business, FearingSlowdown,
Korea, which has never welcomed im-
items, such as electronic home appliances.
the middle class. His heightened sensitivity
WALL 09-07-89
With South Korea
ports of manufactured goods, is beginning
have recorded triple-digit increases.
to political pressures is giving business in-
Urges Seoul to Abandon
In billions of dollars
to discourage them. The Trade Ministry is
Technocrats argue it isn't all that bad.
terests the upper hand over the techno-
$10
reconsidering plans to cut excise taxes on
Domestic demand is leading the economy.
crats for the time being, despite the lat-
Policies of Technocrats
Year
certain products, such as large cars or golf
and economic growth will be 7.5% this
ter's stellar track record at managing the
53/165/185
8
clubs, and is shelving plans to aid import
year and next, down from the 12%-plus an-
Korean economy.
6 months
businesses. The American Chamber of
nual growth of the past three years but ro-
Many economic planners say politics is
By DAMON DARLIN
Commerce complains customs officials are
bust compared with rates in most of the in-
why Trade Minister Han is advocating
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
6
obstructing U.S. goods.
dustrialized world. "It's a problem, not a
views that seem at odds with those of for-
SEOUL, South Korea - Last spring,
-Korean businessmen are urging the
crisis," says a top official at the Economic
merly like-minded technocrats, such as
Trade and Industry Minister Han Seung
government to depreciate the won against
Planning Board. Adds Koo Bon Ho, presi-
Deputy Prime Minister Cho Soon, who
4
Soo convinced the U.S. that Korea was lib-
the dollar, reversing a trend, to make ex-
dent of the Korea Development Institute:
trained at the University of California at
eralizing trade sufficiently to warrant its
ported Korea goods cheaper in the U.S.
"We should be cautious, but we shouldn't
Berkeley and taught economics at Seoul
exclusion from the Bush administration list
2
They also want lower interest rates. The
be in a panic. The important role of the
National University with Mr. Han. In fact,
of nations practicing unfair trade. The
Bank of Korea and Ministry of Finance op-
technocrat is to hang on to his beliefs."
just last April, Mr. Han said of himself and
British-trained former economics professor
pose both proposals as inflationary.
But Korea has little patience these
Mr. Cho, who also runs the Economic
0
was an articulate spokesman for Korean
1983
'84
'85
'86
'87
'88
'89
days. Strikes have disrupted production
Planning Board, "Without seeing him I
Poor Timing
economic planners who believed their na-
and raised labor costs 60% in three years.
know what he is thinking and he knows
Source: Commerce Department
tion had to stop playing the export-is-ev-
The timing of the policy dispute
The won has appreciated 30% in the same
what I am thinking."
couldn't be worse. Korea's trade practices
erything trade game.
period, squeezing exporters even more.
Says a top government official who puts
But now, Mr. Han is advocating a huge
of its best advocates, the Western-educated
will come under scrutiny this month and
Role of Democracy
himself in the pro-liberalization camp,
new export push and a depreciation of Ko-
technocrats, find their opinions challenged
next as the U.S. secretary of commerce
"Dr. Han is still dedicated to those princi-
rea's currency against the dollar, the oppo-
and their influence waning.
and the U.S. trade representative, both
Korea's move toward democracy com-
ples. But at this moment, he can't argue
site of what U.S. trade officials wanted.
The impact of policy debate is far-
trade hard-liners, travel to Korea, and as
plicates matters. In authoritarian times,
for liberalization when he represents busi-
Korea's President Roh visits the U.S. "It is
the leaders could make decisions with less
The change in Mr. Han's public views
reaching:
ness. I can understand what he did." Adds
reflects the strains in Korea's trade policy-
Korea has launched an export drive,
a serious problem," says Kim Chung Soo,
concern about how it plays in Pusan. But
Mr. Kim of the Korea Institute for Eco-
making circles. Business leaders and con-
with President Roh Tae Woo exhorting his
a trade economist with the Korea Institute
the government has less stability than It
nomics and Technology, "They seemed to
servative politicians are urging the govern-
compatriots in a recent radio address to
for Economics and Technology. "I think
wants because the president's party
have the same voice because all the eco-
ment to backtrack from the technocrats'
"turn our eyes to exports." Government
the trade policy is in chaos and It could
doesn't control the National Assembly, be-
nomic signs were good. They could afford
aid may be given to certain kinds of ex-
head in any direction."
cause workers are angry and because stu
prescriptions because they think the econ-
to have the same voice."
omy is stalling. Thus, Korea's commitment
porters. Korea has dispatched six missions
Many Koreans say action is needed to
dents and dissidents are constantly testing
to trade liberalization is wavering as many
around the world to sell Korean products
counter the deterioration of the country's
the government's patience. "We are tread-
Telecommunications Talks
Special to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
SEOUL, South Korea-Trade talks be-
tween South Korea and the U.S. on tele-
communications got off to a slow start.
An official at the Korean Ministry of
Communications said the two sides failed
to reach an agreement yesterday on the
first day of a two-day meeting here on
U.S. demands for improved access to the
Korean market.
Although South Korea managed to keep
off the U.S. list of unfair-trading countries,
the Bush administration is pushing Seoul to
liberalize its telecommunications market.
TIMES 09-09-89
Kim Dae Jung Indictment Raises
Fears of New Repression in Korea
In addition, the Government feels
North Korea has been behind a wave of
strikes, anti-Government riots and
other disruptions of recent months.
185
Spokesmen for dissident groups say
By STEVEN R. WEISMAN
that more than 900 people have beer
Special to The New York Times
arrested in the resulting Government
SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 7 - The
the indictment. But American officials
crackdown.
recent indictment of South Korea's
were described as uneasy about the
The Government said Mr. Kim's in-
most prominent opposition figure on
charges, which a Western diplomat de-
dictment was based in part on a confes-
charges of violating national security
scribed as "flimsy" and others said ap-
sion from Mr. Suh. But Mr. Suh re
laws has spread bitterness in political
peared to be an effort to intimidate
canted his confession, saying he was
circles and raised new concerns among
tortured by being deprived of sleep and
some in the opposition.
forced to stand for five days.
many Koreans about the Govern-
American officials are also under-
Mr. Kim is no stranger to arrest, im-
ment's actions to suppress dissent.
stood to be concerned that the Govern-
prisonment and worse in South Korea.
The opposition politician, Kim Dae
ment has arrested hundreds of dissi-
He spent six years in jail, seven years
Jung, who was indicted last month, has
dents in recent months on other viola-
under house arrest and three years in
not been imprisoned and remains free
tions of national security laws, in some
voluntary exile, and survived several
to conduct business as president of the
cases for possessing "subversive" lit.
attempts on his life before returning tc
Party of Peace and Democracy, the
erature or because of links to sus-
South Korea in 1985 to work for chang-
largest political party in the National
ing the system.
pected dissidents
Assembly. Indeed, officials say pri-
His party draws strength from mili-
Evidence Described as Strong
tant workers and students, but Mr. Kim
vately that he is unlikely to be jailed,
even if found guilty.
Under President Chun Doo Hwan,
often proclaims his own opposition tc
violence, Communism and anti-Ameri-
But Mr. Kim and other opposition
the Government initiated democratic
canism. He asserts that he got nc
politicians are citing the indictment as
changes in 1987 in response to a wave
money from Mr. Suh and knew nothing
evidence that President Roh Tae Woo
of anti-Government protests. Mr. Roh,
of his trip until June, when his party
is not as committed as many people
a former army general who was Mr
quickly reported it to the authorities.
once thought to fostering free expres-
Chun's handpicked successor, then won
But even some politicians friendly tc
sion while South Korea makes its
the presidential election with 37 per-
Mr. Kim feel that he blundered by not
transition to democracy after decades
cent of the vote against a divided oppo-
cooperating with investigators wher.
of authoritarian military rule.
sition. The timing of Mr. Kim's indict-
they initially summoned him to ask
ment is especially delicate because Mr.
about Mr. Suh's trip. They say Mr. Kim:
'Reverting to Old Habits'
should have concentrated on rebutting
Roh plans to visit President Bush at the
"The motivation for this indictment
the charges instead of issuing sweep-
White House next month.
is very simple," Mr. Kim said in an in-
ing condemnations of the Government.
Aides to Mr. Roh defend the indict-
terview. "Roh Tae Woo is reverting to
ment, saying the evidence is strong
An Impasse in the Assembly
old habits. He is determined to destroy
that Mr. Kim had, perhaps unwittingly.
The indictment also marks a rupture
our party and myself. That's why they
become dangerously involved with
between President Roh and the opposi-
have fabricated these charges against
politicians and dissidents who have de-
tion in the National Assembly, which
me."
up to now has cooperated with the Gov-
veloped ties with North Korea, which
The United States has kept silent on
ernment in many ways.
remains in a state of war with South
Mr. Kim and other opposition lead-
Korea.
ers, for example, supported Mr. Roh's
"This indictment places no restric-
decision not to have a midterm refer-
tions on Kim's activities," said Hyun
endum on his policies and have gen-
Hong Choo, Minister of Legislation in
erally asked for patience among their
Mr. Roh's Cabinet. "It does not lessen
supporters to let the President prove
our support for an independent judici-
himself in office.
ary and a free press. But frankly, the
But there has been a persistent stale-
mate between the opposition, which
prosecution has a good case against
commands the majority in the Na-
him."
tional Assembly, and Mr. Roh over how
At its heart is the disclosure in June
far to go in dismantling the old police
that a legislator in Mr. Kim's party,
state apparatus and laws, including the
Suh Kyong Won, made a secret illegal
national security laws under which Mr.
trip to North Korea in 1988. The indict-
Kim was indicted.
ment charges that Mr. Kim failed to re-
In addition, the impasse is over
port the trip as soon as he learned
whom to punish for the excesses of the
about it, and also accepted $10,000 from
past, particularly the Kwangju massa-
North Korea, handed over by Mr. Suh.
cre of 1980, in which hundreds died as
The disclosure about Mr. Suh's trip
the police and army troops crushed a
had an explosive effect in a country
student rebellion. Mr. Chun, a general
that has deeply mixed feelings toward
who took power in a military coup in
its northern neighbor, on the one hand
1979 and assumed the presidency in
yearning for reunification and recon-
1980, is widely held responsible for the
ciliation, on the other nurturing deep
Kwangju killings. Mr. Roh, because of
anxiety about Pyongyang's motiva-
his close ties to Mr. Chun and his own
tions.
background as a military officer, is
No Thaw in Relations
still regarded with suspicion by dissi-
Earlier this year, there was much
dents and student radicals.
talk of warmer relations with North
Aides to Mr. Roh acknowledge that
Korea, but lately Mr. Roh's Govern-
the indictment was intended to send
ment has asserted that Pyongyang
Mr. Kim a general message not to be SC
wants reconciliation only on its own
cozy with student militants demanding
terms, which include demands for im-
an overthrow of the Government, and
mediate expulsion of the 44,000 Amer-
to cooperate more in negotiations on
ican troops from South Korea.
redressing old grievances and revising
the national security laws.
N.Y. TIMES 09-10-89
Seoul Is Opening Up,
But Its Jails Are Still Full
By STEVEN R. WEISMAN 185
the Government are widely publicized. But
human rights groups say. that perhaps 800 dissi-
dents, some of them avowedly radical leftists,
SEOUL, South Korea
are waiting in prison for their day in court.
VEN before the end of the Seoul Olym-
"There has been a true conservative backlash
pics last year, which raised Koreans'
that makes everyone a little nervous about the
hopes for progress and stability, leaders
future," a Western diplomat said.
here fretted about a potential post-
Mr. Roh's advisers dismiss the concern that
Games letdown. Today the euphoria of that time
democracy is endangered. They assert that the
is long gone, and South Korea is struggling with
National Assembly is functioning vigorously with
the shadows of its authoritarian past and lurch-
Mr. Kim's party in the dominant position, and
Sing fitfully in its transition to democracy after
that freedom of the press and the independence
decades of military rule.
of the judiciary are respected. "Seoul Plaza is
As in the past, the challenges facing South
not Tiananmen Square," an aide to Mr. Roh said.
Korea are epitomized by the state of its jails.
"To return to the old ways is impossible."
This spring and summer, less than 18 months
Nevertheless, Mr. Roh's actions were a re-
after President Roh Tae Woo released hundreds
minder that although a democratically elected
of political prisoners in his first gesture toward a
government is in place, many trappings of
more open society, the country faced a wave of
democracy have yet to be institutionalized. A
sometimes violent strikes, student protests and
free press prints criticism of the Government,
anti-Government actions, including unauthorized
but many Korean oppositionists feel that newspa-
trips to North Korea by leftist dissidents.
pers still reflect the conservatism of their own-
Despite the widespread view that this opposi-
ers.
tion posed only a mild threat to stability, Mr. Roh
,responded with a crackdown on militant dissent
Showcasing Progress
that has filled jails with as many political detain-
This autumn was supposed to have been a sea-
ees as were imprisoned before he took office in
son in which South Korea would showcase its re-
early 1988. The jailings, in turn, have created new
cent progress. Vice President Dan Quayle is due
concern about Mr. Roh's commitment to due pro-
for a visit later this month, followed by Pope
cess and free institutions.
John Paul II in October. Then, Mr. Roh is to visit
Mr. Roh's crackdown culminated last month
Washington. United States officials say recent
with the indictment of Kim Dae Jung, the most
events in South Korea are unlikely to disrupt the
prominent opposition leader, on charges of vio-
exchanges, but they are worried that the situa-
lating national security laws. Mr. Kim, who was
tion could deteriorate. Political stability is essen-
one of Mr. Roh's opponents in the 1987 election,
tial if there is to be any serious discussion of pos-
remains free and his frequent denunciations of
sible reductions in the 44,000 American troops
stationed here. Sentiment is rising in Washington
for such decreases, or at least for demands that
Seoul pay more of their expenses.
Only six months ago, the atmosphere was far
less contentious, as opposition leaders urged
their supporters to give Mr. Roh time to fulfill his
campaign promises. There was even talk, un-
thinkable a year or two ago, of a possible political
alliance between Mr. Roh and the opposition.
But in the spring, an impasse developed over
disagreements on several matters, such as how
to handle the legacy of South Korea's authoritar-
ian past. An especially delicate subject was the
placement of blame for the 1980 massacre in
Kwangju, in which hundreds were said to have
died as the army and security police suppressed
a student rebellion. The opposition demanded
that Mr. Roh purge his Government of several
people involved in the Kwangju action, but the
President apparently felt he could not do so with-
out angering his right-wing backers.
Even some Roh supporters concede that he
may indeed have overstepped himself in the
crackdown. But they also argue that the success
or failure of the Roh Government will rest on
other issues. Some say that South Korea's boom-
ing economy and rapid industrialization are
creating wider and wider disparities. and they
maintain that economic deprivation ought to be
their most important concern.
"In the past 30 years, we have moved from ab-
solute poverty to unevenly distributed prosperi-
ty," said Jei Jeong Gu, chairman of the Progres-
sive Political Movement, an independent group.
Thus, organized labor is becoming more militant,
land prices are soaring, housing is in short sup-
ply, and slums are spreading.
Both the Government and the opposition have
proposals to deal with such things, and at one
point It seemed that the National Assembly
would agree on sweeping reforms this year. But
for now, all bets for cooperation are off. Political
experts say that that South Koreans will have to
move beyond their fixation with protests and ar-
rests and get down to providing economic bene-
fits as the best means to assure stability.
WASH 09-11-89
BILL TAYLOR / PIERS LUDLOW
185/140
he United States urgently
may find it difficult to resist such
T
South Korea. Many months
Not the time to lack an envoy
ing pressure on its government for
needs an ambassador to
pressure for long. A partial with-
tangible progress toward reunifica-
drawal of U.S. forces from South Ko-
tion. And North Korea, trapped in
after the last ambassador
rea, despite the protests of the Seoul
economic stagnation, is greatly
left to take up the same post in China,
ified professional is being held up.
the Korean peninsula - but the So-
radicals, is spreading to other, less
government, is highly likely The dip-
tempted to talk, at least, to the boom-
the Senate is still delaying its ap-
Worse yet, at a time of considerable
viets have also signaled an interest
extreme, groups. U.S. athletes par-
lomatic context in which U.S. mili-
ing South.
proval of Donald Gregg, the Bush
change in the Far East, and evolution
in improving their relations with
ticipating in last September's Olym-
tary reductions are planned and ex-
No major power stands opposed to
administration's nominee.
of the Korean/U.S. ties in particular,
South Korea.
pic games were given a surprisingly
ecuted will be crucial for U.S. South
improved relations between the two
On June 20, after lengthy scrutiny,
this delay is unjustifiable and poten-
The recent opening of a Soviet
cool reception by the general public.
Korean relations.
Koreas. Neither the U.S.S.R. nor
the Senate Committee on Foreign
tially damaging.
trade mission in Seoul is a clear in-
And Korean farmers have recently
A further issue of bilateral con-
China are prepared to support the
Relations determined that Mr.
It would be wrong to over-
dication that the establishment of
taken to the streets to protest the
cern is the Korean purchase of new
erratic Kim II Sung at all costs. In-
Gregg's extensive professional
dramatize the state of U.S./Korean
formal diplomatic ties is not out of
lifting of import restrictions on a
fighter aircraft. Seoul is known to
deed they would welcome a lessen-
background and knowledge of Ko-
relations in terms of crisis. Never-
the question. It is a step that one
range of American agricultural
favor the American made or
ing of tensions in Korea. And the
rea outweighed his alleged in-
theless, the situation on the Korean
Eastern bloc country, Hungary, has
products.
F-18, but given congressional oppo-
United States would jump at an op-
volvement in the Iran-Contra affair.
peninsula and, indeed the balance of
already taken.
The U.S. military presence is also
sition to the sale, the negotiations
portunity to reduce the expensive
Despite this decision, his formal con-
power in the Far East in general, are
This thaw in relations between
a renewed subject of debate. In this
will require a high level diplomatic
troops that now guard the internal
firmation is still languishing on the
in a state. of flux presenting both
South Korea and the communist
case, the pressure for change, for a
professional. A failure to appoint one
border. Unthinkable five years ago,
Senate floor.
dangers and opportunities. This is
world is not in itself harmful; the
scaling-down of the U.S. forces sta-
might result in the lucrative order
Korean cross recognition and reuni-
At a time when the president's
not the time for the U.S. voice in
country's ties with the West remain
tioned on the peninsula comes from
falling to a European contractor.
fication before the end of the cen-
"political appointments" to ambas-
Seoul to be dimmed by failure to ap-
vastly more important. It occurs,
the U.S. Congress. Several draft bills
The present is also a time of un-
tury is in the cards.
sadorial posts worldwide are being
point a new ambassador.
however, at a time when North-South
call for a substantial reduction of
precedented opportunity in Korea.
questioned, it seems ludicrous that
The Soviet role in the region is
At a time of such change, Con-
Korean relations have taken a turn
U.S. military commitments in Ko-
A combination of factors, both
the confirmation of a highly qual-
changing. Since Soviet President
gress should not handicap our nation
for the worse and when new strains
rea. The Nunn-Warner bill, which
purely Korean and international,
Mikhail Gorbachev's speech in
by endlessly procrastinating over
are appearing between Washington
passed, calls for a major study by the
make reunification of the divided
Vladivostok in July 1986, the Soviet
Donald Gregg's appointment. There
and Seoul.
Defense Department in consultation
Bill Taylor is the vice president,
nation a real possibility during the
"charm offensive" in Europe has
is no good excuse for further delay.
public policy programs at the Center
Anti-American feeling is increas-
with the South Korean government
next decade. South Korea is increas-
been matched by efforts in East
The United States needs a strong
ingly a problem in South Korea.
for Strategic and International Stud-
on the proposed U.S. troop reduc-
ingly prosperous and self confident.
Asia. Most significantly, this has led
representative in Seoul: the endless
There are many indications that re-
ies. Piers Ludlow is a research ana-
tions. The report is due within a year.
Its population, no longer terrified of
to the Sino-Soviet rapprochement -
agonizing over the appointment is
lyst there.
sentment toward the United States,
Faced with severe budgetary con-
its smaller and much poorer north-
in itself an important evolution for
harming U.S. interests and should
until recently confined to student
straints, the Bush administration
ern neighbor, is likely to put increas-
cease.
09-12-89
Seoul's Roh asks one entity: Korean Commonwealth
An estimated 10 million Koreans
of a total 60 million population have
family members on the other side
whom they have not seen since the
By Michael Breen
The charter would recognize that
the co-existence of two social sys-
Lee Jung-binn told reporters the
this time."
185
1950 53 Korean War. One million sol-
SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Koreans who live in both North and
tems in an eventually unified nation,
prospect was not necessarily dark.
Under Mr. Roh's proposal a newly
diers face one another across the
South are a single people a "Ko-
a formula not too dissimilar from
He said the latest proposal marked
created commonwealth would pre-
narrow demilitarized border zone,
SEOUL, South Korea - President
rean national community" - and
China's for the absorption of Hong
"a significant departure" from
pare a constitution and general elec-
with a single telephone link between
Roh The-woo called yesterday for the
would proceed from that to the set-
Kong, Mr. Roh said he expects his
Seoul's previous attitude to North
tions for a unified Korean nation.
the Red Cross offices in the two capi-
creation of a "Korean Common-
ting up of a commonwealth.
commonwealth to pave the way for
Korean demands for arms control
wealth" as a first step toward na-
The South Korean president, who
Korea's unification as a democratic
The new commonwealth would be
tals as the only non-military line of
and other ways to alleviate military
tional unification.
has been in office less than two
republic.
tension.
administered by a Council of Pres-
communication.
He urged communist North Ko-
years, has offered several such unifi-
idents, a 20-member Council of Min-
"Our internal differences, strife,
The new plan does include two
rea to respond quickly to his pro-
cation plans. His latest proposal was
"We have taken a more positive
isters headed ex-officio by the two
antagonism and divisions should be
significant concessions to North Ko-
posal and suggested a summit meet-
unveiled in a televised address to the
approach," he said. "We are now
countries' prime ministers, a 100-
melted down in the huge melting pot
rea. Seoul has dropped its past insis-
ing with his North Korean
National Assembly.
ready to debate and accommodate
member Council of Representatives
tence that family reunions and trade
of democracy in order to create a
counterpart, President Kim Il-sung,
Mr. Kim, who has ruled North Ko-
where possible Pyongyang's de-
and a Joint Secretariat. The com-
steel-like national will for unifica-
be dealt with before discussing po-
to draw up a charter for the new
mands for a non-aggression pact,
rea since its founding as a commu-
monwealth headquarters would be
litical and military matters.
tion," Mr. Roh said.
withdrawal of U.S. forces from here
loosely linked entity.
nist state in 1948, also has proposed
located in a "peace zone," a site to be
Mr. Roh asked that such a charter
loose union between North and
and for a permanent peace treaty to
selected inside the DMZ.
It also accepted a North Korean
Because the Roh plan amounts to
drawn up before Aug. 15, 1990,
South Korea, whose form would be a
replace the Korean truce agree-
argument that any inter-Korean as-
a formula for reunification on South
ment.
He gave no timetable for the task,
sociation should contain North-
or the division
confederation and whose name
Korean terms, observers said they
saying that his government was re-
of the periodila by Soviet and Amer
South representatives on an equal
would be the "Confederal Republic
doubted that the North would accept
"All these are what we used to
alistic about the extent of the mis-
basis, even though South Korea's
ican forces who entered the country
of Koryo."
the Roh formula.
flatly spurn in the past, and we don't
trust and diversity between the two
population is more than twice the
to end Japan's colonial dominion.
However, while Mr. Kim envisions
But Assistant Foreign Minister
see why North Korea should object
states.
North's.
asked Gore. "Are we to seriously
Democrats argued that eve
Senate Approves Gregg as Ambassador to South Korea
accept a baldfaced presentation of
Gregg were telling the truth al
that kind? It's absurd on its face."
his knowledge of the Iran-Co
140/185
Democrats also questioned
scandal, he had demonstra
By SARA FRITZ,
the controversy by refusing to
Gregg told the Senate committee
Gregg's testimony that he never
faulty judgment by failing to
Times Staff Writer
provide classified government doc-
that he "never discussed the Con-
discussed the resupply of the Con-
ognize that the Administration
uments that could have shed new
tras" with Bush, nor was he aware
tras with his friend and former CIA
WASHINGTON-The Senate
involved in an illegal resup
light on the roles of Gregg and
of the illegal supply operation-
approved the nomination of Donald
colleague, Felix Rodriguez, who
operation and by failing to
Bush.
even though he talked frequently
was deeply involved in the effort
Bush.
Gregg Tuesday as U.S. ambassa-
with North and others who were
09-13-89
to South Korea, despite Demo-
Senate requests for documents
and frequently visited Bush's vice
"Either he was too clever to
deeply involved in it.
tratic accusations that he had lied
were turned down by the National
presidential office. Neither he nor
caught, or too naive to know w
"bover up President Bush's al-
Security Council, the CIA and the
In addition, as Democrats fre-
Rodriguez could explain handwrit-
was going on under his nose," G
eged complicity in the Iran-Contra
State Department. In addition, for-
quently noted, the nominee sug-
ten notes that Gregg made on the
said.
candal.
mer White House aide Oliver L.
gested that his aide and his secre-
subject during a meeting he had
But Gregg's supporters insis
The 66-33 vote for Gregg ap-
North refused to comply with a
tary had meant to write the word
with Rodriguez.
that the nominee would never h
beared to bring down the curtain
committee subpoena for the rele-
"copters"-meaning helicopters-
Gregg also insisted that even
allowed illegal activity by top g
on a two-year effort by Democrats
vant pages from handwritten note-
instead of the word "Contras" that
after he discussed the resupply
ernment officials to go unch
9 link Bush directly to the scandal.
books he kept.
appeared on two briefing papers for
with Rodriguez in August, 1986, he
lenged, if he had known about
*Hilso was a setback for Sen. Alan
Senate Majority Leader George
Bush. Mitchell described Gregg's
did not report it to Bush. He said
Republicans defended the no
Cranston (D-Calif.), who led an
J. Mitchell (D-Me.) said that he-
explanation as "pathetic" and
that Bush did not learn about it
nee's reputation as a highly experse
like many of his fellow Demo-
Cranston called it a "comical theo-
greasive campaign to defeat the
until the vice president read a New
enced public servant whose pre
omination.
crats-found Gregg's testimony
ry."
York Times story based on an
ous experience as a CIA official
Cranston and other Democrats
"highly implausible" and even "in-
"What does he take the Senate
interview with Gregg in December,
South Korea would enable him
credible."
for and what do we take him for?"
1986.
be an excellent ambassador.
harged that Gregg, a 30-year CIA
eteran who was the foreign policy
dviser to Bush while he was vice
resident, was deeply involved in
Los Angeles Times
onald Reagan Administration
Donald P. Gregg
plicy to provide assistance to the
licaraguan resistance, despite leg-
lation enacted by Congress out-
eager to rehash Iran-Contra," he
wing direct U.S. aid.
said. "We are not eager to raise
Moreover, Democrats alleged
questions about what George Bush
at Gregg-in the words of Sen.
knew about the disastrous Iran-
lbert Gore Jr. (D-Tenn.)-"lied
Contra scandal and when he knew
epeatedly and brazenly, time after
it."
me" to the Senate Foreign Rela-
Nevertheless, Gregg's opponents
one Committee when he insisted
conceded privately that the vote
had no knowledge of the Reagan
was a test of whether members of
dministration's efforts to supply
the Senate supported Bush's claim
be Contras without informing
that he knew nothing about the
ongress.
scandal before it became public
Gregg's supporters argued that
knowledge.
emocrats opposed Gregg only in
And while Democrats were
effort to dredge up the Iran-
skeptical of Gregg's contention that
ontra scandal one more time to
neither he nor Bush knew about it,
mbarrass Bush. "That is what this
they were unable to find any
as all about-get George Bush,
irrefutable evidence linking either
tear him down," declared Sen.
man directly to the Iran-Contra
Helms (R-N.C.).
affair.
But Cranston insisted that the
Cranston argued that the Bush
oposition to Gregg had nothing to
Administration had thwarted Sen-
with the scandal. "We are not
ate efforts to get to the bottom of
WASH.POST:09-21-89
REUTER
Vice President Quayle and South Korean President Roh Tae Woo holding talks at the presidential residence in Seoul.
Quayle Reassures S. Koreans on U.S. Troops
10
By Peter Maass
185
'new thinking' in foreign affairs," he
stantive talks on several key topics.
said in a speech to South Korean
Those include South Korea's plan to
Special to The Washington Post
newspaper editors. Echoing previ-
purchase new U.S. fighter jets, its
SEOUL, Sept. 20-Vice Pres-
ous administration statements, he
demand that Washington pay for a
ident Quayle today reassured South
added, "North Korea retains an ex-
costly move of the U.S. military
Korea's leadership that the Bush
traordinary willingness to use force
headquarters and a possible change
Administration would oppose any
and terrorism against the South.
in the military command structure
congressional attempt to reduce the
Hence the rationale behind the
that gives a U.S. general operation-
U.S. troop presence here unilater-
American deterrent is as strong as
al control over most South Korean
ally.
ever."
forces.
In separate meetings with South
The vice president. starting an
South Korea's three main oppo-
Korea's president and opposition
11-day Asian trip that includes
sition leaders joined President Roh
leaders, Quayle said the administra-
stops in Japan, the Philippines and
Tae Woo today in opposing troop
Malaysia, shied away from criticiz-
cuts, which some members of the
tion believes the military threat
from North Korea is undiminished,
ing a government crackdown on
U.S. Congress have urged. Kim
South Koreans who seek to pro-
Dae Jung, leader of the largest op-
according to U.S. and South Korean
mote independent dialogue with
position party, told Quayle that cuts
officials who briefed reporters. The
North Korea. Human rights activ-
should not be considered until po-
vice president, who is to visit the
ists contend that South Korea's sha-
litical stability is achieved between
Demilitarized Zone separating the
ky transition to democracy has been
Seoul and Pyongyang, according to
two Koreas on Thursday, also crit-
thrown off course by the recent jail-
a South Korean official who briefed
icized the Soviet Union for supply-
ing of hundreds of students, union-
reporters. Kim Young Sam, leader
ing the North with advanced fighter
ists and dissidents.
of the second-largest opposition
jets and other weapons.
Quayle focused on the U.S.-South
party, warned that a partial troop
"This seems to be a strange way
Korean security relationship, but
reduction would send the wrong
for the Soviet Union to demonstrate
his aides said there were no sub-
message to North Korea.
L.A.TIMES: 09-21-89
Quayle Stresses N. Korea Military Threat
By DAVIDLAUTER, Times Staff Writer
10/185
SEOUL-Praising South Korea's
has carefully avoided any public
Beckwith said.
"political transformation and
criticism of President Roh Tae Woo
Although complaints of a gov-
movement toward democracy,"
and his government.
ernment crackdown have been a
Vice President Dan Quayle empha-
Roh, Quayle said in his speech,
sized the military threat posed by
major part of the opposition's polit-
has "successfully ushered in demo-
ical program, neither Kim Dae
North Korea and soft-pedaled con-
cratic reforms" and shown "mod-
Jung nor Kim Young Sam, the
cerns over continuing human
eration in the face of radical vio-
rights violations in the south as he
other main opposition leader, raised
lence that seems designed to
met Wednesday with government
the issue directly during their
provoke overreaction."
and opposition party officials.
meeting with Quayle at the Nation-
Korean opposition leaders have
"The North Korean military es-
al Assembly.
questioned that moderation, charg-
tablishment is larger than ever,"
Kim Dae Jung criticized past U.S.
ing that in recent months Roh's
Quayle told members of the Korean
policies, saying that in the past the
government has turned toward a
Newspaper Editors Assn. in a
United States "put security too
more repressive course. They cite
much ahead of Korea's democrati-
speech.
figures made public Tuesday by a
In particular, he said, Moscow in
zation," according to a Korean
committee of the Korean National
the recent has strengthened North
official who briefed reporters after
Assembly that show a sharp in-
Korea by sending it advanced air-
the meeting. The U.S. government
crease in arrests under the coun-
craft. The rationale for the contin-
had alienated many South Koreans
try's strict National Security Act.
ued presence of U.S. troops here, he
by its "support for dictatorial re-
said, "is as strong as ever."
Indicted Opposition Leader
gimes of the past," the official
South Korea was the first stop on
quoted Kim as saying.
In addition, the government last
a four-nation tour of Asia that will
But both Kims emphasized their
month indicted Kim Dae Jung, the
also take Quayle to Japan, the
support for the presence of 43,000
nation's best-known opposition
Philippines and Malaysia before he
U.S. troops here. Any move to
figure. The indictment, which Kim
returns to Washington next week.
reduce the U.S. force at this point
has vehemently denounced, charg-
Before leaving today for Tokyo,
would be "unproductive," Kim
es that he failed to report an
Quayle plans to visit the demilita-
Young Sam told Quayle.
opposition legislator's trip to North
rized zone between the two Koreas
Beckwith said that Quayle was
Korea and received money from
to review U.S. and South Korean
"surprised by the unanimity" of
the legislator that the traveler had
troops.
opinion on the troop-strength is-
received from North Korean
sue.
Quayle's tone here reflected the
agents.
Bush Administration's policy of
South Korean government offi-
Quayle sidestepped that issue in
avoiding public confrontation with
cials have expressed considerable
meetings with Roh, Kim and other
other nations over human rights
anxiety over the possibility of a
Korean leaders. U.S. officials said
issues as well as his own deep
troop cut, repeatedly asking Quayle
that Roh assured Quayle that he
suspicion of Soviet military inten-
about proposals in Congress for
"would not turn back" toward the
such a move. The Bush Adminis-
tions. Although U.S. Embassy offi-
repressive policies of past South
cials have expressed private con-
tration opposes reducing troop
Korean governments.
strength here and, for now, the idea
cern over the human rights
"The vice president was happy
situation here. the Administration
appears to have relatively little
about that," spokesman David
support in Congress.
Y. TIMES 09-24-89
Success and Its Price
But success has come at a price. In Los Angeles as in
New York, the Koreans' success at taking over small
The Koreans
businesses has stirred resentment in black and Hispanic
neighborhoods, and many complain that they disregard
American laws on working conditions and wages. More-
over, despite publicity lauding the academic prowess of
Big Entry
Korean and other Asian youngsters, many Koreans find
that starting a business in America is easier than rearing
a child here. The Korean Youth Center in Los Angeles is
battling drug abuse, gang activity, auto theft and truancy
Into Business
among Korean teen-agers caught between tradition-
bound parents and fetterless California youth.
"The difficulty for many Korean parents is that their
kids have no respect for elders and education," said
185
Bong Hwan Kim, executive director of the center. "Dur-
ing this transition there is a real dichotomy between the
By ROBERT REINHOLD
first and second generations, between Korean and Amer-
ican values."
Los ANGELES
Hard work has paradoxical consequences, argued
IKE other newcomers to these shores, many Korean
Eui-Young Yu, a sociologist at California State Universi-
immigrants here speak little English, want to
ty, Los Angeles. Removed from old social controls, he
start their own businesses, are short on cash and
said, Koreans' "excessive work patterns" lead to prob-
cannot get the time of day from the bank loan
lems with their children. Preoccupied with business, he
officer. So they go to a "kye," a kind of private banking
said, parents cede authority.
club, where a loan of $20,000 or $30,000 can be had without
Respect From the Bank
applications or even a promissory note - at a usurious
rate of 24 percent or higher.
When it comes to business, though, Koreans are get-
The kye (pronounced KAY) is fast, efficient, effec-
ting high respect, from Americans if not their own chil-
tive - and quite illegal under American law. But it helps
dren. At first wary, American financial institutions are
explain how the entrepreneurial Koreans have overcome
discovering a huge new market for loans; Foothill Thrift
cultural and linguistic barriers to operate businesses,
and Loan of Agoura Hills, Calif., now has nearly 30 per-
especially small groceries, liquor stores, dry cleaners
cent of its loans with Korean and other Asian entrepre-
and garment factories. "Koreans help each other," said
neurs. "We've never had a default on a loan to an Asian,"
John Y. Cho, general manager of the Korean American
said Gary Wehrle, the president. "If they have a problem
Garment Industry Association here. And the whole
in their life or business, they can borrow $50,000 from an
family usually works 16 hours a day.
aunt or uncle. Family interests are pooled."
This combination of financial and cultural cohesive-
But for some, the kye is the only alternative. The
ness and a powerful work ethic underlies the experience
groups, usually run by women, operate quietly with cash,
of the new wave of Koreans, who have transformed large
avoiding the scrutiny of the Internal Revenue Service.
parts of metropolitan Los Angeles. Surveys have shown
Typically, each member puts in $200 a month for a year.
that as many as 30 to 40 percent of the immigrants al-
One member serves as banker, keeping the pot and tak-
ready own small businesses, an experience not unlike
ing personal liability for defaults. All members may bor-
that of the larger waves of immigrants from Hong Kong
row large sums, but the newest pay the highest interest.
and Taiwan. Like the Chinese, the Koreans have tended
Established Korean business people assert they
to come from the better-educated middle classes and
don't know much about kyes. Jae Min Chang, president
have done much better than the Vietnamese, Laotians
and publisher of The Korea Times, the largest Korean
and Cambodians, whose rates of poverty remain well
newspaper here, said they make news only when some-
above the national norm.
one absconds with the money. But such is the signifi-
cance of the kyes that a Korean-American bank, the
Tenfold Increase
Hanmi Bank, has devised a legal imitation of them. The
The Korean population in the United States has
would-be borrower agrees to deposit, for example,
grown to an estimated 750,000 from 70,000 in the 1970
$100,000 over 24 months. After three or four months, he
Census. While there is a thriving Korean section in Flush-
becomes eligible to borrow the full $100,000 at 2.5 points
ing, Queens, the largest concentration is in Southern Cali-
above the prime rate, or about 13 percent today. That is
fornia, home for about 300,000 Korean immigrants. The
about half what he would pay a kye.
nerve center of the community is the vast Koreatown
The kyes are a holdover from the old country. Cling-
west of downtown Los Angeles, focus of 150 associations,
ing to traditional ways has both helped Koreans make it
500 Christian churches. 15 Buddhist temples. 32 newspa-
in America and slowed their assimilation, although all
pers and a 24-hour radio station. The jumble of Korean
signs suggest how fast Korean youths are fitting into
signs. restaurants. coffee houses, hotels and offices
American life. Whatever the merit of the old ways, said
shouts immigrant success. Already, Korean grocers con-
Mr. Chang, they are vastly different from what the immi-
trol 18 percent of the beer, wine and liquor licenses in
grants find here. 'Koreans talk about heritage," he said,
Southern California and 5 percent of the total grocery
"but immigrants should learn Western culture."
market, including supermarkets.
In politics and economics, Korea tries to speak our language
dramatically when he traveled on to
Minster Cho Soon, reiterates the need
By Arthur Cyr
to open domestic markets, reflecting
C.TRIBUNE:09-27-89
Tokyo. Singling out automobiles, a
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it,"
distinctive symbol, he blasted a system
strong sentiments within the
which guarantees that a Ford Probe-
government bureaucracy.
President Roh Tae Woo of South Korea
one of the best, most attractive products
quipped recently, thus confirming the
In Japan, there may be enormous
of the New Detroit-costs one-third
profound American cultural impact on
conflicting pressures, but such
more in Japan than in the U.S. In reply,
differences are not normally permitted
that nation. Great powers demonstrate
Japanese journalists sounded like
influence in different ways. The British
to be expressd so clearly in public.
government officials in monotonously
provided dependencies with the
complaining about lack of quality and
That is not the only difference
trappings of parliamentary government.
efficiency in American production.
between the two systems; a Japanese
Arguably, American international
prime minister would not follow
influence has been more economic than
Mosbacher confronted no such
President Roh's example in cheerfully
political. Through example as well as
problems in South Korea, a much
using stock American slang. And what
investment, we have nurtured capitalist
smaller economy having much greater
was the context of Roh's urging that
systems in some parts of the world.
dependence on the U.S., but also a
what is not broken should be left alone?
Our commitment to democracy is
country where journalists these days are
He was responding to the renewal of
even more explicit but much harder to
appropriately cacophonous rather than
suggestions that U.S. forces be
emulate. South Korea has achieved a
orchestrated.
withdrawn from South Korea.
productive capitalist economic system
Simultaneously, South Korea struggles
That debate, related to swelling
and is striving now to follow our
to build functioning representative
domestic political example. Roh's
pressures to reduce our military
wholehearted adoption of American
democracy. The wrenching trauma
presence in Western Europe, will only
associated with the prosecution of
vernacular to express policy sentiments
grow. Even Gen. Louis C. Menetry,
former President Chun Doo Hwan and
commander of U.S. forces on the
shows strong identification with our
the condemnation of corruption in his
Korean peninsula, argues that there will
politics as well as our economics.
regime have facilitated breaking with the
be no explicit military need for their
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Robert
autocratic past. The Roh administration
presence after the mid-1990s.
Mosbacher has just concluded intensive
has been able to work reasonably
trade negotiations with counterparts in
effectively with a legislature controlled
Roh's stance that the U.S. military
the South Korean government. The fact
by opposition parties. This bifurcated
should stay and his symbolic use of
that the secretary was visiting Korea at
state of affairs tends to underpin
American vernacular reflect the
all demonstrates not only the presence
democracy even while undercutting
Eleanor Mill/Mill News Art Syndicate
exceptionally strong ties between our
of vexing policy tensions, most notably
smooth, efficient policy definition and
two nations, the very different public
Roh Tae Woo
concerning telecommunications now,
implementation.
opinion environment from that
but also the increasing international
confronting even pro-American West
Not surprisingly, the South Korean
democracy is that the government now
economic importance of that nation.
European politicians and-most
The Bush administration has so far
government is trying to address political
speaks inconsistently, with various
important of all-the long-term role of
avoided adding South Korea to the list
reform pressures with economic tools.
voices rather than one consistent
U.S. forces in encouraging a situation
of nations formally cited by the U.S. for
For instance, Seoul has responded to
policy/propaganda line.
conducive to both economic growth and
following unfair trading practices.
ongoing domestic unrest in part through
Trade and Industry Minister Han
Secretary Mosbacher's tone changed
a proposal this month for drastic tax
Seung Soo stresses export promotion in
political democracy.
reform designed to encourage more
response to pressures from domestic
Americans feeling gloomy about the
Arthur Cyr is vice president and
even distribution of wealth and wider
business interests. At the same time, his
value of our international involvements
program director of the Chicago
home ownership.
former faculty colleague at Seoul
since World War = should consider
Council on Foreign Relations.
One important byproduct of the new
National University, Deputy Prime
these recent events in South Korea.
WALL ST.J. :09-28-89
Korean Quotas
On Beef Declared
Unfair by the 53/185 U.S.
By EDUARDO LACHICA
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
WASHINGTON - The U.S. declared
South Korea's import quotas on beef to be
an unfair trade barrier but said it is defer-
ring retaliation until the ruling body of the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
completes its assessment of the Issue.
The U.S. announcement signaled a long-
delayed victory for the American Meat In-
stitute, a Washington-based trade body
representing U.S. meat packers and proc-
essors. The institute filed its complaint
against the quotas in February 1988, but
U.S. action was stalled by the separate
GATT investigation.
A GATT dispute-settlement panel ruled
in Washington's favor last summer, but
that decision won't be binding until the Ge-
neva-based body's highest authority, the
GATT Council, votes on it. Seoul several
times has blocked consideration of the is-
sue by the council, claiming that its unsta-
ble balance-of-payments condition justifies
the existence of the quotas.
The council is expected to take up the
issue at its next meeting Oct. 11. U.S. trade
officials said a favorable vote would
strengthen Washington's demands that the
quotas be scrapped. If Seoul still refuses to
cooperate, the Bush administration has the
authority to impose punitive duties on a
number of South Korean products.
After banning beef imports for more
than three years. South Korea set a quota
of 14,500 metric tons for the second half of
1988 and increased it to 39,000 metric tons
in 1989. The meat institute has charged
that these curbs are costing U.S. packers
several million dollars of potential sales.
U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills
said she is delayiung retaliatory action to
"allow additional time for the GATT pro-
cess." She warned, however, that the U.S.
will draw up a list of South Korean prod-
ucts to be subject to sanctions by mid-No-
vember "if substantial movement toward
resolution of the issue in the GATT has not
occurred by that time."
The statement clearly was intended to
caution Seoul against attempting to block
the council's action_again. U.S. trade law
allows Ambassador Hills to delay retalia-
tion for 180 days under certain circum-
stances.
10/09/89 20:30
202 357 4911
SACKLER FREER
02
100 KORBAN PROVERBS
100 KOREAN PROVIDES
A MONK CANT SHAVE HIS OWN
THE SKY IS HIGH AND THE HORSES
HEAD.
ARE FAT.
D
77
883
881
547
chung
I
che
mo
n
mot
gak
nun
to
of
ch'ón
ko
ma
monk
his
hair
can't cut
sky
high
horse
own
This adage means that even the most extraordi-
This saying is used to refer to autumn. It seems to
nary men must rely on others. Consider the Buddhist
be on all lips as the muggy summer weather gives
monk. Monks shave their heads to symbolize re-
way to autumnal days of clear air and blue skids.
nunclation of wordly ways. In devotion to religion
The phrase commonly appears in letters written In
and the ascetic life, monks are most extraordinary,
early fall. Some may find it strange to characterize
yet no monk can shave his own head. He must rely
the autumnal sky as "high," but the English terms
on other monks for this simple act, and they must
"blue sky" and "gray sky" can serve to distinguish
rely on him.
the relative height of the heavens.
There is a less obvious sense to this adage. It is
A related saying is "Autumn sky and fut borses."
extremely bad form in Korea personally to seek
This is a reference to the fierce Hsiung Nu tribes of
recognition, however deserved. A professor who is
central Asia whose practice was to mount raids Into
qualified for a certain honor would be churlish to
China in the autumn. Know as the "Huns" in the
appear interested in it. A colleague must shave his
West, these warlike tribes were renowned for their
head for him.
cavalry, or "fat horses" of conquest.
?
,
100 KOREAN PROVERUS
KOREAN
PROVERTS
TO BEGIN IS TO BE HALF DONE.
SPARK FROM HEART TO HEART.
D
4
124
86
1218
86
si
chak
i
pan
to
begin
01
hali
is
sim
chon
sim
from
heart
transmil
heart
This maxim may be the most common one of all.
Its sense is that half the battle Is in getting started.
Buddhism spread like wildfire after It was founded
Its popularity rests partly on its succinctness and the
in India. This expression originally was a Buddhist
appealing rhythm of its two sets of triple syliables.
term used to describe the phenomenal spread of The
Mostly, however, it is popular because it alludes to
Law after the death of Guatama, the historical
Buddha, in 483 B.C.
the universal human malady, procrastination.
Inertia hobbles most human undertakings. We
Today this saying can mean to communicate by
just do not get going on projects. Today, this maxim
the spirit, without need for complete verbal com-
is more appropriate than ever. Innate human pro-
munication. It is used, among other things, to
crastination has been worsened by the spell of televi.
characterize the spontaneous rapport and empathy
sion and by too much leisure time as well. More
that sometimes spark between two human beings,
than ever, getting started is half the Job.
especially in Korea where relationships tend to be
more intense than in the West.
10
"
10/09/89 20:30
202 357 4911
SACKLER FREER
03
100 KOREAN PROVERUS
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
THE DOG AT A VILLAGE SCHOOL
WILL BE WRITING POETRY WITHIN
HEARING 100 TIMES IS NOT LIKE
SEEING ONCE.
THREE YEARS.
11
to
lang
kas
sam
nyon
269
e
1404
47
235
1
384
village school dog three years In
It
pask
mun
pul
yó
Il
p'ung
woll
han
100
kyon
la
hear
not
like
one
wind and moon do
see
(compose poetry)
This proverb suggests that we should be slow to
This expression means that anyone eventually can
draw conclusions about situations with which we are
learn anything. It is used disparagingly, as when a
father chastises a son doing badly in school by
ing." not personally familiar. Its sense Is "seeing is know-
pointing out that even a dog can learn to compose
poetry In three years. And it is used sarcastically,
In the first century, a famous Chinese general
as In referring to a new congressman who Insists
was asked to journey to distant Tibet and put down
on delivering his maiden speech at the inaugural
a rebellion. The great soldier agreed to do what he
session of the House.
could and received a number of reports from people
who claimed to know the situation in the rebellious
Confucian classics were taught by rote memory in
area. Officials then asked the general what be would
the traditional village schools. The primary method
need to accomplish his mission. He said he bad no
of Instruction was the endless chanting of classic
Idea what he needed and, indeed, would not know
prose and poetry. With all the chanting going on, it
until he had personally surveyed the situation.
skills. was hard for the school dog not to hone his poetic
"Hearing a hundred times," the great captain
wrote, "is not like seeing once." His words literally
were proverbial.
34
31
100 KORBAN PROVERBS
100 KOREAN PROVERUS
SHRIMPS GET BROKEN BACKS IN A
GREAT TALENT TAKES TIME TO
WHALE FIGHT.
RIPEN.
HH
HD
DCC
X
ko
rae
ass
um
B
sae
u
tung
33
1559
960
347
whale
fight. in
shrimp
back
E/2/14
lae
kl
man
song
vessel,
late
complete
t'o chin is
large
dish
is broken
This adage expresses the universal notion that
The "large vessel" of this adage connotes:a great
small people and small nations suffer at the hands
man, a wonderful talent, or a striking succes. The
of the powerful. A maritime allusion is appropriate
modern sense of the saying is "success does not
in this Korean maxim, because the sea plays a key
come overnight." It Is often used to comfort those
role in the history of the peninsula.
who fail in an undertaking.
This saying most commonly is used in reference
This adage first appeared in the works of Lao-
to Korea's geopolitical situation. The Korean
tse, the father of Taoism, in the fourth century B.C.
peninsula lies at the confluence of Interests of four
Lao-tse used It to Illustrate that things appear the
great world powers. She shares borders with China
opposite of what they are. White looks dirty, great
and Russia. Japan is visible from Korean Islands.
virtue looks vile, and a large vessel looks incomplete.
The United States fought A war on the peninsula
Lao-tze meant that greatness decidedly is not in the
and remains A strategic reality to both political
eye of the beholder. The expression seldom has this
entities on the peninsula. In this geopolitical en-
meaning ist modern Korean.
vironment, tiny Korea suffers a perpetual backache.
33
"
10/09/89 20:31
202 357 4911
SACKLER FREER
04
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
SEE ONE AND KNOW TEN.
THE CONFUCIAN GENTLEMAN AND
THE SMALL MAN.
2/2
11
7
of
1
ha na rul
po myon
yol
ul
315
35
37
9
one
see, If
ten
11
2}
of
of
kun
often
ja
wa
so
In
ruler
and
small
person
an ta
The "kunja" is the Ideal Confucian man. He con-
know
trasts to the "small man" who ignores Confucian
virtues. The concept of the kunja Is alive and well in
This adage means to see a part and know the
Korea today.
whole, to observe a behavior and perceive the per-
sonality. It is used about someone of high in-
The kunja loves learning, the small man if defi-
telligence who makes complex inferences. Another
cient. The kunja exalts virtue, the small man does
proverb reverses the Image: "To know one and not
not recognize it. The kunja gives and expects loyal-
know two" means to be obtuse and inflexible.
ty, the small man is loyal to himself. Absorbed in
serving humanity, the kunja fails to prepare for his
The first novel written in hangul, the native Ko-
own retirement. The small man jokes that the kunja
rean alphabet, appeared some three centuries ago.
must sell jujubes to eke out & living In his old age.
The name of the antihero of the novel, Hong Kil-
The kunja is not ashamed to change his mind, the
tong, is used much as is "John Smith" to symbolize
small man will never admit error. The kunja avoids
the common man. A quote from the book may be a
expediency, the small man pursues personal profit.
source of this adage: "By the time Kil-tong was
The kunja observes ceremony, the small man accepts
eight, his intelligence was superior. He could hear
no restraints on behavior. The kunja shuns danger-
one and be versed in a hundred."
ous paths, the small man rushes in where wise men
fear to tread.
48
49
130 KOREAN PROVERBS
100 KORBAN PROVERBS
GET SLAPPED ON BELL STREET AND
WHERE THREE TRAVEL TOGETHER,
SCOWL AT THE HAN RIVER.
ONE WILL BE MY TEACHER.
1
chong ro
e
$0
byam
mat
ko
17
9
bell street
286
162
256
348
751
at
cheek
slapped, and
o]
of
&
han kang ka so
sam
In
having
p'll
hul
yu
a
nun
kin
sa
to
Han River go and
eyes scowl
three person go must be my teacher
This adage refers to the man who vents his anger
on innocent people either because he is boorish or
because he is cowardly and does not dare protest to
This suggests that all men can learn from each
the person who offended him.
other. The saying is attributed to Master Confucius
himself. The entire quotation is, "Where three travel
Bell Street is located Is downtown Seoul. The
together, one will be my teacher. Among the three,
Han River is located a few miles to the south. In
I will choose to emulate the good man and correct
former times, Bell Street was bordered by & royal
the man who is not good."
palace and upper class housing districts. By contrast,
the river was outside the walls of the old city and
The message of this adage is often ignored. There
was Inhabited by translents. This adage, therefore,
is something to be learned from all men. From
had the nuance of tamely accepting Indignities from
some, we can learn how to act. Others show us
those higher on the social scale and then venting
how not to act. Some people act as mirrors, re-
this anger on those lower on the scale. A parent
flecting in their actions examples of unworthy con-
who abuses his children is a good example. The
duct unnoticed in ourselves. Learning to correct
same sense is apparent in another proverb: "Get
slapped and go home and yell at your wife."
self-control. others, or teach them, requires skill, knowledge, and
18
39
This pau. isnor in
the sky
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
PAT ANY MAN AND DUST WILL FLY.
PAVILIONS IN THE SKY.
01
0+24
tol
O
so
mon
chi
+
an na
beat, pat and
dust
not rising
544
49
1496
1438
24
kong
chung
nu
kak
nún
$0 ram
opt to
sky
within
pavlion
person
is not
This saying is used about things which are sphem-
If you look closely enough, you can find weakness
eral or fantastic. It also refers to speech or writing
in everyone. No closet is free of a skeleton.
that is divorced from reality. To build pevillons in
the air is to espouse absurd Ideas or embark on fool-
Extended Page
4. 1
everyone must be tolerant. Confucianism, on the
sky to push for a reduction in taxes"
other hand, assumes that man Is perfectable, so
error must be corrected. These opposing notions
About a thousand years ago, a Chindse author
have given rise to a double standard. At the personal
described a city that was surrounded by the ocean
level, one is expected to make mistakes, to "be
in such R way that from a distance the pavilions of
human." Private errors are understood and easily
the city appeared to jus directly from the water into
forgiven. But once an indiscretion has become Dub-
the sky. Local residents called it the "City of the
lic knowledge. it is not easily expunged. In a sense,
Sea." Within a few centuries, the city's pecullar
the real sin is the public repudiation of the Ideal of
geography had given rise to a new usage. People
perfectability rather than original mistake itself. Pec-
who spoke or practiced absurdities were said to be
cadillos, however human, must remain private.
building "pavilions in the sky."
64
"
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
100 KOTEAN PROVERBS
EVEN THE DIAMOND MOUNTAINS
TIE TUFTS TO REPAY KINDNESS.
MUST BE SEEN ON A FULL STOMACH.
145
#
#
1158
851
1077
764
kum kang san to
sik
hu
kyong
metal hard. mountain, even eat, after view
kyol
ch'o
tie
po
un
(diamond)
grass
reward
kindess
This adage is used to promise to repay a favor,
This maxim suggests that basic human needs take
even if It takes this life and the next to do it.
precedence over beauty. The Diamond Mountain
Some 2,200 years ago, the father of a Chinese
range is the most compelling natural wonder on the
general died. Prior to his death, the father directed
Korean peninsula. For centuries the obseasing mys-
that his wife be burled alive with him, as was the
tery of the thousands of needle peaks has attracted
custom of the time. The general ignored this father's
poets, artists, and monks. Cycles of poems and
panels of paintings have been created in honor of its
order and found a new husband for his stepmother.
jagged beauty.
Later, the general's army faced a superior enemy
force, but before the battle began, an old man ap-
The Diamond Mountains are located along the
peared between the opposing armies and tied the
grasses of the area into a large number of tufls.
east coast of Korea just north of the 38th parallel in
what is now north Korea, Soldiers of the north and
When the enemy attacked, his horses shared their
south ominously confront each other in the shadows
feet on the tufts, overturning war chariots right and
of the range. South Koreans can't got near the
left, and ensuring victory for the general. That night
peaks, and north Koreans have limited access. The
the old man appeared to the general in a dream and
sorrow of mankind is not that beauty plays second
said he was the father of the woman the general had
not buried alive. The old man explained that he had
Fiddle to food, but that it runs a poor second to
the sword.
returned from the grave to repay a kindness. His ex-
ample is proverbial.
"
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
100 KOREAN PROVERDS
THE TERRIBLE CALLIGRAPER IS
WHAT CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED
CHOOSY ABOUT HIS BRUSHES.
WHEN THE MIND IS CONCENTRATED?
2
kul
mot
han
nom
put
1396 826 1 423
299 406 47 347
writing,
can't do
guy
brush
characters
THE
14
chong sin a to
ha $0 pul song
mind one reach what matter not accomplish
ko run to
This is said of various human situations, but it
select
amounts to an underlying assumption of Korean
society: nothing is Impossible. Many Korean school-
This proverb is used to characterize someone who
children want to be another Schweitzer or Einstein.
has neither ability nor knowledge but who pretends
Some study twenty hours a day to accomplish their
to be well versed. It can also be used about a person
goal.
who blames his tools for failure without compre-
hending his own ineptness.
This is a quotation from Chu-tzu. Korea is labeled
Dilettantes and sham artisans are as rife In Korea
a Confucian country, but in fact It is Neo-Confu-
R$ they are elsewhere, 80 there are many proverbs
clan, an English term for "Philosophy of Chu.
about this universal human failing. One adage is a
tzu," a twelfth century Chinese thinker who made
mirror image of the present saying: "The great calli-
fundamental changes in Confucianism. Kprea did
grapher isn't choosy about his brushes." This
not, as has been said, out-Confucian China, Korea
means, of course, that the accomplished man can
out-Chu-tzued China. Once the heavy hand of for-
work marvels with any material. "The skilled calli-
eign domination was lifted from Korea and the in-
grapher doesn't blame brush and An unskilled
dustrial revolution began to take hold, the cultural
chef blames the cutting board.' "The clumsy sha-
conviction that nothing is impossible played a cen-
man blames her drum."
tral role in building the "second miracle of Asia."
78
79
100 KORSAN PROVERBS
Extended Page
4. 2
JUST WATCH THE SHAMAN AND EAT
THE RICE CAKES.
IRON SKIN ON THE FACE.
É
70/4 47 70/4
1968
704
188
kut I na po ko dok I na mok chi
II
ch'ól
00 KOREAN PROVERBS
100 KORBAN PROVERUS
BEANS GROW WHERE BEANS ARE
PROFIT ALL MANKIND.
PLANTED, AND LIMAS WHERE LIMAS
ARE PLANTED.
54
1
R
160
819
9
1197
To 41 If
oT
ol
7}
k'ong sim un to k'ong na ko p'at
hong
lk
in
kan
broad
profit,
person
between
soybeans planted place soybeans sprout beans
extensive
advantage
mankind
41 IL 44
This quote from one of Korea's didest extant
books, Remnants of the Three Kingdoms, Is the
sim un to p'at nan to
reason for the creation of mankind and the founding
planted place beans sprout
of the ancient state of Chosun on the Korean pen-
This proverb means that everything occurs accord-
Insula in 2333 B.C. It remains a basic philosophy of
ing to established principles. A person should not be
Korean society.
surprised if he reaps what he has sown. Man cannot
violate the law of cause and effect person who
The Emperor of Heaven presented to his son, Son
aves regularly will accumulate money. while a man
of Heaven, the three Heavenly Scals and sent him to
who spende unstintingly will always be broke. A se-
rule the earth. Son of Heaven established a kingdom
condary meaning of the proverb is "like father, like
called City of the Gods on & mountain on the Ko-
son" or "like begets like."
rean peninsula. A bear and % tiger petitioned Son of
Heaven to become human, so he gave them magical
There is & strong practical strain in Korean socie-
mugwort and garlic and promised they would be-
ty, but there is also a hint of fatalism, a heritage of
come mortal If they stayed in a dark cave for a
the upwardly immobile society of pre-modern Ko-
hundred days. The tiger stole out of the cave before
rea. Similar proverbs are: "Only bamboo grows in a
the time was up, but the bear endured and became
bamboo grove." "Do soybeans grow in a cucumber
Ungnyo, bear woman. She and Son of Heaven bore
patch?"
a son, Tangun, the first Korean.
as
as
100 KORBAN PROVERIS
100 KOKKAN PROVERBS
A MAN WITH THREE DAUGHTERS CAN
SHEEP'S HEAD BUT DOG MEAT.
SLEEP WITH HIS DOOR OPEN.
701 XL 0/ml LE
or
V
to
Kd
272
1642
537
278
dal
set I myon mun of
yol
daughter three are If door
of
open
II
7
off
o
2tct
yang
to
ku
yuk
sheep
head
dog
meal
δ
no
ko
chen
la
keep
sleep
For all the differences in Eastern and Western cul-
ture, some things are universal. This proverb implies
This proverb means that appearances are deceiv-
that by the time a father underwrites weddings for
ing. It is used to denounce deception and hypocrisy.
three daughters, he will be a pauper. Such a father
It is an abbreviation for "Hang up a sheep's head
can sleep peacefully with his door open because no
but sell dog meat." A butcher shop that puts a
burgiar will bother to rob & penurious home. Tradi-
sheep's head on display and sells cheap dog meat as
tionally, marriage in Korea amounted to the house
If It were expensive mutton is deceiving its customers
of the groom gaining a daughter, and the house of
for profit.
the bride losing @ bundle. Modern Korea is more
advanced. Now the father of the bride loses two
One variation of this proverb is "Hang up a cow's
bundles.
head but sell horse meat." Another is "A sheep in a
tiger skin." This is similar to the English saying
"By the time you've married off three daugh-
about a wolf in sheep's clothing. The Asian proverb
ters," runs a variation, "the pillar of the family is in
means to deceive by putting a cheap old sheep inside
ruin." In pre-industrial Korea, the cost of raising
an expensive tiger skin. The Western saying means
daughters financially ruined more than one family
to conceal a fearsome wolf beneath the innocuous
and served as one reason for a cultural blas against
folds of a shoep skin. Both allude to deception but
daughters.
differ considerably in nuance.
92
93
05
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
DRAGON HEAD, SNAKE TAIL.
100 KOREAN PROVERBS
**
IIII
18
E
1629
1624
1017
331
SACKLER FREER
α|o
Nt
1
Il
yong
to
sa
mi
dragon
head
snake
tall
This alludes to the common human practice of
beginning a project with vigor but soon losing
interest. Westerners often find they "dragon head,
snake tail" New Year's resolutions by the end of
202 357 4911
January.
The marvelous Korean dragon was traditionally
viewed as a glorified snake. In the Oriental zodiac
cycle, for example, the Year of the Snake precedes
the year of the Dragon. Yong TM sa mi contradicts
the order of the cosmos but aptly highlights the
human condition.
10/09/89 20:33
Davis/Martin
Title: korea
Oct. 16, 1989
Draft: Two
DEPARTURE STATEMENT: PRESIDENT ROH TAE WOO, SOUTH PORTICO
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1:15 p.m.
There have been many high-level visits between Washington
and Seoul recently, proof that good relations are important to
both countries. But today it has been my special pleasure to
welcome President Roh ((No)) and his cabinet to Washington.
Mister President, I hope you Mrs. Roh have enjoyed your visit to
the White House as much as Barbara and I enjoyed our visit to the
Blue House last February.
This has been a busy day of discussions with President Roh
on a range of important bilateral, regional and multilateral
issues. We have confirmed that the governments and peoples of
the United States and the Republic of Korea are resolved to
promote and defend economic growth and democracy. Our
discussions have been intense and meaningful. And our
partnership has been strengthened.
Let no one doubt that the United States stands by its
commitment to maintain the peace and prevent the outbreak of
hostilities on the Peninsula. As I said in Seoul in February,
U.S. forces will remain as long as both governments and both
peoples believe it is in the interest of peace. And, of course,
our forces will remain as long as there is a threat from the
North.
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I understand that President Roh, when asked about the
American presence in South Korea generally, answered with a
colorful, American phrase: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Mister President, my sentiments exactly.
At the same time, our two nations aspire to lessened
tensions between North and South. This, and the creation of the
conditions that favor reunification, can only be the result of
the vision and tireless efforts of the Korean people.
The United States applauds President's Roh's creative
diplomacy, and supports his plan to create a Commonwealth between
North and South as a step toward reunification. President Roh's
unification formula is based on principles that we share --
independence, peace and democracy. It is my hope that the
resumption of other forms of inter-Korean dialogue will lead to
institutions that will serve as a basis for eventual
reunification.
But the division of Korea is merely a part of a great divide
between all the nations of the world. It is in the other half of
the world, the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, that momentous
change is underway. President Roh and I are of one mind in
dealing with this change. Simply put, we will seek to strengthen
security and peace by engaging the communist world in
constructive endeavor. President Roh's Nordpolitik -- a
diplomatic endeavor to reach out to communist countries in
Europe, as well as in Asia -- complements the policy of the
United States. Mister President, may I follow your practice and
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quote a few Korean sayings? World peace is not a pavilion in the
sky. If beans grow where beans are planted, then surely peace
will grow where peace is planted.
Just as South Korea is taking a leading role in diplomacy,
so has it also become a major economic force. South Korea is now
the world's tenth largest trading nation and America's seventh
largest trading partner. Korean workers and companies have
benefited from U.S. open markets. But American workers and
companies deserve equal access to Korean markets.
As I told the National Assembly in February, protectionism
offers a false prosperity. It may seem to be the easy way out,
but it is really the quickest way down. Trade -- free and fair -
- is the way up, for the consumers and the workers of both
nations. And that is why I am pleased to note the progress made
in the past few years in reducing trade barriers. We applaud
these moves and expect continued improvements on the trade front.
Last, but not least, President Roh and I today discussed the
dramatic changes occurring in Korean society and politics. Under
President Roh's leadership, the Republic of Korea has moved
toward greater democracy and respect for human and civil rights.
The history of my own nation suggests that such change is hard-
won. But our history also suggests that the struggle for
democracy is crucial to a nation's political, economic and moral
development.
President Roh, you have my highest respect and support for
your goals. I wish you well in your nation's efforts for
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continued peace, and the growth of democracy and prosperity in
your great Republic.
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