Tough to love: trials of a volunteer

By Shirley Han Ying

Thirty-nine-year-old Ron Fowler, an English teacher from the United States, has spent the last eight years in Korea focused on helping orphans. His critics, however, say he is also focused on himself, with one accusing him of being narcissistic and even delusional.

Fowler first came to Korea in 1985 as a U.S. serviceman. After he was discharged from the military in 1990, he returned to the United States to continue his studies, but was back in Korea three years later.

Fowler told The Korea Herald he started his volunteer work with an orphanage in the Gangnam area of Seoul. "These children obviously needed help."

And by chance, it was a hobby that inspired Fowler to begin raising awareness of the problems and provide the help that was so badly needed.

"A few years ago, I did a cross-country hike from Seoul to Busan. The local people loved the idea of a foreigner hiking across Korea. After that I started long-distance walking to raise awareness of the orphanage system." Fowler said.

But there was an unexpected side-effect. "When you start to raise awareness about the orphanage system, you begin to raise awareness about yourself. People began contacting me. They wanted to help. I started to become the contact point (between them and the orphanage)," said Fowler. Fowler established a volunteer network, Y-Heesun Volunteer Support Group, mainly consisting of English-speaking foreigners to visit orphans. With time, the group was regularly visiting some 20 orphanages in Korea.

The growth of the group also increased awareness of the orphanage system and the contribution volunteers could make. The group now has some 3,000 members on its e-mail list.

The term "orphan" in Korea doesn't only apply to children who have lost their parents in accidents. Divorce and financial difficulties have long been a major cause for children being placed in the orphanage system.

The orphanage system in Korea not only provides a refuge for children who have been abandoned or who have lost their parents, it is also a business that often provides a lucrative income for orphanage operators, foster services and adoption agencies.

Fowler has authored a plan to reduce the number of children in care and transform the orphanage system, which he claims is "profit oriented" from being dependent upon keeping children in the system to support money-making enterprises.

To ensure the best possible care for the children, Fowler also proposed a retirement plan for the operators of orphanages who were 60 years old or older. He told The Korea Herald that some orphanages were being run by people in their 80s and even 90s - obviously not a satisfactory situation.

"The key to keeping these children at home and to prevent them entering the system in the first place is to provide more options to the parent. A basic cost of living allowance, educational costs, financial and parental advisers as well as neighborhood 'babysitting' and other childcare programs should be implemented."

On his website, Fowler says: "Single parents might otherwise keep their children at home if their personal situations were slightly improved. In many cases children are taken to an orphanage with the promise of being returned home when the financial situation improves. However, very few of these children ever leave the orphanage because finances rarely increase and the cost of living most certainly increases." He added: "Reform means the number of the children in the system needs to be cut by at least 80 percent, that means increasing the number of adoptions within Korea, getting more families to keep the children at home. It means taking the children out of the system."

Through his work with the government, Fowler said the perception towards adoption in Korea has already begun to change. There are fewer children actually coming into the system, and more children are actually going home or finding new ones here in Korea.

However, Fowler told The Korea Herald that while some of his suggestions are being implemented, there has also been a downside related to his volunteer work and that not everyone is happy with his efforts. Fewer children in the system will hurt the bottom line of those who rely on the orphans for a living, and disappoint childless couples seeking to adopt.

"Many of the new policies about orphanages that have been initiated by the government were first suggested by me," Fowler said, "but although I have received no official credit, I am facing a backlash."

Fowler told the Korea Herald that he is being persecuted by certain government and private agencies that believe their interests have been hurt by his actions, and even said he has evidence that his computer and website have been hacked. Former volunteers and other individuals have attacked Fowler, accusing him of being a control freak who rejects any form of criticism. Fowler says his critics are not seeing the big picture.

The bottom line, according to Fowler, is that if his proposals for reform are successful then many people who are making money from these children, including orphanage operators and adoption agencies, are likely to be put out of business.

"One orphanage I worked with was willing to arrange private adoptions. And adopting privately saves people tens of thousands of dollars rather than going through the agencies," he said.

Some agencies who offer Korean children for adoption overseas charge as much as $100,000 in fees. Fowler said the vicious attacks on him seriously affected his relationship with the orphanage operator, but he is confident the relationship is durable and will endure.

The attacks on him and those close to him have had a negative impact on his volunteer work, he said. "What I want to do is just help the orphans in Korea, and I hope these people can leave me alone."



Pictures:
Left: Volunteer plays with a child at an orphanage. [Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]
Right: Ron Fowler [Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]

Finding hope in the midst of chaos

By Shirley Han Ying

"I think a lot of people, they don't understand the immensity of what's going on there (in Iraq). I don't think they understand how hard people are working to make a country," said Bob Hildreth, an English-language teacher who left the security of Seoul to teach mature students at Camp Slayer located in a former Iraqi government palace near Baghdad airport.

Bob had been teaching English in Korea since 1995. He is married to a Korean woman, Catherine, who is also an English teacher and hails from Busan. About four months ago, however, Bob made the decision to go and teach English in Iraq, leaving his wife and two dogs in Seoul.

In an interview with The Korea Herald, Bob's wife said: "I think I saw him struggling with this decision for more than two months. But I just gave him the full right to choose what he wants to do. Even though we're married, I can't stop my spouse doing what he wants to do or wants to be.

So I said if this is what you need to do, what makes you happy, you have to pursue it." Even with the strong support of his wife, it was still a tough choice for Bob to make. He said the first thing that attracted him to go to Iraq was the money, but what tipped the decision was the adventure.

"There was a training period based in the States. Just before we got on the plane to fly to Iraq, there was a colonel that came in. We've been training, we were so tired, but he said something that always stuck with me. He said, 'you guys are about to be part of history in the making. That's something that not many people ever get a chance to do in their life.' He said to enjoy that and take advantage of that," said Bob.

"On a daily basis," Bob said, "I drive pass Uday Hussein's former palace, I was in Al Faw Palace, and was able to sit in a throne Saddam Hussein used to sit in. I was in Baghdad when Hussein was sentenced. That was a moment I'll never forget. It was amazing to see these Iraqis just going 'Yes!' They were so excited. So yes, it was an adventure."

The size of the class Bob teaches on average is about 12 students, with ages ranging from 25 to 70 years old. The life experience of Iraqi students obviously is very different from the students in developed countries such as Korea. Bob hasn't stopped being amazed by the Iraqi students' motivation and dedication to study.

"The first day I was in class, I was calling the roll. I'm going, okay, name, name, and I get this one guy's name and I say his name. And one of the other students says, 'Oh sorry, professor, he's been kidnapped.' I was going, 'Hmmm... I've taught all over the world and never had a student kidnapped. I wonder if that is an excuse.'

Well, about a week and a half to two weeks later, this guy comes walking in with a cast, he got a cast up here because his leg has been broken and his foot has been broken by the insurgents that kidnapped him. His ribs, he has been tied to a ceiling fan, they beat his ribs and kidney so bad that they didn't think he's going to survive. So these are all wrapped up. He is on medication. He came in and grabbed my hand and pulled me next to him, kissed me on the cheek and said, 'Sorry, professor, I'm late, let's start.' These are the guys who we have got to make this work for," said Bob, his voice betraying his emotion.

Bob also said this particular Iraqi student would drive 170 kilometers and walk up three flights of stairs to come to class, and walk down three flights of stairs for a break, and then come back to finish class.

Bob continues: "They are risking their lives to be there. In the class, every Iraqi student I had will speak, they will talk. They don't have a problem with saying things."

Bob had another student who one day got a phone call in the morning during the class break. Then he hung up and stayed completely focused on the class. The student was completely on track and was doing the conversation drills and everything Bob asked him to do. As the class was about to finish, this student got another call and turned around and said something in Arabic. The other students told Bob that in the morning phone call, the student had been told that his 4-year-old niece had been kidnapped on the streets of Baghdad, and in the afternoon phone call, she was found, safe, unharmed.

"It's not about the fact that his niece is kidnapped, but the fact that this guy stays focused, this guy would not let that interfere (because) he knew he had a mission, he knew what he had to do and he was doing it. And 99.9 percent of Iraqis are that way."

Maybe it is just this kind of strong dedication makes some Iraqis lean toward extremism. Sectarian attacks continue in Baghdad despite the execution of Saddam Hussein. But Bob said he saw a turning point in the Iraqi people.

He told The Korea Herald: "I interviewed a 60-year-old Iraqi man. First question I asked him: 'Are you a Sunni or a Shiite?' He said, 'I'm Iraqi and I'm Muslim.' So I looked at another teacher with me, and he looked at me. 'Maybe you don't understand, I said are you a Sunni or Shiite?' He said, 'I'm Muslim.' To me this is where people begin to change. I have Sunni, Shiite and Christian all in my class. They are all best friends."

Bob is doing a six-day workweek, 10 hours a day. The security where Bob is staying is very tight. He told us that on a daily basis, he needed to go through three checkpoints to get to work and three or four depending on the day to get back his accommodation. The place he is living in, what he calls a hutch, is a 10-by-10 square inside a trailer. Outside, there are 15- or 20-foot solid concrete walls. Bob said despite the tough conditions he functions very well in Iraq.

According to Bob, there have been 14,000 students in the school because of what the multinational forces are doing. There are also four orphanages that they work with. There are three different medical centers staffed only by American doctors. The Korean military has built five highways where there was only desert before. They have also created 72 deep wells, six sewage systems, two village parks, 10 clinics, 49 schools and five town halls in Iraq.

"We are not in Baghdad for weapons of mass destruction. We either got lied to or got bad intelligence or whatever. The bottom line is now we are in there. We'd better finish that job because those people are depending on it. I'm not going to be the guy, the last guy going on an airplane and saying, 'My students are getting killed because we were too chicken to finish the job.' I'm not going to do that." By now, tears were welling in Bob's eyes.

His wife has been very supportive of his work in Iraq. "Every month I sent him cookies to share with his coworkers and students and everybody. I send him e-cards every morning. I think he is doing a great job there. I'm really proud of him. I tell him every day. It's like a big support, some one is thinking about him at home."

Bob plans to stay in Iraq for several years. He also suggested establishing an Iraqi-American Friendship Association. He said: "I want to see my students get up on their feet and be successful. I want see the violence that is happening stop. I want see something finished that I started."


Visit http://findthegood.blogspot.com/ for more information about Bob's life and work in Iraq. - Ed.

Pictures:
Left: Bob Hildreth and wife Catherine [Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]
Right: Football in Iraq [Courtesy of Bob Hildreth]

Panama Canal expansion offers greater opportunities

By Shirley Han Ying

The Panamanian congress recently approved a $5 billion plan to widen the Panama Canal. In a national referendum on the Panama Canal expansion in October, 78 percent of the electorate voted for expansion.

The details and background to the plan were revealed to journalists at a small and informal get together at the home of Panamanian Ambassador Daniel Abrego Echeverria.

Opened in 1914, the Panama Canal provides access to 140 maritime routes with destinations in over 80 countries, directly participating in 5 percent of world trade. However it can only handle ships carrying up to 4,000 containers, known as Panamax vessels.

According to the Fairplay Ship Register, an estimated 600 vessels are larger than Panamax limitations, amounting to approximately 10% of the world's active mercantile fleet.

To increase the Canal's capacity and capture more of the growing tonnage that demands an increased level of service, and maintain it's competitiveness as a shipping route, the project will create an entirely new lane of transit along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks.

The ambassador's son, Daniel Abrego Davila, CEO of the Regional Office for Asia Pacific of ADIMEX Holdings, talked journalists through the plan with a detailed multi-media presentation, although he was frequently interrupted by questions concerning the feasibility of the project in addition to queries addressing life in Panama, in keeping with the informal nature of the gathering.

One lock complex will be located on the Pacific side to the southwest of the existing Miraflores Locks. The other complex will be located to the east of the existing Gatun Locks. The construction is expected to be completed by 2015 and the expansion will double canal capacity.

With the Panama Canal's main advantage - its geographical location - plus a friendly investment environment, the project has already attracted the attention of construction companies from China and Japan.

The project offers great opportunities for investors, Davila said. "The economic benefits of the expansion will not only come from direct income generated by the waterway, but also from the entire range of services and interrelated activities, which includes ports, logistics services, Colon Duty Free Zone economic activity, tourism, the airport and merchant marine service, legal and financial services, insurance services and telecommunications."

Panama is also rich in hydroelectric energy sources. Currently, the country has 12 hydroelectric projects under development, which will represent an investment of $680 million over the next few years. "There are still more than eight potential sites that haven't been developed and are waiting for concession requests," Davila said.

There are also two possible gas routes from Panama to Costa Rica, and two possible routes for a gas pipeline from Colombia to Panama.

Located along the Panama Canal, the land and facilities at Panama's Pacifico Special Economic Area (formerly the U.S. Howard Air Force Base) have an outstanding potential for business.

These areas comprise a total of 360,000 acres of prime quality real estate most of which are available to private investors for the next four years.

A pleasant evening of cheese, wine and power-point finished with a lively discussion about all things Panamanian, and a number of off topic subjects, including the ambassador's fondness for large motorcycles!



Pictures: Part of Panama Cannel (Courtesy Panama Embassy to Seoul)

Can the ceasefire hold in the Holy Land?

By Shirley Han Ying

Yet another Israeli/Palestinian ceasefire in Gaza went into effect last month. Palestinian armed factions agreed to stop their military activity and reinstate a truce reached in Egypt last year, while Israel in turn has agreed to halt military operations in the coastal strip. Given the fact that ceasefires between Israel and the Palestinians have come and gone in the past, will this latest one hold, and will it bring new hopes to the peace process in the Middle East?

“This is a very (fragile) ceasefire,” Israeli Ambassador to Seoul Yigal Caspi said in an interview with The Korea Herald, “In a way, I see it more as both sides are holding their fire. But there are some factions among the Palestinians that continue to shoot rockets. It’s true they are falling in remote areas in the desert. The Israeli government says we are willing to absolve them and do nothing, because we prefer that the ceasefire will continue, maybe there will be something like a momentum building that we could keep it.”

The latest ceasefire came after a telephone call from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. According to Olmert spokeswoman Miri Eisin, Abbas said in the telephone call that he had arrived at an agreement with all Palestinian factions to stop all violence against Israel from Gaza.

Ambassador Caspi told The Korea Herald, “I think that after one year of violence, the Palestinians, including Hamas, understand that it’s impossible to continue the violence. They suffered as much as we suffered, and they suffered much more in the deterioration of their economy. Also at a certain point there will be an election and the people will remember who caused this damage. So I think they understood they had to do something to quiet down this situation. And this is what happened.” He added, “There are a lot of things behind the scenes which we don’t know. So the only thing we can do is pray is that this will continue. The Palestinians will understand that to reach the next stage we have to use political negotiation, because violence will lead to nothing. Israel never accepted to make a compromise under pressure of violence. We can always compromise in fair negotiations. We are really hopeful, but we are very cautious.”

Meanwhile, the recent demonstrations in Beirut by Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group with a strong presence in the southern part of Lebanon, could lead to a civil war or a new government that is close to Iran and Syria. Neither of the consequences will be in favor of Israel.

Ambassador Caspi said, “If the Hezbollah continue their demonstrations - but keep it to demonstrations, we see demonstrations in Seoul everyday - then it is acceptable in a democracy. Our only interest in Lebanon is to keep the border quiet. Keep the Hezbollah far from the boundary, from the border, not to have any friction with them. We don’t want to fight Lebanon. We have the border with Lebanon. So we only wish Lebanon to pass the crisis peacefully and together we can go to the next phase.”

Intense fighting did break out, however, in July of 2006. More than a thousand civilians were killed and nearly six thousand were injured during the war, mostly on the Lebanese side. Israel’s conduct in the war has been criticized by international and respected human rights group.

Ambassador Caspi responded the criticism by saying he thought the criticism was unjust, “I think a lot of the criticism was about our alleged disproportionate use of force. However, I think the majority of the country recognized our right to act as we did to the attack by the Hezbollah. It was an unprovoked attack by Hezbollah. They went into Israel, kidnapped two soldiers and took them. And then for one month, almost one month, they showered Israel with more than 100 rockets a day, hitting Israeli civilians. I don’t know any other government who would act differently. So I know there was criticism, but we believe that we were just and we did the right thing. We believe that after a certain amount of time the criticism will disappear.”

Former US president Jimmy Carter, who brokered the first ever peace agreement between Israel and an Arab country, Egypt, has recently published a book highly critical of Israel and its policies towards the Palestinians. Ambassador Caspi has not read the book, but had some strong opinions on the contents which have received wide publicity.

“About four years ago, Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon came to the public and said ‘I want a two states solution, Israeli state, Palestinian state, side by side.’ You would expect the Palestinians who didn’t have any state in the past to jump on his proposal, ‘Okay! Let’s talk!’ however, what we saw was constant violence between Israelis and Palestinians since the year 2000.”

He added, “I know Israel is not completely we make mistakesw" we did things that might have been done differently. But you cannot accuse Israel or Israeli leaders of not offering the hand of peace. It was Prime Minister Begin who signed the peace with Egypt, Prime Minister Rabin recognized the PLO, and Prime Minister Sharon who said I am willing to have a two states solution. Even Prime Minister Olmert said he was following that. He said for peace he was very willing to be forthcoming in compromise. So we are really waiting for them to make the bold move on that.”

Moving on to the current situation in Iraq, Caspi said, “We would like a stable Iraq, it is now a mess. But it is the people of Iraq who should do the job of resolving it. People from outside can’t come in and tell them what to do, they have to do it themselves, the different sects have to do it otherwise they will disintegrate and they only have themselves to blame.”

Caspi said the only way forward is for people to learn to live with each other, “We hope they will come to their senses and realize that their future is living together, neither one of these different communities will disappear. Neither will evaporate, they have to live together in this big country. The same as we do in Israel. There are 5.5 million Jews and 1 million Arabs and we live together. Because we realized that if you don’t live together you kill each other.”

Iran is also once again becoming the focus of attention in the region with Teheran’s defiant stand on its right to a nuclear energy program which many fear will lead to Iran developing nuclear weapons.

Israel has long been assumed to have its own nuclear arsenal - and this was further reinforced by remarks made earlier this month by Prime Minister Olmert. Israel’s alleged possession of a nuclear capability has often been cited as a excuse by other countries in the region for their interest in acquiring nuclear weapons.

The Korea Herald asked the ambassador if Israel’s perceived possession of weapons of mass destruction made it more difficult, if not impossible, for the international community to force countries such as Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions?

“Israel’s policy on this issue is very clear and it has never changed,” Caspi told The Korea Herald, apparently denying claims that Israel possessed any nuclear deterrent, “Israel will not be the first country to introduce nuclear weapons to the Middle East.”

Israel, the ambassador said, supports the ideas and proposals for a nuclear free Middle East, if they include all the countries in the region, including Iran, and if the verification and inspection methods are acceptable to Israel.

“Israel has never threatened to use nuclear weapons, and has never threatened to wipe any country from the map,” he said.

“This is the total opposite behavior of Iran, which is making efforts to acquire nuclear capabilities. At every possible opportunity, their leaders declare their wish to eliminate Israel from the map, deny the Holocaust, and support terror organizations that are fighting Israel, such as Hezbollah and Hamas.”

Ambassador Caspi said Israel has no fight or territorial disputes with Iran. “We fail to understand why we can have peace treaties with Arab countries like Egypt and Jordan, and agreements with the Palestinians, while at the same time, Iran continues to threaten us.”



Picture: Israeli Ambassador to Seoul Yigal Caspi

Honduran envoy strengthens economic ties with Korea

By Shirley Han Ying

The Central American country of Honduras opened its first commercial trade office in Korea in September to improve economic ties between the two countries. With its own free trade agreement signed with the United States, Honduras opens many opportunities to investors all over the world.

Honduran Ambassador to Seoul Rene Francisco Umana said: "So far, Korean investment in Honduras has been over $500 million. Honduras is the No. 1 exporter of textiles to the United States from Central America, and is placed third in the world in textile exports to the United States. Korean textile companies can see an opportunity here for entering the U.S. market."

The opportunities in Honduras are not only limited to the textile industry. Luxury accessories for some of the world's leading automakers, such as BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche, are produced in Honduras. In addition, Honduras is also exploring business opportunities in the electronics industry.

"We now want to promote the electronic industry, the IT industry," Umana said, adding that they are well placed to distribute these kinds of goods to Central American countries, South America, and possibly even the United States. The first Honduran company, IMSA ARGO, entered the South Korean market earlier this year, and was also the first Central American company to gain a foothold in South Korea, according to Umana. With its local partner, Korea Express, a joint venture was established in Gwangyang Port to provide logistics services.

"We established a sister relationship between Gwangyang Port and Port Puerto Cortes which is the main port in Central America. Honduras has the best port facilities in Central America," he said. "I was so glad when I knew these people came to establish a company in Korea. It's a good beginning."

The Honduran Embassy in Seoul was opened in 1990. About 16 years later South Korea is ready to open its embassy in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. The opening was originally scheduled for October this year, but it has been postponed to the end of January or the beginning of February 2007, following the election of Korea's minister of foreign affairs and trade, Ban Ki-moon, to the post of U.N. secretary-general.

Umana said: "To open the embassy in Honduras is a priority because of the number of Korean companies in Honduras. The Korean investors and Korean people living in Honduras will feel protected. In the past we have been doing things through the Embassy of Korea in Guatemala."

But Umana said it's still not the same as doing business through an embassy in your own country.

"With the Korean embassy in our country, the cooperation, communication between the two countries, the political relations and the economic relations, everything will easier and faster. For four years I have been working on that, finally I got it."

According to Ambassador Umana, President Manuel Zelaya Rosales of Honduras is planning to pay a state visit to Seoul in March 2007.



picture:
Honduran Ambassador to Seoul Rene Francisco Umana [Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]

Koreans awarded Czech Silver Medals

By Shirley Han Ying

The Czech government awarded Silver Medals to three Koreans in recognition of their contributions in improving mutual knowledge of the two nations, and widening and enriching their relations.

Kang Wha-ja, president of the Beseto Opera, Kim Kyung-ock, a translator of Czech literature, and Shin Hyun-hun, CEO of Vertigo Publishers, received their medals at an award ceremony and cocktail reception at the residence of Czech Ambassador to Seoul Tomas Smetanka on Dec. 8.

The Silver Medal, which is handed out at the end of every year, acknowledges activities that promote the Czech Republic and its culture in the Republic of Korea. This year, opera, book translation and publishing were selected as areas of cultural interaction between the Czech Republic and Korea that deserve special appreciation.

Kang Wha-ja initiated a fruitful cooperation between Seoul-based Beseto Opera and the State Opera of Prague that has resulted, so far, in joint productions of "Carmen" and "The Magic Flute" with Korean and Czech soloists, staged both in Prague and Seoul between 2004 and 2006.

Kim Kyung-ock translated the novel "Closely Watch Trains" by Czech author Bohumil Hrabal into Korean. The book was published this year by Shin Hyun-hun, CEO of Vertigo Publishers. Korean readers will be able to learn about one of the masterpieces of Czech literature.

Ambassador Smetanka said: "Besides my personal satisfaction, he (Shin Hyun-hun) has chosen one of my favorite authors. He deserves appreciation for the courage to add a drop of Czech literature into the ocean of the Korean book market."

The ambassador also hoped that this year's gathering to appreciate the individuals who recently made outstanding contributions to Czech-Korean cultural ties would develop into a tradition.

Last year, the Silver Medals were given to Korean actors Jeon Do-youn, Kim Ju-hyeok, Yoon Se-ah and other principal makers of the popular TV drama "Lovers in Prague."



picture:
Czech ambassador to Seoul Tomas Smetanka (right) presented Czech Silver Medals to Kang Wha-ja (second from right), president of Beseto Opera, Kim Kyung-ock (second from left), translator of the Czech literature, and Shin Hyun-hun (left), CEO of the Vertigo Publishers.
[Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]

Jewelry for men

By Shirley Han Ying

Most of people think the world of "jewelry" is exclusive to women, but men today are expressing the same desire to express their identity through accessories. Men's jewelry has become an irresistible force and is capturing a growing percentage of the fashion market.

Lisa Vershbow, wife of the U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, a professional jewelry designer and metalsmith, was invited to take part in a ten day "Jewelry for Men" exhibition at the Lock Museum in Seoul. Lisa Vershbow showcased her latest works, a metal briefcase, a pair of matching cufflinks, and a tuxedo set made of pure silver and aluminum - with her husband acting as the model.

Starting on Dec. 1, the exhibition has showcased works from 78 artists and designers, including students from Kookmin University's metalsmithing department and professional designers. Each artist was asked to create three objects that can be worn by men, and to provide his/her own model.

During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Vershbow told The Korea Herald he likes his wife's designs very much. "I've never carried a briefcase that she made before," he said, "so far I have limited myself to cufflinks and belt buckles. It certainly holds a lot, has a high capacity, but is maybe a little too radical for a diplomat. "

Lisa Vershbow said, "It was a challenge that the museum gave us ... please give us something could be worn by a man. Before I made cufflinks for him, but never made anything big like this."

She also added that her jewelry-designing career has given her tremendous satisfaction.

"I enjoy doing it very much. It's great to be able to share with other people like this. This is one of the most exciting exhibitions I have ever taken part in."




Picture:
U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow (left) modeling a medal briefcase designed by his wife Lisa Vershbow (right). Mrs Vershbow is also carrying a purse that matches her husband’s briefcase.
[Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]

Russia honors two LG CEOs

By Shirley Han Ying

Russian President V.V. Putin recently bestowed one of the country's highest state awards, the "Order of Friendship" on two representatives of Korean companies, Kim Ssang-soo, vice chairman and CEO of the LG Electronics, and Keum Byung-joo, president and CEO of LG International Corporation.

The awards were presented by the Russian ambassador Gleb A. Ivashentsov on behalf of his country at the Russian Embassy on Dec. 1.

Ambassador Ivashentsov said in his opening speech, "The LG Group and the CEOs of its two leading companies are among the pioneers of Russian-Korean trade and economic cooperation. Kim Ssang-soo was one of the initiators of LG Electronics entering the Russian market, thus having made the life of millions of Russian families more comfortable. But there is more to it than that. He has personally contributed to the company's decision to start a full scale enterprise in the Ruza district of the Moscow region with an investment of over $100 million. The project as created over 2.5 thousand jobs for the people of Russia."

While LG Electronics was promoting South Korean household and electronic products in Russia, LG International has been promoting Russia's aviation business in South Korea.

"Keum Byung-joo was among the promoters of Russian aircraft imports to the Republic of Korea. Over 50 civilian helicopters and 23 training aircraft were delivered to different agencies in South Korea through his personal endeavor. Aiming at broadening imports from Russia, the company has used its resources to build an Aviation Service Center capable of basic repairs of helicopters and airplanes with the participation of Russian experts, " said Ivashentsov.

Established in 1994 by the President of the Russian Federation, the "Order of Friendship" is one of the highest Russian civilian awards, and the highest award that can be presented to a non-citizen.

Keum Byung-joo expressed his personal feelings about receiving this honor, "This is not simply my award, it belongs to my staff. This is about bilateral cooperation between the two countries. I feel very happy to receive this award from the Russian government."

Ambassador Ivashentsov also said the relationship between Russia and South Korea is "steadily rising to the level of a comprehensive and trustful partnership." He said, "Such relations are based not only on similarities in our vision of the modern world, but more importantly, on a great number of projects which are put into practice jointly by Russians and Koreans. I hope other leading business groups of Korea will follow the LG example in working with their Russian partners."



Picture:
Russian ambassador Gleb A. Ivashentsov (left) toasts the two winners of the “Orders of Friendship” Kim Ssang-soo (center), vice chairman and CEO of the LG Electronics, and Keum Byung-joo (right), president and CEO of the LG International Corporation.
[Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]

Ambassadors hit the right note

By Shirley Han Ying

While everyone is familiar with popular entertainers becoming good-will ambassadors of one sort or another to promote humanitarian causes, a brave group of real ambassadors to Korea have stepped out of the box to explore their talent as entertainers.

Established in 2002, "The Singing Ambassadors" is a choral group which has brought together an eclectic group of 27 ambassadors who are very vocal in their efforts to promote "harmony" among nations. Last weekend the group again stepped out onto the stage to perform during the annual Busan Choral Festival.

Dho Young-shim, chairperson of the Korea Choral Institute, who is also ambassador of Tourism and Sports of Korea, is the founder of "The Singing Ambassadors" choral group. She told The Korea Herald that the whole idea of the singing ambassadors came up during the Busan Choir Olympics in 2002.

"At that time, about ten thousand choral singers from all around the world came to Busan. The ambassadors wanted to congratulate them, but we can't have 20 ambassadors making a speech. So, why don't we get them to sing? Since then, we have been here every year. This is the fifth year already. We always think that being an ambassador is a serious job, talking about politics and diplomacy. But they are singing now, and become part of the festival," said Dho. The 16 ambassadors who participated in this year's performance came from Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Finland, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Romania, the Republic of Serbia, Slovakia and Tunisia.

Professional pianist and vocalist Naomi Al-Midhadi, wife of Qatari Ambassador to Seoul Ahmed Al-Midhadi was invited to be the conductor and pianist for "The Singing Ambassadors" this year. The award winning musician stepped in after the originally scheduled conductor Delfin Colome, ambassador of Spain, could not make it.

Dho added that there is no doubt that choral music, as a symbol of harmony and moderation, can be used to help build mutual understanding between diverse cultures and serve to build a lasting world peace.

The Bulgarian ambassador, Alexander Savov said, "Since we were very busy, we didn't have much time to do rehearsals. We only had four rehearsals in total. One in Seoul, one on the train to Busan, one at the hotel, and the final dress rehearsal on the stage. That's all."

Though with limited time for practice, their rendition of the Beatles classic "Yesterday" and a well-known Korean song "In the Flower Garden," was well received by the audience, along with the other the participating choirs from 11 countries and regions, including China, Japan, Philippines, and Russia. Valeriu Arteni, the Ambassador from Romania said the Busan trip had brought great joy to many people, "I think it's a very nice opportunity to interact with the local culture. I appreciate very much the initiative of Mrs. Dho, laying the foundation for the choir of ambassadors, at unique choir of its kind in the world. I think this choir is a very good instrument of promoting Korean culture and civilization, and promoting friendship between Korea and other countries.

"At the same time, it also promotes the friendship between all the countries, the representatives in the choir, because the choir is a place where ambassadors from different countries can get together in a more informal way."

Arteni added. "Actually we are very busy. The singing is a way of escaping the daily routine and reducing our daily stress. As you've noticed, we are not professionals in terms of singing, but the idea is to get the ambassadors all together. The actual music performance is not that important. We also have lots of other chances to visit Busan, but coming together with other ambassadors is more joyful. We had a very unforgettable weekend with the great hospitality of our friends in Busan."

Hur Nam-sik, Mayor of Busan attended the award ceremony and hosted a lunch for the ambassadors to express his appreciation of their support.

Hur said, "Busan has hosted many international events, including the 2002 World Cup Games and the Asian Games, and the 2005 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. It is a city open to the world in which international businesses, talent come and work for together through fair competition. We will continue expanding cooperative ties with cities around the world and seek ways to achieve mutual development. I look forward to working with the ambassadors to develop the Busan International Choral Festival into a world festival enjoyed by all people around the world. "

"The Singing Ambassadors" returned to Seoul the following day after an early morning round of golf and a visit to Chungnyeolsa (Shrine) in Busan.

The wives of the ambassadors, who came along to support their husbands - according to reliable sources who shall remain nameless (Mrs. Dho) - actually demonstrated rather more talent in choral singing. Maybe we will be lucky to have "The Singing Mrs Ambassadors" as well in the coming year, said the reliable source.



Pictures:

"The Singing Ambassadors" perform at the awards ceremony of the 2006 Choral Festival in Busan on Nov. 18. [Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]

Slovak Ambassador Pavel Hrmo watches his tee shot on the 10th during an early morning round of golf in the following morning after the Busan Choral Festival. [Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald]

Mixed reactions to nuclear test

By Shirley Han Ying

When air-raid sirens sounded throughout Seoul last month for the regularly scheduled Civil Defense Drill, more than a few hearts skipped a beat. Given the developments on the Korean Peninsula, that wasn't surprising. But a quick check of the time, 2 p.m., and heartbeats quickly slowed and people got back to life as normal. Normal that is, for a country that is still technically at war with the world's latest nuclear armed state.

We frequently hear what the political leaders think about the situation and how it has unfolded in the six weeks since the nuclear test, but what about the people on the street, in the community. What have they got to say?

About 80 percent of the people approached by this reporter said despite the political tensions, they were not actually personally nervous that the situation would deteriorate into another armed conflict on the peninsula. Most of them were confident that the issue would eventually be resolved peacefully, but were fairly evenly split on how the government and international community should go about it.

Lee, 52, was out pounding the pavements of the Korean capital looking for a job. He said the North Korea nuclear issue is a very serious problem and suggested the Seoul government cut off all business ties with the North immediately. "Some businesses dealing with North Korea having been giving them cash and then they cause this trouble," he said. "You can't give them cash. No more cash."

He also criticized the current government and the ruling Uri Party, saying they do not have enough experience to deal with North Korea.

Lee said: "They are too soft. The government needs to be changed. The Grand National Party should take over. Power is very important to control North Korea, not just talks."

Ehune, a 24-year old PR officer, and Kang, a 29-year old bar owner expressed similar sentiments. Ehune said: "At this point, I don't think talks and trade are working or are necessary any more."

Kang explained her point by saying, "I'm a little nervous about the situation, because North Korea may go crazy, and you never know.

"We should stop providing aid to North Korea. Because they (the North Korean government) are not using the food to feed the regular people, they are using it to develop weapons instead."

Kang also said she is not a supporter of reunification. "Lots of South Koreans, including me, do not support unification. If lots of people came down to the South looking for a better life, I don't think South Korea could handle it," she said. "We don't have enough money to cover the North."

As in the country's National Assembly, opinion is divided on how to deal with the North. An almost equal proportion of South Koreans believe they should continue with engagement, the so-called Sunshine Policy began by former President Kim Dae-jung.

Broadcast news intern Park, 29, said, "I agree with what Jimmy Carter said about consistency of U.S. and South Korean policy with North Korea. The 1994 agreement brokered by President Bill Clinton helped us avoid a military conflict. If we had continued that policy the situation wouldn't be so bad now."

Twenty-five-year-old Kim H., a financial intern, and Hong, 48, a chief financial officer said South Korea should continue talks and trade with the North.

Kim H. said: "I think we should still continue to trade and help the life of regular people in North Korea, not cut ties because of the nuclear test which was done by the Kim Jong-il government. We should keep doing what we were doing before."

Hong added, "I'm really expecting the eventual unification of the two sides. But I don't think the U.S., Japan and China want the unification of the Korean Peninsula. Korea is in a very special position. Both the U.S. and China want to maintain influence on the peninsula."

Regarding U.N. sanctions, Kang said, "I don't think the sanctions are strong enough. The U.N. should push North Korea more to stop their nuclear tests. Kim Jong-il knows he doesn't have enough power to fight with the U.S., South Korea and Japan. He is not stupid."

Hong and Lim H.Y., a 35-year-old tour agent disagree. "Dialogue is a way to achieve the unification, not the sanctions. The U.N. should not press North Korea too hard. They should give North Korea time to come back to the table and hold talks. The U.S. should be more flexible. "



Picture: The Korea Herald

Knowledge Channel brightens future in the Philippines

By Shirley Han Ying

Using television as an educational medium is a long-established principle in the West, but it is still a relatively unexplored concept in many less-developed countries around the world.

Rina Lopez-Bautista, founder and president of the Knowledge Channel Foundation, recently hosted a presentation at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to share her experience in developing educational programs in the Philippines.

Lopez-Bautista told The Korea Herald that the educational system in the Philippines was in a crisis. Poverty, ignorance, and corruption were depriving millions of Filipinos of the opportunity to improve their quality of life. Only $2 billion a year is allocated for the national educational budget, which means each child only gets $130 worth of education a year.

Facing this harsh reality, Lopez-Bautista began her Knowledge Channel in 1999 as a nonprofit foundation to provide educational programs to public schools as a teaching aid.

"I used to work for a cable company. I wanted to do something to help the country. Seeing the resources that we had with the cable company and our sister company which is a broadcasting network, we established the educational channel to supplement the public school system. I have children too. As a mother, you always want to give them the best education, the best life," said Lopez-Bautista.

The channel went on the air in November 1999, providing free access for public schools via cable and satellite TV. The channel so far reaches an audience of 2.7 million public school students in 1,650 public schools, and over 6 million household viewers.

Lopez-Bautista said: "According to our study section, the programs on the Knowledge Channel have increased retention and comprehension levels by 25 percent. There is one principal from a remote island school who said their national achievement test scores have increased by 107 percent from a 33 percent passing rate."

On the other hand, she said, the channel also serves as a catalyst for the community to become more involved in their children's education. When the community gets involved, magic happens. "The channel brings the community together," she said.

The channel has a 14-hour curriculum block for public school students and teachers, and includes subjects such as mathematics, science and English. Another four-hour noncurriculum section on culture and history, environment, life skills and business skills, is also broadcast for general cable viewers.

Lopez-Bautista said the response from students, schools and parents was very positive. For the students, they remember their lessons better through the live pictures and they participate better in classroom discussions. In English studies, students learn standard pronunciations with native speakers on TV. The most difficult words to them become easier.

"Teachers consider the channel a big help to them and their students. The Knowledge Channel is one of the teacher's instructional aids. The programs enrich the teacher's reference and teaching material.

"We also distribute calendar guides and teacher's guides and conduct workshops for teachers. So far more than 7,800 teachers have been trained how to use the programs more efficiently. In the home, many mothers I've spoken to said that they make their children watch the channel because it's something they can learn from. And it turned out that the parents sit down with their children to watch the channel together," Lopez-Bautista added.

There are still 40,000 public schools in the Philippines, however, that do not have access to the Knowledge Channel. In some regions, people see graffiti on school walls saying, "Guns are my toys, war is my game."

Lopez-Bautista said: "The biggest challenge for us is how to reach more schools and more individuals, especially in the remote areas. Education is the best weapon against poverty. With donations and help worldwide, I believe our channel will continuously expand and provide a better service for students."



Picture:
Rina Lopez-Bautista, founder and president of the Knowledge Channel Foundation (KCFI), was hosting a presentation at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to share her experience in developing educational programs in the Philippines.
Shirley Han Ying/The Korea Herald

Ex-Assembly speaker Lee receives Hungarian award

By Shirley Han Ying

Lee Man-sup, former speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, was awarded the medal of Hero of Freedom by the Hungarian government on the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution this year.

The award was in recognition of his efforts in the independence movement of the former communist state.

The medal was presented to Lee by Hungarian Ambassador Istvan Tozsa on behalf of his government at a reception to mark Hungarian National Day on Oct. 23.

The revolution against the then communist government and its Soviet-imposed policies erupted on Oct. 23 and lasted until Nov. 4, 1956. Lee, a college student at that time, organized a student volunteer group and tried to go to Budapest to fight for Hungary's independence.

"My friends and I went to the office of the former minister of national defense, Kim Yong-woo, to covey our message to him. After listening to our request, defense authorities tried to persuade us to give up the plan, saying that they fully understood our cause but it was impossible to put it into practice because of international norms," said Lee.

At that time there were seven other students who stood with Lee, including Kim Gak, a former journalist with The Korea Herald, Nam Hong-woo, a former ambassador, Kim Sun-ha, a Korean-American businessman, Yoo Jay-kun, a member of the Korean Parliament, Cho Deok-haeng, and Sohn Young-tae.

Though the student volunteer group didn't manage to go to Hungary, the Hungarian government still appreciated their initiative. In March 2002, when Lee paid an official visit to Hungary, he also received Hungary's highest medal, the Grand Cross of Order, from Hungarian President Ferenc Madl.

Tozsa said, "Lee didn't go to Hungary because there wasn't enough time. The revolution lasted 12 days. In 1956 traveling from Korea to Hungary in 12 days, I believe it was practically impossible. But we do appreciate the intention, and it was just three years after the Korean War, where a lot of Koreans died."

Ambassador Tozsa considered the medals symbolic appreciation from the Hungarian people.

"In 1956 there was a possibility of a third world war. Hungary was a member of the Warsaw Pact. Nobody knew if something more serious might happen in Hungary, what the reaction would be from Soviet Union and the NATO side.

"After the revolution, about 20,000 were jailed, more than 200 were executed, and more than 200,000 Hungarians left the country for the West. It was definitely risky for those young Korean students who wanted to go to Hungary.

"It's very good to know that we have friends like Lee. This medal symbolizes the Hungarian nation's thanks to those people who were even ready to risk their life for our freedom."

Lee also expressed regrets for not accomplishing his plan.

"We only succeeded in arousing public opinion about the Hungarian people's struggle against the former Soviet Union. We failed to go to the country to fight with the Hungarian people, but the Hungarian government still gave me this great honor.

"Unlike the other medals I received before, I will cherish these two medals as the most valuable things of all and keep the spirit of the medals in my heart forever. This award will serve as a new opportunity to further promote the relationship between Korea and Hungary and deepen the friendship between the people of the two nations."



Picture:

Lee Man-sup, former speaker of South Korea's National Assembly (right), was awarded by Hungarian Ambassador Istvan Tozsa (left) on behalf of his government at a reception to mark the Hungarian National Day on Oct 23.

Chinese ambassador emphasizes regional security, cooperation

By Shirley Han Ying

China celebrated the 57th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic with a sumptuous reception at the Hotel Shilla last Friday, hosted by Ambassador Ning Fukui.

In an impromptu exclusive interview, Ning Fukui told The Korea Herald, "Last year, Chinese President Hu Jintao's successful visit to South Korea elevated the all-around cooperative partnership of the two countries to a new level. The two leaders reached a series of agreements during the visit. In the past year, all relevant departments of the two countries have been making active efforts to carry out these agreements."

Ambassador Ning said that Uyunqimg, an ethnic Mongolian, the Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th National People's Congress of China, also paid an official visit to South Korea. Her visit was aimed at launching the communication mechanism between the parliamentary speakers of the two countries based on the former agreements.

"On the issues relating to our regional peace and stability, such as six-party talks, the nuclear issue, and United Nations reform, China and South Korea have very good communication and cooperation," Ning said. "We consider that the close cooperation between China and South Korea will have a significant role in encouraging the early resumption of the six-party talks, and achieving progress of the six-party talks." Ning Fukui was full of praise for achievements in cooperation in the economy and trade between the two nations. In the first half of 2006, the trade volume between the two countries exceeded $60 billion, a 17 percent increase over the same period of 2005. If this growth rate is maintained, the trade volume is expected to reach more than $120 billion at the end of this year.

On cultural and education exchanges, China and South Korea have been very active in recent years. A cultural festival "Experience China" was held in Seoul to celebrate the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "The festival was very successful and received a warm welcome from the Korean people. I believe it can strengthen the understanding between the two nations, and boost further cultural exchanges. The number of Chinese students studying in South Korea has doubled since last year, and now stands at more than 20,000," said Ning.

China's top envoy was very pleased to see the strong and healthy development of the relationship between China and South Korea in all areas.

"I believe our relation will be become better and better with the support of the governments and organizations of the two nations. Of course we two nations still have some problems to be solved. We believe as long as we understand each other and trust each other, there are no problems that could not be solved," he said.

"To strengthen the cooperation and trust between China and South Korea is the most important thing. We two nations still have so many things to do in the aspects of maintaining regional peace and stability, and boosting the regional economic cooperation and development. There will be more fruitful results through a common effort by the two nations."



Picture - Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Ning Fukui (left) speaks with Russian Ambassador Glev Ivashentsov at the 57th anniversary of the Chinese National Day.    [Shirley Han Ying/ The Korea Herald]

Denmark delegation studies the East
   
By Shirley Han Ying

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament, led by Jens Hald Madsen and Mogens Lykketoft, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Committee, have recently concluded a five-day visit to Korea.

The delegation held discussions with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Korean Parliament on issues such as the North Korean nuclear program, Far East Asian security, free trade agreements, and the European Union-Korea/Asia relationship. The delegation also visited the Gaeseong Industrial Zone in North Korea, which has caused some divisions in the FTA talks between South Korea and the United States.

The delegation saw the visit as a chance to gain more knowledge of the Far East Asia region to support Denmark's increasing interests in this area, and valuable experience of the fast economic development in South Korea in particular, and the region as a whole.

On the North Korea issue, chairman Madsen told The Korea Herald, "We have noticed the differences in the approach to North Korea between South Korea and Japan. I must say it's very impressive to hear about the kind of diplomacy and serious work that has been done in South Korea. I'm impressed by the very soft sunshine policy. I truly believe that it's a question of being patient, and also of trying to use every door that can be opened. I think the most vulnerable thing in North Korea is their economic despair. That's perhaps the gate to get into the society through introducing a market economy and establishing closer trade connections. These kinds of peaceful tools and a choice of dialogue, instead of being aggressive, is the right way."

Madsen also accused Japan and the United States of demonstrating too little trust and patience on the North Korea issue. He warned, "The consequences could be overwhelming if we see this kind of regime collapse. It's not a question of if it happens, but more of when it happens and how. Therefore I think the neighboring countries in the region have a great responsibility to figure out the right way of getting peaceful and constructive collapse of this regime."

Deputy Chairman Lykketoft agreed, "When I was the Danish Foreign Minister five years ago during the Swedish presidency of the European Union, there was strong support from the side of EU to Kim Dae-jung's sunshine policy at that time. But I think what many people in Europe, and even more in America and Japan don't understand is that there is no real possibility of putting pressure on North Korea, something will happen inside itself. Therefore a strategy that tries to get more contacts, establish firms and create development may be the only way of opening up that society. This is a way we've also seen in China."

Regarding China's role in solving the North Korea issue, Lykketoft said, "All of us hope that China has influence enough in Pyongyang to keep them from further provocations. We hope the media rumor about Kim Jong-il going to Beijing is true. I think China has a very essential role in this issue."

Lykketoft added that he doesn't think China is very happy with their old ally in the North, and are much more interested in economic cooperation with South Korea, the US, and Japan.

Madsen also added, "It was a very good example that China joined the international market economy which has put them into a position where they also have political responsibility. Therefore also having more mutual interests with the rest of the world. I believe that North Korea is a big issue because they are showing they are not reliable. We say they are thinking irrational. But they are thinking rational in their own thinking. In that sense, they are desperate, and they are alone. And with those two words, they get very very dangerous because you can't predict how and when they will react to different situations."

During the visit, Madsen said he was very happy to see the increase and development in may areas and sectors in South Korea, but it's also sad to see that it's getting so desperate in North Korea. He said it was a great challenge South Koreans were having to face.

The heads of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Educational Committee of the Danish Parliament also visited South Korea during Sept. 2 to 6. The delegation held meetings with the education ministry.

Carina Christensen, chairwoman of the Danish Education Committee told The Korea Herald the main reason for coming here is to see the Korean educational system first hand, especially in the area of E-learning.

"Globalization is a very large issue in Denmark at this moment. We have a huge debate about that. We want to prepare our children, our young students for their working life. And they will be working in a global environment. We want to come here and see what types of life you are living here." She said.

Christensen said she was particularly interested in how the students were taught. "We had a very open discussion about lots of issues with Korea, some of the issues concerning the educational system towards the labor market. And how to be sure that students have the skills that is needed in the labor market," said Christensen.

The deputy chairman Margrethe Vestager added, "Since we face the same globalization issues, even though we live on different sides of the globe, it is very important for us to gain knowledge and deeper understanding as to how you feel about globalization. Though our cultures are very different, we have to compete in the same market. We have to figure out where could we compete where could we cooperate, because we have common interests."

The delegation also visited the Korea National Open University, the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education & Training, the Samsung Education Center for E-learning and the Myongji High School. The delegation was very impressed by Koreans' dedication to education, but also saw the difference between the two countries' education systems.

Christensen said Korea is very focused on the academic side of learning, while Denmark has more free way of learning, or a more playful way of learning. Vestager agreed, "I saw the statistic today that 35 percent would take vocational high school here, and more than 65 percent goes the more academic way. In Demark it's almost 50 to 50."

Denmark and Korea have agreed to encourage educational exchanges and other programs during the visit. Bertel Haarder, the education minister of Denmark, also plans to visit Korea in November to attend the Global HR Forum 2006.



Pictures:

Left - Carina Christensen, Chairman of the Education Committee of the Danish Parliament (left), with Margrethe Vestager, Deputy Chairman of the committee (right)

Right - Jens Hald Madsen, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament (left), with Mogens Lykketoft, deputy chairman of the committee (right).