The Dispute over Dokdo

Recently, the Japanese government has decided to emphasize its education on students, that Dokdo is part of Japan. About this news, many citizens have expressed their anger in many ways. Some protested in front of the Japanese Embassy, while some posted posts about this disputable topic. It is obvious that Japan is going to make Dokdo an area where there is a conflict over whether it is part of Japan, or part of Korea, and then, submit this dispute to the International Court of Justice, as there are a lot of Japanese there. In order to win this dispute, I think that Korean citizens should not overreact about this issue. Although Japanese argue that Dokdo is part of their country, Korea is the country which is practically owning Dokdo. We have built port, and lighthouse at Dokdo. Also,in Korea, there exists a ship that directly goes to Dokdo, while in Japan, such ship does not exist. As seen above, Korea is the country which is practically owning Dokdo, and overreacting to those statement by Japan, is same as admitting that Dokdo is a area where there is a dispute over. Also, while ignoring the statement by Japan, I think that the Government should inform people around the world that Dokdo is part of Korea. For example, the government can have a campaign about Dokdo, and enact Dokdo’s day, internationally advertising that Dokdo is part of our country. For example, just like what Seo Kyung Duk did (post an advertisement at NYT, promoting that Dokdo is part of Korea), I think that it would be quite effective when the government post an advertisement at major newspaperny, such as the NYT, and the TIMES. Also, it would be effective when the government pay for an advertisement at major TV channels, such as CNN, NBC, CBS, and ABC, which is broadcasted around the world. When this occurs, foreigners who did not know about this dispute will learn that Dokdo is part of Korea.

Also, there has been a news that Kyung Sang Buk Do has recently set up a plan to build a village at Dokdo. There is currently 1 family at Dokdo, and Kyung Sang Buk Do is planning to add additional 10 more houses. When this plan is implemented, I think that Japan cannot deny that Korea has every rights over Dokdo.

Additionally, I think it might be a good way to refute Japan’s argument using historical evidences. For example, at 1877, Tae Jung Guan, which is one of the highest Japanese Ministry, has officially confirmed that U-leung Do and Dokdo has nothing to do with Japan, and that these islands are part of Korea.

In conclusion, I think that Korea should not overreact, while advertising that Dokdo is part of Korea, develop Dokdo, and refuting Japan’s argument with historical evidences is the best way to end this dispute over Dokdo.

Microsoft Demos Touch-Screen Application

>>>>SUMMARY>>>>>>

Windows 7, as it is known as the next version of Windows will incorporate Touch-screen application. MS Chief Exec. Steve Ballmer said it is “just the smallest snippet” of the Windows 7 OS, targeted for release in late 2009. The thing that you can do with Windows 7 is almost like the thing you can do on “SURFACE”, which is a touch screen- table computer made by MS. Microsoft has unveiled a little bit about the Windows 7, which is in contrast with the highlighted Windows Vista Release.

>>>>Opinion/Column>>>>>> (Will Windows 7’s Touch Screen App. be a revolution?)

The anticipated release of Windows 7 at late 2009 might open the era of touch screen computer, and this might change everything! The highly anticipated Touch Screen application will be revolution. Although it will take some time for the market to adapt and launch a touch screen desktop and laptop, it still will be a revolution. As the concept of touch screen computer looks strange, and even wonderful for some Tech Geeks, people will actually buy those things in order to experience the new type of computers. However, it still is in veil that if the computer industry could adapt fast enough to make the touch screen application of Windows 7 successful.

After Seoul lifts ban on US beef, protesters erupt

>>>>SUMMARY>>>>>>

The topic of US Beef import has been in the center of the spotlight for more than 2 month now, and as the Korean Government officially lifted its ban on US beef, thousands of citizens have planned a rally, and some rallies are already happening. A massive candlelight protest, which is expected to be participated by at least ten thousand people, started near the Seoul City hall at 7 p.m. Among the others, there were even mothers pushing their child in strollers, saying “No US beef! We cannot let our baby die from mad cow disease!”

One government official said “Due to growing protest, we are fully prepared of stopping the imports when the outbreak of mad cow disease occurs. Also, Korean inspectors will visit the US to check on the conditions of the workplaces related to the imports.”

However, the concerns aren’t dwindling. Korean truckers also said they will refuse to move beef imported from the United states.

>>>>Opinion/Column>>>>>>

Personally, I oppose the idea of importing US beef. Although some argue that the beef problem can seriously hinder the Korea-US FTA (Free trade agreement), I don’t think that FTA is as important as one nation’s citizen’s health. As the Korean government agreed to import any cattle regardless of age, which is a step back from the original standard that only cows less than 30 months old will be imported, there is a risk of at least one of our citizens getting infected in mad cow disease. If so, who is going to pay back? I mean, nobody could do anything but just say “I’m sorry that this thing happened to you”, and give some economical compensation. But what does this mean to a man who is going to die? This can also easily happen to students. As students consume US beef through the School Cafeteria, they are forced to eat maybe-mad cow disease infected-meat. In order to completely eliminate the possibility of the disease happening in South Korea is banning the import of US BEEF.

AAW NEWS Columnist Simon Yu

iPod is the popular one… But what is the first MP3 player?

MP3 players, including Sony Ericcson’s Walkman, Apple’s iPod, and Samsung’s YP-P2 exist everywhere. But, have you wondered what the first MP3 player in the world is? Well, I have, and I quickly found out that Korea was the first nation to develop a MP3 player, 10 years ago.

10 years ago at CeBIT 1998, which was held at Hanover, Germany, many people gathered around the booth of Sae Han Information Technology Corporation, which is now defunct. The name of the model was MPman F10. This model hardly caused a ripple when it was first seen. Back then, nobody was quite sure what it was. “No matter how the Korean staff tried to explain what an MP3 player was, people didn’t understand why they needed such a device because they could listen to music with CDs or cassettes. A few people accepted the MP3 player as something cool, but most people didn’t take it seriously,” said an official at local tech company MPIXAR, and an old hand who was around MP3 players in their early days.

However, despite this, Sae Han Information Technology corporation put it up to mass production. Then, Samsung Electronics, which is known for its YEPP, PAVV, and ANYCALL brand, bought that MP3 players, and sold it under its name. Obviously, Samsung knew the potential of MP3 players. However, disappointingly, this failed.

Despite it’s disappointing debut, local electronics companies, such as Samsung, and Reigncom has developed a lot of MP3 players. A Korean MP3 player produced by Reigncom, was even called the future of digital life by Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, during his keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas in January 2005. But the iPod’s launch has made Korea companies sandwiched between cheap Chinese products and high-quality, low priced, iPods. Well, Korean companies should try hard to get out of that sandwich situation.

The only thing that I want to say is that please save our natin’s MP3 industry, by buying some products made by Korean Companies, such as Samsung, iRiver, and etc……. They are better than ipod, and they are cheaper than iPod. Why look for something just’TRENDY’, while there is something better, and cheaper?

AAW NEWS, Simon Yu (scientistsimon@hotmail.com)

Hey, Dogs don’t deserve this!!!

There are more than 100 dogs in the building of Korea Dog Rescue Association, including some Alaskan Malamutes. This dog was found at a mountain unharmed. He can even pull a sled at Alaska. However, he is scheduled to be killed ‘humanely’ 4 days later. Other then him, there are many other dogs who are in a situation similar to this Alaskan Malamute’s situation. “Because nobody wanted to adopt him, we should kill him.” said an official of KDRA.

More than 15000 dogs in Seoul alone are abandoned every year and caged at the KDRA. 80% of the dogs in KDRA are killed ‘humanely’ even though they are healthy, and only 20% of the dogs are adopted by people.

About KDRA

1. KDRA is located at Yang Jae Dong, Gyonggi province, which make it more difficult for people to access it.

2. KDRA is not clean, according to the picture of one netizon

3. KDRA lacks funding, which makes KDRA harder to keep abandoned animals.

4. KDRA kills animal that has been at the KDRA fore more than 1 month.

Solutions

There has been an experiment at Seoul. It was about ‘caring abandoned animals at provicial pet hospital. The result came out really good. 73% of the dogs were adopted or went back to their original family. If this ‘local pet hospital service’ is implemented, there will be less animals who will become stray dogs or cats.

However, the main problem isn’t this. The main problems are irresponsible, heartless people who abandon their friends.

AAK NEWS, Simon Yu (Copyright 2008 Do not copy without approval)