Koreanboy6's Musings

Beneficial for Adult Adoptees to Use a Homeland/Birthland Tour When Visiting Birth Country I believe it is immensely beneficial to visit your birth country as an adult on a homeland/birthland tour, especially if you have not gone before. I used to not think this, but going to South Korea on the inaugural Mosaic Tour hosted by Me&Korea changed my thoughts on this. Why? Because of the natural support group you have, and being on a tour uniquely catered for adoptees. I noticed on that tour that adoptees who had not gone back to Korea before dealt with many complex emotions and had to face thoughts and issues they had not grappled before or had swept under the rug for years. By being on a tour with fellow adult adoptees they could express their feelings and grapple with their issues among people who understood and could fully support them. It can be hard for an adoptee not having people who fully understand you and can empathize rather than sympathize. For instance, we vis...

Dean Acheson’s Decisions Opened the Door for the Korean War Acheson standing. Photo Credit: Tullio Saba A major controversy during Dean Acheson’s time as Secretary of State was why South Korea was as undefended as it was when North Korea invaded. Many argue Dean Acheson’s decisions leading up to the outbreak was the reason South Korea was almost lost. His memoir surprisingly was very scant about the buildup to the Korean War and his reasoning for the actions he took during that buildup indicating implied agreement that he had the information to have deterred an invasion. Specifically the reports of undersupplying the South Korean military, the limiting of US military aid to South Korea, the assessments of both Korean forces, and his memoir support the claim Dean Acheson could have prevented the rout South Korean forces experienced at the outbreak of the war if not prevent the war from even occurring.         Dean Acheson’s memoir...

Dokdo/Takeshima Island Sovereignty Dispute Photo Credit: Bryan Dorrough Introduction         The dispute over Dokdo/Takeshima’s sovereignty between South Korea and Japan is thought of a major obstacle in current South Korean-Japanese relations. Dokdo/Takeshima is comprised of two rocky islets and thirty-two smaller outcroppings in the East Sea/Sea of Japan. (Lee, 2010, pgs. 741-742) The Dokdo/Takeshima dispute is significant because it is considered the most significant problem in South Korean-Japanese relation that prevents reconciliation and moving forward together for the two countries. (Kim, 2004, pg. 48) History         Dokdo/Takeshima (it will be referred to as Dokdo for the remainder of the paper) was first mentioned in historical texts as far back as the 12 th century. Dokdo is mentioned in the oldest still existing Korean text, Samguk Sagi, (History of the Three Kingdoms) as being conqu...

My Top 10 Korean Dramas Picture Credit: Republic of Korea This list is VERY biased. I tend to like very formulaic Romcoms, historical dramas, and dramas with very unique plots.  1. Six Flying Dragons This epic historical drama follows Kim Sejong’s father, King Taejong, also known as Yi Bang-Won from his time as a child to becoming king of Chosun. What sets this drama apart is how it experetly covers the changes Yi Bang-Won goes through from the innocent, upright child to the ruthless, cunning king, and is done in such a way that you cheer him on. I wouldn’t call him a villain, but some might. It is amazing how this drama is able to make the viewers sympathize and understand what other dramas would consider the villain. This drama is all about depth, so please give it a try. 2. Snow Queen This is sad. This drama is incredibly sad, but that’s what makes it special. It really tugs at your heartstrings despite some pretty typical and obvious Kdrama mome...