Is it right for LCC airlines to continue developing?

 

BY Bae Soo-Hyun

Hwasu Middle school

 

 

One of the leading Korean LCC companies, Jeju airport has reached 500 billion won profit. Like this, LCC companies, which were thought as a useless idea at first, have overcome the slump and is rapidly developing. One of the best advantages of LCC is “Low price” which even cuts down to 90% of the original price. However, this amazing price is not a free chance. It can threaten your life.

Why is LCC so cheap? One reason LCC planes are inexpensive is because of its tight schedule. Companies try to make more money by flying as much as they can. According to Money Today News, the average time LCC plane flies was 324 hours a month in 2011. However, this rate had increased up to 370 hours a month in 2014. The problem with this is that if the company keeps on boosting plane’s operating ratio, the safety inspection becomes negligent, which leads to deteriorations of planes and safety problems. “I plan my flight to save even 10 minutes because if my plane just stays still, it doesn’t make money,” answered a LCC worker.

Another reason LCC planes are low-priced is because of its ‘Saving Plan.’ For example, companies unify planes’ models, because if the type is same, repairing cost decreases. They also use old planes. The average age of airplanes affiliated to LCC companies are 13 years old, while FSC(Full Service Carrier) are nine years old in accordance to Gukmin Ilbo.

Korea Airport Corporation showed that the number of aviation accidents or incidents happened with Korean LCC companies is 0.63 cases per a thousand flights. This may sound small, but it is almost four times higher than that of Korean FSC, which is 0.17. The main factors of these accidents are “pilot’s mistake”(53%), and “mechanical error”(21%).

The flaw of the LCC workers, pilots and crew members, is based on the policy. To be hired, FSC requires minimum of 1,000 hours of flight experiences, but LCC only requires 250 hours. Also, to be put into actual work, FSC requires over one year, but LCC needs 4~6 months. Plus, the number of the crew members in the airplane are four for LCC and eight for FSC per 150 passengers. “There are even some situations that LCC (which experiences more hardships when recruiting pilots than FSC) recklessly hire low-experienced second-pilots,” an aviation worker replied.

On December 28, 2014, Airasia(LCC)’s airplane heading Singapore crashed into Java Sea. There were 162 people including three Koreans, but nobody was rescued. The cause of this incident is believed to be pilot’s mistake and errors with the machinary. LCC is causing a lot of life-threatening problems. Let’s be aware.

soo_bae@naver.com

Is it right for LCC airlines to continue developing?

 

BY Lee Eun-Gyul

Sukchun Elementary School

 

 

These days many people choose services considering the price. During traveling, the most important standard in making a decision is also price. Although using small amount of money is crucial in trip, do we need to choose low quality services which can deal our life and death? Is saving money little bit more is really necessary? If low-price services can threat our safety, would you still use them?

Recently questions like these are often asked and discussed, because of ‘LCC’. LCC is an abbreviated name of ‘Low Cost Carrier’ and contains the meaning of airlines with low price, providing only basic services and safety programs. There are now five LCC companies in Korea, the air of Jin, Jeju, Busan, Eastar, and Tway. There were controversies over those LCC companies since they were founded. It was always mentioned with safety problems. Of course there are many positive aspects in ‘LCC’ airlines, but the fact that passengers’ safety can be violated is fatal.

According to E-daily, within one thousand flights, LCC airlines were responsible for 0.63 accidents, which is three times more frequent than major airlines such as Asiana Air and Korean Air. Old airplanes and little amount of kept aircrafts are main causes of these accidents. However, fundamental reason is because of money. The LCC companies’ goal is to transport passengers with cheapest price, so they naturally uses old machines and doesn’t retain many airplanes to save money and time.

Another problem is the captain and crews’ ability of risk management. While large airlines strictly hire crew members with minimum of 1,000 flight experience hours, LCC hires airplane crew with only 250 flight experience hours. Moreover, after they are hired in LCC, they undergo only 4 to 6 months of education time compared to major contractors those who need to get more than 1 year of education time. Captains and crew has their responsibility to transport passengers safely, and undergoing training is very helpful. LCC companies investing money in education is desperate.

Do you remember the Sewol ferry’s tragedy? It was a total disaster and we should never forget this incident. This happened because we failed to take action quickly only to save money. If we were less greedy or if we cared about passengers’ safety first, would this have happened? Before we regret again, we should not try to save money too much which are related to our lives. LCC companies are overlooking the factors that can threat passengers’ safety just because of money problems. We should never forget people’s lives are priceless and precious than any other things such as money. By using LCC we can save our money, but at the same time, we are risking our valuable lives.

aliece333@naver.com

Is it right for LCC airlines to continue developing?

 

BY Lee Seung-Ho

Jamsil Middle school

 

 

Two years ago, my family traveled to Jeju using Jin Air.  It was a small carrier and I felt comfortable at first. However, the flight was suffering from turbulence for one hour and the flight attendants who wore jeans looked very nervous, rather than professional. It was a short experience to use an LCC but the next time my family traveled, we decided not to use an LCC because of dangers, inconvenience and dissatisfaction.  That’s why I can say LCC looks so low-costing but it turns out to be high-costing in the end.

To begin with, LCC is operated without a long break. LCC airlines don’t have many carriers so they move very frequently without enough care and clean up for the quick service. According to the news article, LCC is compared to a baseball team consisting of only 10 main players with no substitute players. That implies LCC can be very dangerous as the number of flights increases. After the flights, all the carriers need detailed care with “repair team.” The flights without enough care can cause more serious and dangerous accidents in the end.

Next, it’s very difficult to change and cancel flight tickets with LCC. Sometimes it’s known to be impossible to cancel the tickets. According to my aunt, it even costs extra charge for a reservation too high in case of foreign LCC airlines.

Lastly, LCC is not satisfactory to some people having high expectations to seek pleasurable moments during flights, considering the aim of travel is for pleasurable convenience. Flight attendants are now well aware of the service. Low cost makes very few services to the passengers aboard. People travel in order to get out of the everyday tiredness, and in order to seek more satisfactory and pleasurable moments. When we get enough service from the flight attendants, we tend to get more service in the other places by spending more. In turn, we tend to consume more money as a result.

Even if LCC began operating in 1990s in America, Korea has just started operating LCC airlines. Some people are satisfied with UCC because of reasonable prices, but LCC needs more improvement by providing safe care of the flights, more convenient service and more pleasant services. LCC is one of the flights with “Welcome Aboard.” By doing so, LCC airlines help people say “LCC is definitely Lucky Customer Carriers.”

sngho411@naver.com

Is it right for LCC airlines to continue developing?

 

BY Kim Young-Mok

Aju Middle School

 

 

These days, low cost carriers, in other words cheap airlines, are thriving. They are usually smaller airlines compared to major ones, and have low costs. Some say that the overall price of tickets has decreased thanks to them, and others say that the travel industry had benefited from them. However, others question safety problems and the financial stability of those companies.

The safety problems of LCC travels are continuously being questioned. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korean low cost carriers had 0.63 accidents per 10,000 flights, which is approximately three times higher than major airlines. Those airlines usually have a small number of planes, and they run a crammed schedule in order to remain surplus. Because of this, safety inspections or renovations of old components are not conducted frequently enough, which directly leads to a more dangerous flight. Also, financial problems of low cost carriers make the company be negligent in keeping those rules. Many terrible disasters happen because safety measures are ignored or not kept strictly. Following safety rules in such fields is very important because otherwise it may lead to a catastrophe.

Another drawback is that they have many additional fees and unsatisfying customer service. For example, passengers might have to pay a huge fee for extra baggage. Also, refunds may not be available when you have to cancel the flight, and rescheduling would lead to bigger costs. Those additional fees are a huge drawback; since the sole advantage of those flights is having a low cost. Poor service is one disadvantage, too. Usually those low-fare flights are scheduled in the early morning or midnight, and they have simplified customer service because of the low fare.

kimyoungmoc@hanmail.net

Is it right for LCC airlines to continue developing?

 

BY Kang Seo-Eun

Myeongsun Elementary School

 

 

LCC(Low Cost Carrier), the developing low-cost airline is rising current of air. LCC industry is keep on rising and bringing advantages for four different groups of people: citizens, government, travel agencies and the airlines. All these people have had great benefits by managing the LCC. The LCC have been established 10 years ago, and it is still giving a big success and bigger improvements. The LCC industry is expanding the option to change the travel patterns of the customers and it will be a great foundation which can raise the basic steps of the domestic aviation(flight) market. All these LCC industry developments will lead to travel development and finally will lead to society’s, and Korea’s development. For this, low-cost airline LCC industry should be developed. I have three reasons to support it.

First, the both citizens and the government have better advantages, and this will give better opportunities to develop Korea. Imagine you want to visit Paris. However, you are lack of money to pay the ticket. But luckily, you have found a cheap ticket from an LCC airline. Would you buy a ticket which costs thousand-hundred dollars, or a ticket which costs few hundred dollars? Most of the customers would choose LCC airlines, since it is cheaper. This is human’s desire, and this is people’s obligate reality. And there are no reasons to keep off from their want, and there are no negative effects which will make Korea worsen by their choice to buy the tickets from LCC airline. By this, many customers would be able to ride an airplane, at least once in their life with cheap price. As the citizens are able to ride an airplane with cheap price, there will be much more airplanes required for the  passengers. Then, the LCC company will need to manufacture more of the planes in order to take more passengers. This will lead to better chances for the companies to develop since they have more chances to make an airplane, and more citizens will be able to ride an airplane: this is a situation  known as killing two birds with one stone. Not only this, the government will also have better advantages and this advantages will provide the citizens advanced materials and sooner or later lead to country’s development. Because of the cheap ticket, citizen’s tax will rise, but this is a good status quo. Since the tax is rising, the government will have better opportunities to make changes which need some alternation, since they have bigger gain. To explain this as a word, this is a circulation. By this, Koreans will have wider range of advantages. At the same time, the government will be able develop Korea, meaningfully.

Second, the travel agencies and the airlines can earn more profits. Some people might say, it does not matter how the LCC industrial company earn much money. However, their profits lead to develop tourism and globalization of Korea. According to Halla-ilbo, there is a great advantage which Korea could be well known; the number of the airline passengers increased nationally. In Korea, there are total seven national carriers which is a route for Korea and the world(Five LCC companies). Of the competitive effects, the options were widen and there were more passengers riding Korea’s plane. By this, the number of the travelers using the national carrier have increased a lot. In 2005, the population who used the flight was 35,611,971 and in 2014, it was 60,188,157 people. By such statistics, we can recognize that it has increased about twice, and this shows high rate of the growth of the LCC industry. This surely developed Korea’s travel industry, and also helped Korea’s traveling agencies and airlines to grow. In the past, two of the FSC airlines have limited competitions and they held the initiative of the traveling section. However, LCC entry has led to full competition and has competed in fare reductions and other kinds of services the passengers have been looking for. This changed all the structures and later developed about 50% than before. Also, the international line, Jeju Air has increased about 11.5%. Those statistics show the development possibility of LCC industry, and in other word “hidden potential in Korea.” By this, Korea can prove our quick development in LCC. Travel agencies and airlines’ developments lead to citizen’s and government’s development and later will lead to Korea’s development.

Third, as the opposite as what the experts say, there are great solutions to solve the problems which are occurred from LCC, for instance safety issues. Some experts claim the serious safety problems from LCC industry. However, there are great alternatives to solve those issue; balancing the flight pay and tilt the side of safety more than service. To elaborate it more, the LCC industry should put more efforts in safety. Since much more people are interested in safety than other kinds of servicing portions, it is better to have a heavier balance in safe, majorly. For people who desperately need LCC tickets would not put on much attention for bad services since they are paying less money for the ticket. Also, they should consider the less quality because they are paying much less money on traveling on plane. Thus, the people who need better quality of the plane should ride another planes which are not hosted by LCC industry. So this can be a good alternative for the rich and the poor in Korea, and the other states’ tourists who need to ride a plane, with less or much money. This will help Korea’s developed industry in travel.

LCC industry is giving the customers, the government, the travel agencies and the airlines great profits and advantages. Also, LCC industry’s main issues can be solved by balancing the two different categories, safety and services. Later on, the LCC industry will going to lead Korea’s travel industry, and lead to Korea’s development, globally throughout the world. For these reasons, I strongly claim Korea’s LCC industry should be developed.

sekang0702@naver.com

Is it right for LCC airlines to continue developing?

 

BY Kim Dan

Daemo Elementary School

 

 

LCC, which is acronym for low cost carriers, are airlines like Jeju Air, Jin Air which is 20~30% cheaper than major airlines like Korean Air. Throughout the past 10 years, LCCs developed a lot and now, many people use them. However, as the cost goes down, there are risks of safety and unsatisfying services compared to services by major airlines. However, LCC still has more benefits to many people.

First of all, many people ride planes thank to LCCs’ cheap price. According to Naver news, from 2004, when the LCCs first came out, the passengers has increased from 45,823,588 people to 81,426,297 people, which mean that it has risen by 77.7% in the past 10 years. Many people riding planes contributed to the activation of the local airports. LCCs tried to pioneer ways in other areas in Korea where major airlines didn’t. Gwangju, Daegu and Muan airport’s domestic flight passengers increased a lot. T-way airlines opened airlines like Gwangju-Jeju line, or Daegu-Jeju line. Not only domestic flight, but also international flight’s passengers at Cheongju and Yangyang had doubled and increased a lot. This statistic was possible because of LCC’s opened airline ways for Southeast Asia and China at local airports. LCCs help not only passengers but also local airports and countries to develop by many visitors.

Also, it is a good choice for people who travel a lot in a short distance. According to the Mail economy, for people who travel many countries in one continent, it is effective to use LCCs for saving money and time. Furthermore, there are many people who want to use little money on the airlines and use that money at other things while traveling these days.

Even though some services might not be as good as those from other major airlines, LCCs have more benefits like cheaper price. So LCCs have to develop more and benefit citizens, societies, and countries.

dilia030513@gmail.com

 

Is it right for LCC airlines to continue developing?

 

BY Kwon Hyuk-Soo

Sanui Elementary School

 

 

Imagine that you are planning to travel to Tokyo, Japan. You are comparing airline prices, and you see a shocking price. Korean Air demands 308 dollars for a one way ticket. On the other hand, Jeju Air, LCC (Low cost carrier) airline, demands only 74 dollars, including tax for both airlines. If this trend continues, 45 dollar airline is not a dream now. LCC airlines also prompt people to use more airlines, making development of Korean airline. However, some experts say that “safety” is a big problem of LCC airline, but is that true? And how can LCC help the development of Korean airline?

The opponents of LCC airline claim that there is a problem of “safety”. They insist that if they keep their low prices and get into competition, the safety problem can be neglected from their priority. Also, they argue that servicing and examining of the airplane is careless and the planes are too old. However, this is not always true, according to the Aju News. The examination of the LCC airplanes is composed in A, B (daily inspection), C, D checks. Especially, check C is carried out in foreign countries so this is getting criticism of “safety.” Though, check C is just like people undergoing endoscopy, not related with emergency situation. One LCC employee demonstrated that “Airplane service is important whether ‘where’ it is carried in, but the investment and mind about safety cost.”

On the other hand, some opponents say that “To reduce the price of the airline, safety investment would also reduce.” However, about the safety of airline, LCC is following the laws, too. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) examines the safety of each LCC airline based on USOAP (Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program). Also, IATA (International Air Transport Association) operates IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification, which is a global standard certification. To get IOSA certification, each airplane needs to get almost 1,000 contents of examination. Korean LCC airlines, Jin Air and Jeju Airline got IOSA certification. Jeju Air employee emphasized that “It is a bias to think that LCC is careless in safety investment because of its cheap price,” and also added that “Safety investment is 10% of the total operation cost, which is twice or triple of original airline.”

Since LCC came into Korea in 2006, it contributed a lot in the development in Korean airline. LCC is shown as cheap airplane, leading more people to travel in planes. According to MOLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport), 2014 August LCC airline’s users were 50.2% of the total, showing the mass user of LCC. Especially 29.2% of Korea-Japan route users use LCC airline, until 2014 January to May. On the other hand, original airlines such as Korean air and Japanese air decreased 14% each year from 2012 to 2014. Jeju Air employee says that “Both countries’ LCC cost competitions -composed with Jeju Air and Jin Air, Peach Air and Vanilla Air and etc. – contributed in airline market extend,” adding that “There is an obvious decrease in Korea-Japan airline profit, but the growth of LCC is also obvious, causing clear distinct between airline users traveling for short or long.”

tnwlskos540@naver.com

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Cho Sung-Yeop

Yokgok Middle school

 

 

These days, Korean pop culture is spreading like wildfire. Korean dramas and K-Pop idols gain more popularity around the world with each passing day. China, especially, has developed a high interest level in Korean culture. Unfortunately, the expansion of the Korean Wave has started to benefit China at Korea’s expense, revealing the dark side of the Korean Wave.

China’s entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Its movies and television programs are one of the driving forces of the industry. However, the majority of its popular movies and programs come from foreign sources, Korea being one of them. In fact, it was recently estimated that profits from ten imported foreign films in China were responsible for about 70% of the entertainment market.

As a result, many members of Korea’s entertainment industry have started to enter into China’s industry. China has started making films, dramas, and other programs with Korean producers and directors. The famous Korean TV program called “Dad, Where Are We Going?” has been adapted into a Chinese version of the program and even a Chinese mobile game, both of which have earned over 200 billion won so far.

Korea is losing many opportunities by giving up the rights to our original and one-of-a-kind television programs. If we want to stay relevant in today’s market, we must slow down and control the Korean Wave.

 alexangel82@naver.com

 

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Hwang Yeon-Ju

Seodang Elementary School

 

 

Korean and Chinese broadcasting stations have recently started working together to coproduce popular TV programs, including “Run Brother”, and “Papagena,” which are Chinese versions of the popular Korean shows “Running Man” and “Daddy, Where Are We Going?” respectively. Will this prove beneficial for the Korean entertainment industry? The answer is a definitive and resounding “No.”

The first problem is that many Korean directors and writers are moving to China due to higher wages. The producer from the popular show “You Who Came from the Stars”, Jang Tae-yoo, has signed on for a five year contract with Yuehua Entertainment. Although this will bring in a lot of money in the short-term, it will cause major problems in the long term, because Korean knowledge and expertise will leak into China. This will result in the weakening of the Korea’s competitive television programs.

Next, many stars might avoid appearing in Korean programs because of the difference in pay. Due to the vast size of the Chinese media industry, actors in China would receive higher wages. For example, Kim Soo-hyeon was recently paid 500 million won for appearing once on a Chinese program. The Korean entertainment industry simply cannot compete with China’s huge budget.

In order to prevent any further harm to Korea’s media industry, we need to incentivize Korean writers, producers, and actors with a good environment and better pay. If we don’t, we risk losing our creativity and ‘knowhow’ to China.

clarehwang@naver.com

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Jung Hyun-Jung

Seocheon Middle school

 

 

Many Korean dramas and entertainment programs, such as “You Who Came from the Stars,” and “Running Man” have become extremely popular in China.  At first glance, this might seem like a big success for Korea, but in actuality, it causes more problems than it solves.

The rights to one Korean program, titled “Daddy, Where Are We Going?,” have recently been bought by Hunan Television, a popular Chinese television station. The Chinese adaptation is a massive hit, drawing in about 75 million viewers per episode each week. Not surprisingly, the majority of the profits for the show have gone to China. When some television stations in Southeast Asia decided to pick up the show for their network, they purchased the rights to show the Chinese version of the program instead of the original Korean version.

If Korea wants to enter into the Chinese market to get a piece of the pie, Korea will have to coproduce with China. However, if coproduction increases, the secret ‘know-hows’ of Korean production will spill into China. Additionally, working together with China will lead to increased production costs and actor fees, which in turn, could prevent Korea from being able to make programs without China’s financial assistance.

Many people often forget that there are two faces of the Korean Wave entering China. While it will help Korea to gain popularity in other countries, we need to keep guard. As the famous proverb tells us, it is no use to lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen. Korea should control coproduction with China before it is too late.

 eli484@naver.com

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Tak Yu-Na

Seongdeok Girls’ Middle School

 

 

Many of Korea’s dramas, movies, and reality shows have creative and successful formats, which is why many entertainment companies from China and the USA wish to recreate them. The formats of some shows like “Daddy, Where Are We Going?” and “We Got Married” have already been exported to China and have been attracting many viewers. However, China does not wish for new versions of the exported shows, but rather perfect duplications of it. China has been recruiting more Program Directors and Korean staff to their country to share the know-how on creating certain programs. For example, every member of the staff from the popular show ‘The Classic of Immortality–Singing the Legend’ went to China to help with the reproduction.

Globalization in moderation is, of course, beneficial. China, in particular, is very close to Korea, so Chinese audiences can understand Korean culture in the shows better than other foreigners. However, we need to be careful. China is a very large country with a much bigger population than Korea. If Korea focuses on exporting celebrities and creative show formats, we will almost certainly be surpassed by China.

With the Korean Wave spreading into China and beyond, there are great opportunities, but maybe even greater risks. We should spend more time and money working on producing more creative and competitive material for shows, rather than selling out to China for quick and easy earnings.

 greenrna@naver.com

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Chang Jin-Young

Hyoja Elementary School

 

 

Nowadays, K-pop, Korean movies, and Korean dramas are gaining the respect and fame they deserve. The globalization of this type of Korean culture is known as the Korean Wave. Some people argue against promoting the exportation of Korean media, but the Korean Wave offers three specific benefits that outweigh the drawbacks.

The first and most obvious benefit is the economic gains from sharing the television programs or music. We can of course earn more money from releasing shows and songs to a wider audience. China’s population is immensely larger than that of Korea, which means more viewers for Korean dramas. When the popular drama “You Who Came from the Stars” premiered in China, its viewer number was off the charts.

Next, Korea can gain international recognition, which will help us to become more competitive in the international market. The globalization of Korea and Korean dramas and music will attract attention from people all over the world, which, in turn, results in the third benefit.

Korean industries and brands will have the opportunity to reach people on a worldwide scale, which will help the Korean economy. In many Korean dramas and movies, there are many popular Korean foods and items that other countries do not have. To illustrate, recently, “You Who Came from the Stars” has ignited a boom in sales of the popular Korean snack of chicken and beer known as ‘Chimaek,’ because it is the female protagonist’s favorite food on the show. As a result, many Korean chicken and beer brands have benefited from the Korean Wave.

Despite what critics say, the Korean Wave so far has only proven beneficial to the Korean market, and it will continue to do so. Instead of debating the merits of the Korean Wave, we should be doing our best to stimulate it.

eddyroxrox8036@gmail.com

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Kim Si-Eun

Jamsil Middle school

 

 

The Korean Wave has continued to influence cultures around the world for the past two decades and it has recently begun gaining even more attention. Specifically, it has sparked China’s interest in Korean pop culture and business industries. Some critics contend that the Korean entertainment industry is haphazardly exporting its unique creations into China, but ultimately, the Korean Wave has helped us get to where we are today, and it will continue to help us achieve world status.

Imagine you are an author who wants to publish as many books as possible to become famous. You have written a total of 100 books, some of which are better than others. Now you have the choice to give all books to the publishing company, so it can choose what it wants, or to give only the books that you think will be successful. Which choice would give you a better chance to become famous? Of course, the smarter option is to give all the books to the publishing company, and let them decide which books will be more successful.

In a similar manner, Korea should allow China to have access to any and all movies and programs that it wants to broadcast, as long as Korea receives fair compensation. All countries have different interests. We should revel in the fact that our culture and entertainment industry could be a huge success in China. Additionally, we should remember that China is not our end goal. China could just be the stepping stool to help us gain fame around the world.

Everyone today is connected by the internet, and we should make the most of this. The entrance of the Korean Wave into China will provide opportunities for Korean artists and actors to create high-quality content, given China’s immense entertainment budget. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the Korean Wave flow over the whole world.

 sihyoeun@naver.com

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Kang Seo-Eun

Myeongsun Elementary School

 

 

Critics of the Korean Wave have forgotten that it has helped Korea become recognized as a world power. Before the Wave, many other countries did not give a single thought to Korea. It is important to remember how much we have profited from it.

Through international exportation of our dramas and music, Korea has become a much more globalized country, and globalization inevitably leads to further development. Very few people argue against the fact that Korea has created some of the most unique television formats. However, since Korea is a small country, it can never stand out among the larger ones unless it extends its reach outside its borders. Korea’s astonishing skills are rendered essentially useless when other countries cannot recognize and appreciate them. To become more globalized and to better promote our country, we need to export our best content to other nations, namely China. Exporting our media to China will prove advantageous to Korea.

When Chinese television networks picked up the popular Korean show “Dae Jang Geum,” also known as “The Jewel in the Palace,” it experienced great success. In fact, it was soon after exported to about 80 different countries. China’s immense population and resources helped the show gain fame and innumerous viewers; China was the bridge linking Korean culture to the rest of the world.

China has also helped attract many tourists to Korea. When the Korean drama “You Who Came from the Stars” gained popularity in China, it is estimated that 5,700 Chinese tourists came to Korea to see Song-do Suksan. In recent years, Japanese tourists have increased 38%, Hong Kong tourists have increased 75%, and mainland Chinese tourists have increased an incredible 90%. It goes without saying that Korea’s tourism industry has undoubtedly benefited from these increases.

Through exportation of Korean dramas and music to China and other countries, we can strengthen our link to the rest of the world. Korea has the skills to impress other nations and it is time to let the world know about Korea.

fluteplus@naver.com

 

Is the spread of the Korean Wave advantageous for Korea?

 

BY Lee Seung-Ho

Jamsil Middle school

 

 

Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, refers to the increase in popularity of Korean culture over the past two decades. Hallyu has helped many Korean industries with economic gains, and it has helped improve Korea’s international image by drawing in many tourists from all over the world.

Since the 1990s, many Korean drama stars and singers have gained popularity in China and other parts of East Asia, including Japan and Taiwan. Even countries farther away, such as India, Iran, Israel, Turkey, Russia, and the United States have developed a growing interest in the Korean Wave. As a result of the interest in Korean shows and actors, many people have become interested in Korean products used in shows or promoted by actors.

To illustrate, actors Jeon Jihyun and Kim Soohyun are both expected to earn 50 billion won in the year 2015 due to their roles in the popular show “You Who Came from the Stars.” As a result, many Chinese corporations and consumers have become interested in products that the two celebrities have been promoting, reflecting just how influential Korean dramas and pop culture are to China. According to The Chosun Ilbo, the fashion brand ‘ShesMiss’ is experiencing a huge surge in sales due to a winter coat that Jeon wore in a recent episode. A representative of ShesMiss stated that, after the program aired, all 2,500 of the coats that were in stock at their stores sold out almost immediately.

The Korean Wave has also helped to attract many tourists from all over the world. Many fans of Korean dramas wish to see the real sites where dramas have filmed. The popular tourist site, visitkorea.or.kr, includes many filming locations as themed tours. Tourists now have the opportunity to learn more about Korean entertainment firsthand.

Promoting ethnocentrism will do nothing to further the Korean economy. We have achieved our current world status due to the Korean Wave. Due to technology, today’s world is a world of global citizens. We can accept this truth and take advantage of it, or we can reject it and fall by the wayside.

sngho411@naver.com

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Kim Min-Ji

Bonghyun Elementary School

 

In just a few years, the upper limit of human intelligence as we know it will be surpassed by that of AI.

Artificial Intelligence is developing at a great speed. In 1956, computer experts started to use the word “Artificial Intelligence”, and just 42 years later, in 1998, Sony invented the first AI robot. Today, a multitude of AI programs have passed the Turing Test (a test designed to measure a machine’s ability to mimic human intelligence). Many machines can even recognize human facial expressions and infer what the person is feeling.

Most people agree that someday, AI robots could surpass human intelligence, but what you might not know is that in many ways, they already have.

In 1997, IBM’s chess robot “Deep Blue” defeated Gary Kasparov, the year’s current World Chess Champion. Moreover, in 2011, IBM’s supercomputer “Watson” overthrew the two most successful contestants on the quiz show Jeopardy to date.

According to Ray Kruzweil, a director of engineering at Google, in 2045, AI robots will have more intelligence than humans. Stephen Hawking, the famed theoretical physicist, warns that such a situation could be dangerous.

It is true that AI is helping us in many ways today, but we cannot deny that AI is developing too fast for us to control. If we are not careful, the future effects of such technology could be devastating.

immi159@naver.com

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Tak Yu-Na

Seongdeok Girls’ Middle School

 

When people think of the words “artificial intelligence”, they might call to mind Pixar’s dystopian film “Wall-E”, or imagine a violent scene from the Hollywood favorite “Terminator.” While both of these ideas might seem extreme, or not relevant to today’s world, the fact of the matter is that today’s artificial intelligence hides behind the mask of Helpfulness, hiding its dangerous nature.

Artificially intelligent robots will soon lower the already down-to the ground employment rate in Korea. Many young adults straight out of University are stuck doing labor or part-time jobs, simply because of the scarcity of ideal jobs open at the moment. When AI robots become commercially available, and as they continue to gain intelligence, they will be able to work more efficiently than humans. Unlike humans, robots do not get tired. Robots do not fear dangerous missions, and they do not require coffee or bathroom breaks from work. Labor could potentially be overtaken by AI programs.

Many people contend that humans will be able to maintain their superiority due to their ability to think and reason, and as long as humans keep their creativity, we have no reason to fear AI robots’ presence. This is a flawed belief. In Korea, a country where the pressure to be the best is extremely high, competition among humans will be fiercer than ever. Furthermore, creativity is not an inherent human talent. Some people are better suited to mathematics or sciences, both of which jobs would most likely be taken first by robots.

At first glance, AI technology seems like an easy choice. In the beginning, it might make our lives a bit easier. However, with the speedy progress these machines are making, ultimately, the outcome will not be good for human society.

 greenrna@naver.com

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Go Yea-Won

Semyung Elementary School

 

You might have heard the word ‘Artificial Intelligence’ before now. Although it seems impressive, it is an easy word to decipher. Artificial intelligence (AI) means intelligence made by humans. What does this word mean to you? Do you see robots helping to make your everyday life more comfortable or an image from Terminator? The scenes from Terminator might be a bit extreme, but robots won’t make life easier for all the humans.

One or the reasons that AI will not always be so heavenly is that robots will lower the already down-to-the-ground unemployment rate. Many people straight out of college are doing labor or getting half time jobs because there are no jobs available. Once robots gain intelligence, they could work much better than humans. For instance, let’s consider labor. Robots unlike humans don’t get tired. Also, they could deal with more dangerous missions than humans. Labor would be overtaken by robots. Also, robots coordinate well with simple job like part time jobs. With a simple program, robots could do the work more perfectly and quickly than most humans. AI will lower Korea’s already down to the ground employment rate.

Some argue that humans unlike robots can think. And that as long as humans keep their creativity, humans and robots will be able to live together. However, the competition among humans will be fiercer than ever. More people will be trying to be the best, when only one can be the best. This competition is already fierce in Korea without much help. Also, not everyone is creative. Some might be good at physic work, while others are better at thinking. It would be unfair for the first type of people.

Also, people say that AI will help disabled people. Of course, it would. But as I said, some people would not be benefited. For example, people who train the Seeing Eye dogs will lose their work if robots could lead the way for handicapped people. Many people will lose their jobs.

These are just a few examples of why we AI won’t benefit everyone. Just because the percentage of the people who won’t benefit from AI is a small amount, we should not ignore them. Laziness is never a good thing.

yeawon0106@naver.com

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Kim Si-Eun

Jamsil Middle school

 

“What are you proud of?” If you asked me this question today, without hesitation, I would tell you that I am proud of being a human. Humans are the most developed species on Earth. We are able to use forms of symbolic communication such as language and art. We can exchange ideas. We can reflect on ourselves in order to better ourselves.

These days, humans are using their intelligence to create new things that can and will irrevocably change our lives, just so we can live a more comfortable life. Artificial Intelligence, or “AI”, occurred as a result of the intelligence of humans. We have managed to create an intelligence manifested through machines and software, which will undoubtedly influence our life in a massive way. However, this is the problem.

Perhaps the most basic concern with AI is that it will result in an enormous amount of human laziness. Imagine a world where robots do everything for us. They clean the house, wash the dishes, and even complete our homework. It sounds wonderful, right?

It isn’t. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the obesity rate increased from 13% to 27.6% from 1962 to 2013. In America alone, more than one third of adults are obese. The OECD predicts that by 2050, that one third will jump to one half. Having AI robots complete our everyday tasks for us will do nothing to help lower these numbers.

However, the presence of AI robots in our society could have an even more frightening effect. Artificial intelligence could surpass humans, and we could lose the uniqueness of things that make us human. As mentioned before, humans are the most developed species on this earth. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence could eventually transcend that of humans.

To illustrate, let’s look at one AI robot named Pepper. Pepper is the first humanoid robot designed to live with humans. He is a social robot who is able to converse with people, recognizing and reacting to our emotions. In the future, these kinds of robots will develop at a rapid speed, and their development could surpass human development.

Let’s be proud of being humans. Let’s save our humanity. Let’s keep what it means to be human uniquely separate from machines.

sihyoeun@naver.com

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Kim Young-Mok

Aju Middle School

 

Day by day, artificial intelligence programs are slowly improving. In the near future, we could have robots to babysit our children, self-driving cars to get us safely from point A to point B, and many other helpful forms of AI technology which will make our lives unmeasurably easier. Yet, some people still contend that it will bring more harm than good, citing examples of human laziness and unemployment. Others mention Hollywood movies, such as “Terminator”, trying to prove that AI could eventually rule over us. Realistically, however, artificial intelligence will do neither of these things, and will ultimately benefit humans.

One way AI technology will prove indispensable is that it will help the disabled. Among the 6.5 billion people on Earth, the World Health Organization estimates that 100 million people are severely or moderately disabled. With artificially intelligent technology, such as maid robots, we can improve the quality of life for these people, by assisting them with tasks they are unable to do themselves.

Another vital role artificial intelligence will play is protecting the environment. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or USEPA, smart software can reduce air pollution from industries. As fuels burn, byproducts such as carbon dioxide and other gases are released. Artificial intelligence can identify patters during combustion and modify manufacturing processes, thereby minimizing pollution. Additionally, it can capture harmful matter in the smokestacks of factories before they are released into the atmosphere.

Fearmongerers who spread anxiety over the use of artificial intelligence do not really have humanity’s best interest at heart. AI development will actually create a new field of jobs, and the idea of human enslavement by robots is simply absurd. After all, ultimately, they are programs that act as we program them to act.

kimyoungmoc@hanmail.net

 

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Lee Seung-Ho

Jamsil Middle school

 

Last year, my grandmother underwent large intestine surgery after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Most people agree that any type of surgery can be frightening, especially if performed on a loved one. However, in an attempt to quell my fears, my mother informed me that the surgery was actually a “robot surgery,” performed by a machine using artificial intelligence.

Robotic surgery assistants can help doctors in many ways. To begin with, they have the ability to pinpoint problem locations on the human body very precisely and they keep track of surgery paths for doctors to follow. Additionally, surgeries performed by AI assistants generally result in decreased blood loss, less pain, and a quicker healing time for patients. Even before such surgery is necessary, smart medical technology can help diagnose patients or warn patients of potential risk factors.

A doctor in Asan Medical Center strongly recommended the artificial intelligence surgery to my grandmother last year, and I am very thankful that he did. In the case of my grandmother’s surgery, it would have been extremely difficult for even an expert surgeon to carry out the procedure without the help of AI technology. If artificially intelligent robots can do this today, just imagine what they’ll be capable of in the future!

sngho411@naver.com

 

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Choi Yun-Seo

Wolchon Elementary School

 

Due to developments in technology, the abilities and functions of artificial intelligence almost seem to be ‘magical.’ However, they are real and their progress is imminent. Although adversaries of this trend claim that AI technology brings up ethical questions, it is undeniable that AI’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks.

One vital role of artificial intelligence will be to more accurately predict weather patterns. According to the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, or the AAAI, artificially intelligent software will be able to sift through massive volumes of complex data to spot patterns missed by the imperfect human eye. This, in turn, will help to better predict the weather. With higher accuracy in weather forecasts, artificial intelligence software may offer important benefits for crop development, forestry, and agriculture. More importantly, accurate knowledge of forthcoming dangerous weather will help keep humans safe.

Artificial intelligence also enables machines to perform tasks that can be too treacherous for humans to complete. When such artificially intelligent machines are produced, human safety will no longer be at risk from these dangerous jobs. Many countries have already instituted programs where smart robots locate and disable landmines, removing the threat of harm to humans. There are AI robots that handle radioactive materials in order to limit the risk to human workers. Some robots are even able to fill jobs such as firefighting and coal mining.

A government’s primary goal should be the betterment of its citizens and its society. Some necessary but hazardous jobs have forced many people into significant danger. The government has to act fast to prevent any more avoidable suffering. The best possible way is unquestionably the use of machines that use artificially intelligent software.

awesomepercy@naver.com

Should we welcome artificial intelligence into today’s society?

 

 

BY Kim Do-Hyun

Youngdong Elementary School

 

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a type of computer technology concerned with making machines work in way that mirrors the way the human mind works. It has a range of abilities, including observing, understanding language, problem solving, reasoning, and even learning. Although some question AI’s place in our society, its existence is both inevitable and necessary.

The “Space Race” of the mid-20th century only cracked open the door to possibilities of space exploration. 2012 saw the landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars, and in 2014, we watched as the Philae spacecraft landed on a comet for the first time ever. This is just the beginning.

Intelligent robots can be used to explore space, given they are machines and therefore have the ability to endure the hostile environment of interplanetary space. They can be made to adapt in such a way that planetary atmospheres do not affect their physical state or ability to function. With the use of AI technology, what humans once thought of as unreachable and impossible will soon become attainable. Our understanding of the observable universe will grow, and we could even discover other celestial bodies with resources that could benefit the human race.

In considering the sprawling mystery of space, many people often forget how little we know of many parts of our own earth. Intelligent robots can be harnessed for exploring the depths of the oceans. For example, the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the earth’s oceans, contains a multitude of lifeforms that we have not discovered. Unfortunately, few people have ventured into the trench due to its incredible depth and frightening pressure. Currently, the amount of descents into the Mariana Trench can be counted on one hand.

Human intelligence and physical capability has serious limitations. The benefits of AI technology are clear and undeniable, and AI will surely assist mankind. Why shouldn’t we do everything within our power to help the human race improve?

andy9530@naver.com

Double edged sword; Electronic devices on campus

 

 

 

 

BY Cho Hyo-Jin

Baekma Middle School

 

Nowadays, we can see college students taking pictures of lecture slides with their smartphones, rather than taking hand-written notes with a pencil and notebook. Some type the lecture on their laptop instead. More and more students are taking advantage of electronic devices in the classroom, but I am skeptical of this trend.Students use electronic devices such as smartphones or laptops for convenience. It enables rapid note- taking and time management without arduous labor. Professors often lecture in a rush and this smart trick seems essential for those who cannot catch up with the pace.However, this kind of selfish need for convenience can be distracting, for them as well as their peers. When a professor gives a presentation using a projector or a large screen, many students take pictures of it, arguing that there is not enough time for note-taking.Using electronic devices may be a smart substitute for old-fashioned methods; however, the sound of a camera shutter can disturb other students. One college student who prefers to hand-write notes argued that “the clicking sound of the camera bothers me a lot. I don’t understand why they take pictures even when they acknowledge that it disturbs other students.”

Besides, students have to write them down after class, so it is a wonder if taking pictures is beneficial at all.
“I think they should know that other students’ class time is just as important as their own,” the student added. Using electric devices in class also arises as a community issue.

Some students take notes on a laptop instead of in a notebook, and their peers may be disturbed by the sound of typing. Students who are against electronic devices in class often claim that when a professor says something valuable, the sound of typing can be bothersome.

It is not only about a community issue, but even students using electronic devices can distract themselves. If you get bored in class and there is a smart phone beside you, you can play a game or surf the Internet anytime. A plethora of games and activities are available on electronic devices.

Students are attracted to electronic devices during class and are easily distracted. As well as disturbing their neighbors, they are actually most distracted in class by them.

Double edged sword; Electronic devices on campus

 

 

 

 

BY Lee Jae-hong

Naejung Middle School

Recently as electronic devices have developed as part of our everyday lives, the debate over whether to use them in college classes has become the topic of much discussion.Some people support the idea that electronic devices are a necessity for college students due to their convenience. It not only accelerates the pace of work, but also helps them keep in touch with friends and family.However, I strongly disagree with the argument that electronic devices should be used in university classes, as it can hinder learning, critical thinking and the entire educational process.While using electronic devices, students cannot concentrate on lectures. They easily lose attention and giggle at funny stories on Facebook. Attractive phone applications can also eat up students’ attention and worsen the situation. If a student does not want to focus on a lecture, it is more likely that he or she will turn to an electronic device to pass the time.Students can play games or search for information unrelated to class on the Internet. Many people might think that electronic gadgets have negative effects only for those who use them. However, even students who are not using them can become easily distracted due to the sound of a camera shutter or vigorous typing.

“I think taking a photo during lessons only distracts other students,” said Sang Won Lee, a freshman at Konkuk University. He added that electronic devices can benefit those who use them, though their use may bother others. Some functions on devices can be loud enough to distract other students, he said.

The use of electronic devices during lessons is also ineffective. Some insist that electronic devices are essential because students can snap pictures of lecture notes. However, a photocopy of lecture notes must be hand-written again, probably after the class.

It casts doubt over whether electronic devices can ever serve an educational purpose.

All they do is worsen concentration. Regardless of what certain devices can do, students still must write down lecture notes, though there is the chance that they may not fully comprehend the material they learned in class.

According to a recent report from NBC News, a student checks his or her smartphone an  average  of  11 times during class, and 80 percent of them answered that it is distracting. It added that the abuse of electronic devices correlates directly with low academic performance.

psh7159@gmail.com

 

Double edged sword; Electronic devices on campus

 

 

 

 

BY Suh Ji-Seop

Samseon Middle School

 

We are now living in the age of the Internet, in which the development and widespread use of electronic devices has become inevitable. It’s human nature for people to become accustomed to the actions they find most efficient. I undoubtedly argue that most college students use electronic devices for a multitude of purposes. New electronic devices such as tablet PCs or smartphones play a significant role in our everyday lives. In the midst of these fast-paced technological trends, we see many college students using laptops near their schools and just about everywhere else.

The number of smartphone and laptop users in their 20s is so substantial that LG has targeted most of its promotions at college students. Students can obtain discounts with a university ID card, and Apple offers devices at a discounted rate for those who register with a university email account. Cafes near college campuses are no longer places to sip coffee but to enjoy fast Wi-Fi service.

When I interviewed a 22-year-old university student who lives near me, I asked him about the role of smartphones and laptops on college campuses. He said that electronic devices are essential for organizing ideas during class time, and that while many college students have their own ways of staying organized, most use their electronic devices.

He also pointed out that it is almost unimaginable to go to class without an electronic device since the possession of them is somewhat assumed, and lectures are often designed for those who take advantage of such devices.

Such trends have already become a part of college life, and those who eschew such technology will eventually find themselves getting left behind.
Customizing oneself to a fast-pacing environment is a diligent endeavor. And owning electronic devices and taking advantage of them must be interpreted through the same frame.

Unlike other generations that criticize the use of electronic devices, college students have blended cutting-edge technology into their academic environment–not only during lectures, but at other times as well.

Almost everything can be done electronically–from signing up for classes to connecting with friends on and off campus. College students deserve respect for their creativity.

sjs9968@naver.com

Double edged sword; Electronic devices on campus

 

 

 

 

BY Lee Hee-Won

Jamsil Middle School

Despite the fact that some problems exist with students using electronic devices during class, still it is much more convenient and comfortable for them.

Using electronic devices is much more effective for many students and some of them don’t have a choice but to use them based on time constraints. Since there is limited time to lecture, professors often hurry through. Professors are urged to teach more in the time allotted than he or she is capable, and as a result, students rapidly try to write down everything the teacher says, sometimes missing notes.

However, if they use electronic devices, they have more time to listen and understand, rather than rushing through the material. By taking a photograph, they can save their notes quickly.

They can also type their notes on their laptops, which saves more time than writing by hand.

“Most professors lecture using a big screen, and some of them turn the pages way too fast, which doesn’t allow us to take notes. It’s more comfortable and effective to use smartphones to take a picture,” said one Mokwon University student.

“I take the picture when other students are taking notes anyway, so it doesn’t matter,” he said in response to whether he believed technological gadgets in the classroom were a distraction.

However, the solution to that argument is simple.

Many educators believe students who use electronic devices cannot pay attention in class. They contend students surf the Web or do unrelated work during class, not listening to the professor.

However, such issues occur even when students don’t have electronic devices. Students who don’t have any interest in the lecture will still pay no attention, even without a smartphone or laptop. They might even bother other students who are trying to pay attention.

What matters is the student’s will to pay attention, not the existence of electronic devices. Students who are willing to pay attention will still focus on the class, and even if they have electronic devices, they will use them effectively.

Though there may be some minor problems that come with using electronic devices during class, the benefit is still significant. It would be unreasonable to ban or restrict their use on campus for such minor grievances. Taking advantage of cutting-edge technology in academia is more plausible and intellectual.