Robert Moreno has had quite an introduction to Korean football. When interviewing for the national team job in the summer after the disaster of the World Cup, he apparently impressed Korea FA officials with his knowledge of the subject. Nothing, however, can prepare you for reality. The 49-year-old former coach of Spain was given the job until the end of November, a period that includes six games. Four have been played already, and results were mixed. There was a 3-0 win over Ecuador, a 4-1 loss to Uruguay, a goalless draw with Venezuela and then, on Oct. 6, a 2-0 victory against Uzbekistan. Performances were, however, encouraging in the sense that tactically, there were some positive signs, and a sense that after the perceived passiveness of Hong Myung-bo at the World Cup, he was a coach who looked to make things happen during games. Now, there are two left. On Nov. 13, the Taeguk Warriors will take on Saudi Arabia and then, four days later, will face Qatar. Both games will take place in Qatar as there are security concerns around Saudi Arabia at the moment, with the country coming und

We are approaching a world in which intelligence is abundant, information is virtually free and machines can do in seconds what once took humans months. But strangely, the more technologically advanced we become, the less we perceive what truly matters. We have more ways to communicate but feel more disconnected. We have more access to knowledge but less confidence. There is more convenience but less patience. This paradox is not new. Economist John M. Keynes in his 1930 essay “Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren” predicted that technological progress could eventually allow people to work as little as 15 hours a week. Nearly a century later, we all have smart devices in our pockets with algorithms anticipating our preferences and artificial intelligence (AI) assistants capable of quickly producing reports, presentations and even computer code. However, more leisure time failed to materialize. Many of us are still working long hours and not enjoying life that much. We are drowning in constant notifications, meetings and messages, confronting endless expectations to do more.

BRUSSELS — What if the greatest threat to the European Union is not Russian aggression, Chinese exports, or US President Donald Trump, but actually comes from within the bloc? Such a scenario becomes more likely by the day, as illiberal, nationalist forces grow stronger ahead of elections in Spain, France, Poland, and several German states. If these parties come to power, they could hollow out the EU from within, undermining its fundamental values and obstructing collective action. Supporters of the bloc in its current liberal-democratic form must recognize the gathering storm and be prepared with new political strategies and institutional arrangements. For decades, European integration has rested on the assumption that, despite recurring crises, member states were committed to the EU’s survival and success. That assumption no longer holds. Anti-European forces now challenge not just EU policies, but the underlying logic of integration, from shared sovereignty to common rules. But instead of seeking to dissolve or exit the bloc, Europe’s far right and populists have moved on to an

Forty years after Vietnam launched Doi Moi, a farmer in Can Tho offers a starting point for considering its next leap. Le Dong Phuong initially doubted that sowing fewer seeds could maintain her rice harvest. According to a 2024 World Bank account, repeated visits to demonstration farms eventually convinced her. Before changing how she worked, she needed evidence that the change would benefit her household. Vietnam’s ambitions are on a different scale. Its 14th Party Congress in January set a target of average annual GDP growth of at least 10 percent for 2026-2030, alongside the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045. These ambitions invite a familiar Korean question: could a miracle on the Mekong follow the miracle on the Han? I believe Korea’s most useful contribution begins with an honest reading of its own experience. Education, infrastructure and technological learning helped Korean companies raise their competitiveness. Yet success at the top did not automatically produce prosperity throughout the supply chain. These achievements and difficulties are cues Vietnam can t

My time at Oxford left an indelible mark on me, transforming how I perceive education and learning. Beneath the medieval and Gothic architecture of the “City of Dreaming Spires” lies a centuries-old culture of intellectual curiosity and debate that permeates everything from classrooms to dining halls. Before Oxford, I was accustomed to an educational culture where students were expected to provide the “correct” or “model” answer. With examinations placing greater emphasis on rote memorization, there was often little room to question established viewpoints. Education frequently became a means to an end: entering a prestigious university, securing a desirable job and achieving financial stability. Learning for its own sake seemed secondary. At Oxford, however, I encountered something different. What first struck me was the genuine intellectual curiosity of my fellow Oxonians. Regardless of their disciplines, they were eager to discuss their research, however niche or unconventional. While pursuing my master's in International Relations at St Antony’s College, I occasionally

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Korea and his summit with President Lee Jae Myung present an important opportunity to elevate bilateral relations to a new level. Since the signing of the Korea-Germany Treaty of 1883, the two countries have built a relationship of trust over 143 years through cooperation in politics, business, culture and education. Now is the time to consider how we can build upon this historical foundation to shape the next 30 years of our partnership. Having spent more than three decades with BMW Group, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable results that can be achieved when German technological excellence and long-term strategic thinking are combined with Korea's dynamism and ability to execute. My three years as chairman of ADeKo (Alumninetzwerk Deutschland-Korea) further reinforced my conviction that academic, cultural and youth exchanges are essential foundations for the long-term sustainability of bilateral relations. Although geographically distant, Korea and Germany face remarkably similar challenges. Both countries have built their prosperity on

As climate change brings more wildfires, floods and heat emergencies, public parks have proven to be essential community infrastructure, yet they are still funded as optional amenities. That has to change. When the Eaton Fire ravaged Altadena, California, in January 2025, residents were scrambling for shelter and emergency services, while children had no schools or safe places. Nineteen people died and more than 9,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) became that place. Within days of the fires, the department opened five Care Camp sites that took in more than 2,600 children over the next three weeks. County departments and partners created programming, conducted field trips and served 36,000 meals, while mental health professionals offered support. Similarly, in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic, parks became some of the only places people could go outside of their homes. The city’s parks and nonprofit parks workers became their own kind of “essential” workers, comforting people, meeting ne

If you look closely at the credits of some of the most popular and widely distributed content worldwide, it would be rare to find that Koreans had not been materially involved in the creative and production process. What has changed is that the Kims, Parks and the like are increasingly appearing at the forefront of the value chain and workflow — not simply contributing behind the scenes, but shaping and leading the creative process itself. I first noticed this years ago while watching "The Simpsons." I remember thinking, somewhat proudly, that we Koreans were doing some really great, cool stuff — and, more importantly, stuff of global relevance. I believe Korean creativity draws substantially from our dynamic history and culture, which have provided just the right mix of struggle, volatility, growth and prosperity as both context and catalyst. Korean content has successfully leapfrogged onto the global main stage. In essence, it has gone “Hollywood” — not by becoming less Korean, but by becoming globally consumable, commercially scalable and culturally influential. This contra

There was a strong east wind blowing through the recent Paris Auto Show, the biennial showcase for the European car market. Among expected marques such as Citroen, Peugeot, VW and Mercedes, nearly 25 Chinese electric automakers, from LI Auto to Geely and Zeekr, nudged their way onto center stage at the pivotal Port de Versailles event. Days earlier arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, I was greeted by advertising posters with Daniel Craig, aka James Bond, who serves a brand ambassador for Denza autos, a luxury plug-in electric vehicle (EV) company. Denza is a joint venture between China’s BYD Auto and Germany’s Daimler. No this wasn’t jet lag but a reality shock. Chinese EVs made their debut in 2006 when the Great Wall brand appeared in a crowded stage; today about 25 of the 60 major exhibitors were electric marques from China. That’s double the number from 2024. The Chinese EV industry is on the march into a fragmented and sometimes struggling European marketplace where iconic French brands like Citroen, Renault and Peugeot are under serious market pressures. EU passenge

STOCKHOLM — As the term “middle powers” has gained currency this year, it has forced us to ask which countries actually belong to this grouping. After all, shouldn’t most states be described that way? With his much-cited speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revived a debate about shifting power structures in today’s world. He believes we are seeing a “rupture” in the global order, one that will require middle powers to cooperate to resist economic coercion and political domination by others. Although he did not mention the United States, President Donald Trump immediately sensed, correctly, that some of Carney’s remarks were directed against him. But, again, how should the middle powers that Carney had in mind be distinguished from the other powers of our time, if at all? Perhaps one should start by discussing those other powers. It was some time ago that “superpower” was applied to nation-states that wielded powers well beyond any others on the global stage. After World War II, this term was used to describe no

Church Growth International (CGI) was established in November 1976 with the aim of fostering the growth of churches around the world by showcasing exemplary models like Yoido Full Gospel Church. Since then, CGI has continued to grow remarkably as global pastors and church leaders have participated actively. The 50th CGI Conference takes place at Yoido Full Gospel Church and Jamsil Student Gymnasium in Seoul from Oct. 28-31, led by Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church. Lee, who also serves as the CGI chairman, expects the forthcoming conference to be the fresh catalyst for the revival of churches around the world. In a recent interview with GoodTV, a Christian gospel broadcaster, he told Korean churches to tide over endless division, conflict and confrontation and unite to prepare for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. “Korean churches should repent and reflect before the global religious world,” he said. Asked about what was behind the foundation of CGI, Lee said CGI has had a tremendous impact on churches around the world over the last 50 years. “As t

Church leaders and Christians from 50 countries are gathering in Seoul to take part in the 50th Church Growth International (CGI) Conference that will open Wednesday. They will share experiences and seek a path to revival that will be handed over to the next generation. Among the notable speakers will be Hendrik Vorster, founder and president of Cornerstone Ministries International in Australia, which helps him lead church planting and discipleship efforts across the world. Specifically, he has trained more than 130,000 church planters in 78 countries since launching the Church Planting Institute in 2012. Vorster, who also serves as bishop of the Charismatic Churches of India Diocese, is doing whatever he can to strengthen churches and develop leaders across the world through structured discipleship. Satish Kumar, a pastor, author, international speaker and humanitarian, leads Calvary Temple in Hyderabad, India, which boasts more than 400,000 members as one of Asia’s largest churches. He has won fame for his biblical teaching and humanitarian service and has led initiatives such as f

Mental health has quietly become one of the defining issues of our time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions, and mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability globally. Korea is no exception. Depression, anxiety, burnout and loneliness are discussed more openly today than ever before. This alone is progress. For generations, mental health was often shrouded in stigma and silence. Seeking help was considered a sign of weakness rather than strength. Today, many Koreans are finally acknowledging that emotional suffering deserves attention and treatment. Walk around Gangnam Station in southern Seoul, and you will find plenty of mental health clinics promoting their services, alongside the area’s many plastic surgery clinics. Yet as awareness grows, I sometimes wonder whether we risk becoming too eager to label every form of distress as a medical condition. To be clear, medication saves countless lives worldwide. Psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health professionals provide essential

Classical music has an emotionally stabilizing effect that is distinct from pop music. However, for many of us, including myself, it can seem like the music is something reserved for special occasions or elite groups of people. In recent years in Korea, a new cultural shift has been reshaping this perception. It might be called “everyday classics.” Everyday classics are not confined to the gilded stages of opera houses. They spill into cafés, living rooms, parks and even the daily commute. They include not only traditional chamber works or symphonies, but also film scores, musical theater numbers and operettas — genres that bridge the gap between classical tradition and popular culture. The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra has embraced this vision wholeheartedly. Since 2026, it has launched “Ilsang Classics,” meaning “Everyday Classics.” It is a unified brand for its social contribution and community-focused projects. The initiative reflects a belief that music should not be locked away in prestigious venues, but shared freely with citizens in spaces where life unfolds most n

In a recent New York Times essay, Helen Gao describes a troubling trend in China. As optimism about the economy weakens, frustration has turned toward successful individuals suspected of undeserved privilege and women blamed for men’s difficulties. The author describes online campaigns investigating successful individuals for evidence of possible favoritism or fraud that can discredit their achievements. Such scrutiny occasionally exposes wrongdoing, but can also show a difficulty believing that someone else’s success doesn’t threaten our own. When we feel uncertain about our own future, someone else’s success can become harder to regard generously. In Korea, these concerns are often expressed through the language of fairness. The 2026 OECD Economics Surveys: Korea explains that intense educational competition is closely linked to divisions in salary, future job security and social protection that one enjoys throughout their lifetime. University admission or a first job can shape future opportunities, making rules governing the competition personal to those involved. An unfair a