In this blog post, we examine the institutional conditions under which consensus-based and majoritarian democracies produce different policy outcomes, and analyze how differences in power structures affect representativeness and efficiency. Democratic systems are classified as “consensus-based democracies” and “majoritarian democracies” based on the degree to which power is concentrated...
South Korea’s tax burden rate is considered to be lower than the average for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). However, the tax burden as perceived by the public may feel different. Are Koreans actually paying a lot in taxes? We will examine this question by looking at the meaning of the tax burden rate and comparing it internationally. The National Budget, Taxes...
In this blog post, we examine how the introduction of the Special Act on Resident Physicians will affect healthcare workforce management, patient safety, and the training environment for resident physicians. On July 31, 2015, in South Korea, Representative Kim Yong-ik of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, a member of the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee, proposed the...
In this blog post, the author—who has been in Korea for three years—details her journey of learning Korean at ○○ University and Seoul National University, overcoming cultural differences, and growing as a person. My Early Days in Korea and the Language Program at ○○ University I vividly remember, as if it were yesterday, how I was filled with joy and excitement upon arriving in Korea. It’s...
In this blog post, I will examine why soccer enjoys such special popularity worldwide, focusing on the 2002 World Cup, and specifically explore the significance that the rarity of a “single goal” holds for both individuals and society. The World Cup and the Spectacle of Soccer The year 2002 was a moment when South Korea became one. Could we ever find another time when so many people...
In this blog post, we will examine the concept and operating principles of hybrid vehicles, as well as their pros and cons and prospects for commercialization. The Concept of Hybrids and the Operating Principles of Electric Motors Do you remember cell phones from the early 90s? Back then, cell phones were just heavy devices capable of making calls, but today they have evolved into...
In this blog post, we’ll explore the emergence of flying cars and the principles of mechanical and aerospace engineering that make them possible. We’ll also take a look at how these technologies might transform future transportation. A New Revolution in Flying Cars Led by Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Throughout human history, the evolution of transportation has played a pivotal...
In this blog post, we’ll explore how Frieza, from the moment he appeared, instilled fear in readers with his overwhelming combat power and unique personality, rising above the role of a mere villain to become the most iconic boss in Dragon Ball history. After the Saiyan arc concluded, a boss character emerged as the Dragon Ball universe expanded beyond Earth into space. That character is...
What would happen if there were no markets or prices? We examine how economic systems work by looking at the causes and consequences of scarcity, and analyze the reasons behind the failure of communism. What would happen if there were no markets or prices? In February 2022, Pokémon Bread was relaunched in South Korea. Each loaf of this bread comes with a sticker featuring one of over 100...
In this blog post, we examine how South Korea’s policy to abolish specialized and autonomous private high schools and convert them into general high schools affects educational fairness and equity. The Concepts of Specialized High Schools and Independent Private High Schools Recently, there has been active discussion regarding the abolition of specialized high schools and independent...