희망 • New Year'

[피터제갈]

Address 2o26
By P Jaekal

[New Year's Address]
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In 2026, the World and the Korean Peninsula at the Border: Suggestions from Koreans towards coexistence and advancement
Introduction:

The Year of the Red Horse', at the threshold of dynamic change
The morning of 2026, the year of Byeong-o, has dawned. The New Year in New Zealand's lush nature is always exciting, but this year is especially meaningful. The world is currently going through an "era of great transformation." Behind the convenience brought by the rapid advancement of technology lies the shadow of high prices and high interest rates, and geopolitical conflicts still threaten the peace of humanity.

For us, who are Korean New Zealanders, our homeland, Korea, is a source of pride and a place of our hearts where we always pray for well-being. At the same time, New Zealand, where we take root, is a place where pristine nature and multiculturalism coexist.

In this article, we aim to examine the political, economic, social, and cultural challenges of the world, Korea, and New Zealand from the perspective of Korean New Zealanders in the new year of 2026, and to organize our hopes and expectations for practical issues such as high prices, war prevention, nature conservation, tariffs, and exchange rates.

2. Main point: From crisis to opportunity, major tasks for 2026

(1) Economic sector: Overcoming high inflation and overcoming the waves of exchange rates and tariffs
The key topic for the global economy in 2026 is undoubtedly "stable recovery." The supply chain bottlenecks and high prices that have plagued us in recent years have peaked,

but their impact on the economy of ordinary people is still enormous.
High prices and the people's livelihood economy: Both New Zealand and Korea are suffering from rising grocery prices. In 2026, we hope that the austerity policies of each government will be effective and prices will stabilize.

I hope that the quality of life for the underprivileged will improve through the stabilization of energy and food prices.
Tariff wars and protectionism: The intensifying protectionism and "tariff barriers" amid the US-China hegemonic competition are a crisis for both Korea, an export-driven country, and New Zealand, a resource-exporting country.

In 2026, a mutually beneficial trade order should be restored rather than an exclusive tariff policy.
Responding to Exchange Rate Volatility: Fluctuating exchange rates are a very sensitive issue for overseas Koreans. When the value of the Korean won and the New Zealand dollar (NZD) changes rapidly due to external variables, there are significant disruptions to remittances and business.

I hope that the transparency of the financial markets will be strengthened, and through international cooperation, exchange rate volatility will be alleviated, leading to a predictable economic environment.

(2) In the political and security fields: War prevention and peace on the Korean Peninsula
War is a disaster that instantly takes away all of humanity's achievements.

I earnestly hope that the gunfire around the world will stop in 2026.
Geopolitical conflict resolution: The conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East must find a diplomatic solution, and there must be no further casualties.

Peace is not simply a state without war, but a state where justice and dialogue are alive and breathing.
Peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula: Korean politics must move beyond confrontation and discord to a path of integration.

I hope that through substantial progress on the North Korean nuclear issue and the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue, the Korean Peninsula will be reborn as a 'hub of peace' rather than a 'powder keg.' Overseas Koreans know better than anyone that the stability of the Korean Peninsula is directly related to our well-being.

(3) Social and environmental fields: Nature conservation and a sustainable future
New Zealand's identity lies in nature, symbolized by '100% Pure.' In the era of the climate crisis, New Zealand and Korea must become partners in environmental protection.

Nature conservation and carbon neutrality: 2026 must be a year supported by concrete actions toward the goal of carbon neutrality.

If New Zealand's advanced environmental policies and Korea's carbon reduction technology are combined, it could create great synergy in addressing climate change, a common challenge for humanity.
Integration in a multicultural society: New Zealand's 'Maori-Pakeha (European)' coexistence model has significant implications for Korea, which is transitioning into a multicultural society.

I hope that a mature civic consciousness that respects each other's cultures beyond race and nationality will be further enhanced in both countries.

(4) Cultural field: The fusion of K-culture and New Zealand sensibilities
Culture is the most powerful tool for overcoming language barriers.
The evolution of K-culture: Korean dramas, music, and food have now become mainstream global cultures.

In 2026, I hope that deep Korean culture, which embodies universal human values beyond mere trends, will become more widespread.
Expansion of cultural exchange: I hope there will be more opportunities for the exchange between New Zealand's indigenous culture and Korea's traditional culture. This will be nourishment for our second and third generations of Korean immigrants to live proudly as members of the local community without forgetting their roots.

Conclusion: Steps towards mutual benefit and solidarity
The wishes of the Korean New Zealanders as they welcome 2026 are clear. That is precisely **'A world where we live well together.'**
High prices and economic uncertainty must be overcome through innovation and solidarity, and the threat of war must be quelled through dialogue and concessions.

For the sake of the Earth we will pass on to our descendants, nature conservation is a historical calling that can no longer be postponed.

We must not forget that technical indicators such as tariffs and exchange rates must ultimately exist for the sake of "human happiness."

New Zealand, Korea, and the world are connected. The Korean diaspora community will faithfully fulfill its role as a bridge between those connections.

At the end of 2026, I sincerely hope that we can look back on the path we have taken and self-assess that "it was the year that laid the foundation for true peace and prosperity."
Happy New Year!

Kia Ora!
Writer/ P Jaekal