[299th] Heavy smoking rate increasing among teenagers/ Korea is more global than Koreans think/ Ko shows promise as first female president on tube.

[태용[Roy]]

주제 올립니다.

아직 다듬어질게 많으니 혹시 보신 분들은 어디어디 고쳐야 할지 알려 주십시요,

그리고 정희씨~~ 파일에 아무것도 없더라구요..일부러 놀리려고 하신건 아니시겠죠?? ㅜㅜ

300회 특집 주제와 발표는 정말 기대 되는 군요..

그럼 굿 나잇!!

10월 9일 주제.doc

- 1st section : Politics / Social Affairs / Education / People / National

Heavy smoking rate increasing among teenagers

An increasing number of young teens are smoking, and they are starting younger, a lawmaker said Thursday.

In a nationwide survey of 80,000 teenage students between 2005 and 2008, 12.8 percent of them were cigarette smokers who had smoked more than once over the previous 30 days, Rep. Lim Hye-kyu of the ruling Grand National Party said during a parliamentary audit Thursday.

While the overall smoking rate saw fluctuations in recent years, the number of heavily smoking teens has continued to grow, Lim said.

Of the students surveyed, 6.5 percent smoked every day and 2.8 percent smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day in 2008, up from 3.9 percent and 2.1 percent in 2005, respectively.

The percentage of male students who smoked every day almost doubled from 5.3 percent in 2005 to 9 percent in 2008.

The smoking age also is getting younger, with three in 10 teenage smokers saying that they first smoked when they were in middle school.

Those who said they smoked before entering middle schools accounted for 10.3 percent of boys and 6.5 percent of girls in 2008.

Second-hand smoke was serious among female students as well. In 2008, 49.1 percent of middle school students and 46 percent of high school students said they were affected by smoking at home more than one day per week.

Despite the growing preval‎ence of teenage smoking, only half the students surveyed said they had received antismoking education more than once a year in 2008.

“Adults try to quit smoking when they have health problems. But young teens are vulnerable to its risk and addiction. Education for prevention should be done in the long term at schools,” said Lim.

Summary

 An increasing number of young teens are smoking, and they are starting younger. In a nationwide survey of 80,000 teenage students between 2005 and 2008, 12.8 percent of them were cigarette smokers. While the overall smoking rate saw fluctuations in recent years, the number of heavily smoking teens has continued to grow. Second-hand smoke was serious among female students as well. In 2008, 49.1 percent of middle school students and 46 percent of high school students said they were affected by smoking at home more than one day per week.

Question

1. Have you ever smoked? If yes, What was the reason makes you smoke?

2. If you smoke, tell others main reason why you are smoking. If you are non-smoker, tell group members, why do you hate smoking.

3. On this article, while adults try to quit smoking, the rate of teenage smoking is going up steadily. What makes teenage start to smoke and how can we let them stop smoking?

4. (To guys) How do you think female-smokers? Would it be uncomfortable(if she could be your girlfriend). (To ladies) How do you think male-smokers? Would it be uncomfortable? And can he be your boyfriend?)

- 2nd section : Business / IT / Science / Industry / Economy

Korea is more global than Koreans think’

Merck Korea CEO Juergen Koenig is an energetic entrepreneur who puts family first

Juergen Koenig, CEO of Merck Korea, is everything Brazil stands for. He is vibrant, energetic, pleasant, and exotically cultured. Most of all, he exudes optimism and carries an attitude of gratitude. 　

“I appreciate every part of life,” says Koenig, who came to Korea in 2008 to head the Korea operation of Merck KGaA, one of the world’s oldest corporations whose businesses range from pharmaceuticals to chemicals, food, plastics and bioscience.

Koenig was born in Brazil to German parents, a fact that explains much of his attitude toward life. His exposure to different cultures probably helped him cultivate compassion and an ability to understand even the tricky parts of life, which people often find challenging to appreciate.

He credits his family for his successful career. “I have been really blessed,” said Koenig. Prior to his arrival in Korea two years ago, he had served as the head of Merck’s operation in Pakistan for eight years. Before that, Koenig had worked for a BASF company in Pakistan. Merck approached him in recognition of his leadership skills. 

Koenig recalls that having to relocate from South America to Pakistan was not an easy decision. His two sons at that time were 15 and 13-years-old. Moving to a different part of the world with two teenagers was a big challenge. The company gave him a year to make a decision as well as to prepare prior to the move. He and his wife discussed all of the available options including him passing on the opportunity. His whole family ended up moving to Pakistan and made it home for 10 years.

In comparison to the first relocation to Pakistan, his new assignment in Korea was rather easy. The couple had developed a friendship with the Korean consul in Pakistan and his wife while residing in Pakistan. The Koenigs were already well informed about Korea, and they had a favorable impression of Korea through their friendship with the consul’s couple. When Koenig was offered a position in Korea, his wife said, “Let’s go.” They even felt a pre-move expedition was unnecessary, so the couple came to Korea with all their belongings on their first and only trip. The two boys are now all grown up, both residing in Switzerland. The older one has started his own career, and the younger one is attending school there.

“I was rather surprised to see all these brochures and fliers talking about how different Korea is, and Koreans are,” said Koenig. He pointed to many countries in Europe which embrace differences among themselves to successfully coexist as one continent.

“Korea is more global than Koreans are giving themselves credit for,” said Koenig. He noted Koreans’ emphasis on English education, Korea’s role as an important player in the global economy, as well as numerous global companies based in Korea, including Samsung and LG. He was also confident that Korea is well equipped to take a bigger part in the global community. 　

Merck Korea recently introduced a major step toward what Koenig called “internal globalization.” It has simplified its title system. Previously, it used the Korean title system which is mostly linked to seniority and experience rather than job responsibility or competency. He felt it was necessary to create one harmonized job title system aligned with the Global Grading System, which recognizes competency and performance based on job responsibility.

“The change was necessary to foster open communication and a corporate culture true to the values cherished by Merck,” Koenig said. Since April 1, all the employees of Merck Korea are called “nim” replacing the old Korean titles, such as “boojang.” Nim is a Korean honorific title used to show respect. “This change was aimed to bring all the employees closer and more respectful to each other,” he added. Koenig said the change was introduced after a series of surveys and open communication just as any further innovation in the future would be handled.

The cheerful CEO is especially grateful to his wife for all the sacrifices she has made. A licensed interpreter, she speaks Spanish, Portuguese, English, German and French. “Whenever I moved from country to country, she always had to start her work and network from the ground up,” he said. He stressed putting the family first is the common value of the Koenigs. Koenig restricts his social commitments after the office hours to the minimum in an attempt to spend more time at home. “I have no need to be in the spotlight,” he said. He questioned how a CEO could function effectively if one has a problematic family life.

Koenig gives advice to the young who are at the starting point of their career. “Prepare yourself with a good education and training. And expect to start from the ground up.” He started his career as an intern while attending college. He believes the strength beyond his successful career path is that he has walked on and up every step in his career. He questions the sustainability of a person who would begin a career at a director level right after school. “You must follow your own values. If your values happen to match the company’s, you are lucky,” he adds. 

By Jaimee Kiera (jaimee@heraldm.com)

Summary

 Juergen Koenig, CEO of Merck Korea, is saying that “Korea is more global than Koreans are giving themselves credit for. Koreans’ emphasis on English education, Korea’s role as an important player in the global economy, as well as numerous global companies based in Korea, including Samsung and LG. And Korea is well equipped to take a bigger part in the global community. The change is necessary to foster open communication and a corporate culture true to the values cherished in Korea”

Question

1. On this article, CEO of international company are emphasizing that Korea is more valuabe than we think. What is the stongest point which makes the name of  “Korea” be more worthy of attention?

2. When do you feel you are very lucky person born in korea?

3. What is the most biggest problem Korea is faced? And Which part must be changed at first?

4. Do you think you are patriot? And when people can be patriot mostly?

- 3rd section : Culture / Entertainment / Food / Travel / Sports / Life

Ko shows promise as first female president on tube

The buzz surrounding SBS’ new Wednesday-Thursday night series, “Dae Mul,” has been deafening.

Why? Primarily because it runs on the sensational premise that a former broadcasting network announcer manages to earn herself a permanent place in history as the first female president of Korea.

Add to that the fact that former Grand National Party chairwoman, Park Geun-hye, is currently viewed as one of the GNP’s strongest candidates for the 2012 presidential race, despite her remarks to the contrary, and it is clear why the upcoming series has been garnering so much interest.

Lead actress Ko Hyeon-jeong showed a moment of anxiety at the drama’s press conference Wednesday, saying, “I am worried,” before cementing her faith in her director and affirming that she has been working hard at this role. 

Ko Hyeon-jeong and Cha In-pyo will star as rival presidential candidates in SBS’ “Dae Mul.” (Lee Sang-sub/The Korea Herald)

However, the preview reel that showed at the press event at Lotte Hotel World in Jamsil was more than promising.

Diva-extraordinaire Ko shed her “The Great Queen Seondeok” femme fatale skin for a strong yet comic stint as a reporter-turned-presidential hopeful with spunk in spades.

Whether or not her performance as presidential candidate Seo Hye-rim will bear any resemblance to former President Park Chung-hee’s eldest daughter, however, remains to be seen.

One thing is for certain, though Ko’s new heroine bears little resemblance to the scheming Mishil she played with such bravado in the hit MBC series “The Great Queen Seondeok.”

“Because Mishil was someone who dreamed the impossible, I guess in that sense there are similarities,” said the 39-year-old actress. “But Seo Hye-rim is pretty much the girl-next-door who ends up becoming president. So I guess that is a primary difference.”

Indeed, Ko’s Seo is bright, optimistic and seems to be pure-of-heart, which is why her upbeat character seems to be so at odds with the potentially controversial title of the series, “Dae Mul.”

The word “Dae Mul” harbors many meanings, primarily all revolving around the overarching definition, which means “big object.” But it is because the word carries strongly phallic connotations that it may initially seem to clash with its female-centric subject matter.

“It is a bit of an awkward title to use,” the series’ director, Oh Jong-rok, admitted at the press conference.

Oh, however was quick to dispel any questions regarding the title of the series, asserting that it is the original title of the comic book series that the drama is based on and that it also serves as the name for the project that is instituted within the series to turn Seo Hye-rim (Ko Hyeon-jeong) into Korea’s first female president.

Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo’s character, former prosecutor Ha Doh-ya, spearheads the project to spring Seo into the Blue House.

“I play an important role in helping Seo Hye-rim become president,” said Kwon, who added that his character is more cheerful than serious. 

Ko Hyeon-jeong and Cha In-pyo will star as rival presidential candidates in SBS’ “Dae Mul.” (Lee Sang-sub/The Korea Herald)

Veteran actor Cha In-pyo will also be starring in the series as Seo’s rival for the presidential candidacy.

It will be interesting to see how viewers respond to this politically-charged series, especially because it may foretell the future success of KBS’ upcoming president-themed series, which is slated to air in December with veteran Choi Soo-jong cast as the lead.

“Dae Mul” airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:55 p.m. on SBS starting Oct. 6.

Summary

 The buzz surrounding SBS’ new Wednesday-Thursday night series, “Dae Mul,” has been deafening. Primarily because it runs on the sensational premise that a former broadcasting network announcer manages to earn herself a permanent place in history as the first female president of Korea. And this first female-president’s role will be played by actress Ko Hyeon-jeong well-known for “Mishil(The Great Queen Seondeok” femme fatale skin)”. Whether or not her performance as presidential candidate Seo Hye-rim will bear any resemblance to former President Park Chung-hee’s eldest daughter, however, remains to be seen.

 Add to that the fact that former Grand National Party chairwoman, Park Geun-hye, is currently viewed as one of the GNP’s strongest candidates for the 2012 presidential race, despite her remarks to the contrary, and it is clear why the upcoming series has been garnering so much interest

Question

1. Have you ever imagined female president in Korea? If yes, When can it be real?

2. What could be advantages or disadvantages of female president?

3. On this article, Ko Hyeon-jeong will play first femalepresident’s role. Wouldn’t it be difficult for her to handle this role? Who can portray this character the best?

[지훈 [St. Paul Phoenix]]

ㅎ 보고 자야겠네요 ^_^

[태용[Roy]]

틀린거 있으면 가르쳐줘^^

[정희(Claire)]

그럴리가요ㅎㅎ 이상하다아..ㅎㅎ 나중에 다시 보내겠음~

[근아(Alice)]

그러고보니!! 다음주가 300회군요! 드디어 *_* ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[이은정 (Angela)]

헉,, 오빤 주제 자주 하시네요 ㅋ

[태용[Roy]]

음화화화화 시간이 많아서 그래요~~ㅋㅋ

[박진호(Abe - 에이브)]

사진 안보이네요 ^^; ㅋㅋㅋ

[태용[Roy]]

첨부파일 다운하면 나올거에요~~