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♣ Restoring Pride in Kimchi

	According to the editorial "Restoring Pride in Kimchi" (Korea Herald, 11/05/05), the finding of parasite eggs in domestically produced kimchi is not only hurtful for the health of the general public, but also because kimchi is a valued symbol of Korea. The Korean agency announced Oct. 21 that it found parasite eggs in kimchi imported from China.
In apparent retaliation, Beijing last Monday banned imports of kimchi and nine other food products from Korea, saying they also contained parasite eggs. The writer questions the wisdom and prudence of the Korea Food and Drug Administration — why didnяПНяПНt they suspect local products to have parasite eggs when they found them in Chinese products? The writer states that if the KFDA had done so, Beijing would not have been so angry that it called for tit–for–tat action. While calming the general public, the most urgent step to take, the writer argues, is to work with China to resolve the current row and devise measures to improve the hygiene standards of kimchi made in both countries.

	According to the column "The future role of Korean Women" (Korea Herald, 11/04/05), by Robert C. Klemkosky, the solution to one of the biggest problems that results from the aging of population is labor shortage is to fully utilize all available workers aged 15 to 64. He also adds that utilizing women to the fullest extent possible is most promising.
However, what is problematic is the fact that while women make up 45-50 percent of the workforce in OECD countries, they make up less than 10 percent of the top managers and directors of large companies. Klemkosky states that the "glass ceiling" is not the only barrier — there is a bias and a perception problem. What can be done to change such perception? The writer says that "change" has to start at the top level of management in each firm. Firms will have to set up an infrastructure that will provide incentives for women to strive for career advancement and greater responsibility. He also adds, "Women have proven themselves to be good entrepreneurs. There is no reason why they cannot do well in a modern corporation. Given the demographic trends that exist, it is absolutely essential that this happens. Companies should start the process sooner rather than later."