#10. Saying good Bye.

Dear my classmates and Ryan,

Hello there,
I cannot believe this is the last essay in essay class already.
Do you guys feel improved much in writing in English? I hope so.

First of all, I really appreciate Ryan's effort to break the chilly atmosphere of this class every week.I knew how much you try to make us comfortable. As you know, Korean is horribly shy, isn't it? Sincerely I loved your essay class except for the hard homework:) kkkkk.

Also, it would be better for us if you guys and I could get more chances to get closer each other in person. That's one thing I am sorry about. However, I could share some beneficial ideas of you on the internet. Thanks!

Despite lack of my creative ideas, I am writing this letter with all my heart. Forgive me plz, Ryan;) I wish you guys and Ryan all always be happy, Good luck and see you!

Jade

essay #9.

  Many of the university students living in Korea are suffering from paying their own tuition fee especially in the past five years. According to an article released by Korean Times, the elevated cost of higher education mainly drove a near-23 percent increase in household education costs during the five-year span. (Kim Tong-hyung, “university tuition pushes family finances to brink.”) The writer argues that a lot of students joined civic groups to oppose political parties which do not agree with reducing tuition fees. The students urge President Lee Myung-bak to take action as he promised to cut tuition in half during the 2007 election.

 

  Since I am a university student paying tuition fee for almost 4 years, I know how much the students feel uncomfortable to shoulder the burden of high tuition fee. However, I do not agree with the opinion that the government should cut tuition in half. First of all, it is common knowledge that the national debt is too huge to compensate the rest of the universities’ finances. If the dream comes true, it is obvious that all tax payers should be burdened by immensely high taxation. Also, students could be exploited by some political parties which want to win popularity. Actually, the presidential election is coming up in a year. The politicians would hold students’ hands on political purpose. So, experts are worrying about the consequence of this issue. I think students should fly at higher game.

(Kim Tong-hyung. “university tuition pushes family finances to brink.” Koreatimes. 12 June. 2011. 12 June 2011)
< http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2011/06/123_88769.html>

essay#8

 There are a bunch of cafes in Korea. The growing number of people who like coffee wants high quality coffee and good mood in cafes as well. Considering that, Starbucks and Coffeebean is the most representative cafes around the whole country. I prefer Coffeebean to Starbucks personally.

First of all, I think they have some similarities. Without a doubt, those two brands are the leading companies in the global franchise coffee market. They have a lot of mania who only want coffee they prefer. Also, I think the mood in those 2 coffee shops is about the same. This is because every time I visit those cafes, I guess their interior concept is kind of simple, relaxing and warm mood. It could be possible because of similar lighting, colors and materials such as woods.

 In contrast, we can find some differences if we look those carefully. The most important thing is the taste of coffee. I don’t like Starbucks’ coffee since it has too much bitter taste. I think I hate coffee beans have too much burn taste. I think milder coffee is better than bitter one. What is more, Coffeebean has a variety selection of teas. Except for their beverages, wireless internet is not available at Coffeebean café. I don’t believe this is not good. Customers could concentrate on meeting or people themselves, not the internet or their works. It could be beneficial for us to relieve stress by taking some relaxing time.

 All things considered, even though Starbucks and Coffeebean have a lot of similarities, I think Coffeebean is better than Starbucks because of the taste and inaccessibility to the internet. Hence, I like Coffeebean the most.

essay #7

 Last year, I visited both western and eastern cities at intervals of about 6 months. It was perfect opportunity for me to learn about differences between those two cultures. Those were Macau and New York. Macao is located on the south of china. It is well known for a lot of casinos. This small city was colonized by the Portuguese and it was used as a successful sea trade center among Southeastern Asia. Needless to say, NY is the most famous city in the world. I think those are both attractive in many different charms. I would like to compare these two cities by giving some keywords.

 

 The most notable thing is their pace of life. New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world. People always walk in haste like a herd of horses. However, I feel so relaxed during my whole trip in Macau. The citizens and tourists leisurely stroll between tidy parks enjoying sunshine. As it was not too much crowded, I could fully enjoy my trip peacefully.

 

Another different thing is the Self-Reliance Ratio. Actually, Most of the inhabitants are occupied with tourism. What is more, 40% of Macanese GDP originates from gambling. Despite the government’s effort, the ratio has not decreased. As we all know, New York is the center for world economy. They don’t care much about foreign tourist.

 Lastly, I think both cities are having attractive characteristics which can satisfy people having different personal taste. Hence, I think both are great!

#6 essay.

 10 days have passed after the first report about their scandal. People are gradually getting over from the shock as Seo address himself to the public in person. At the same time, Lee withdrew the case against Seo. Popular opinion has tilted in favor of the Seo’s position because they casted doubt on her purpose of the suit. Since she was his big fan from a child, she still wanted for him to concern over her. Regarding this topic, the writer argues that this scandal is not only his fault but hers. However, I think Seo is the only person who deserves to be criticized. My opinion originates from 2 reasons to contradict the essay #5.

The essay contends that Seo didn’t have any choice except for hiding his bride to protect her because of his fame and influence to the public. I understand his circumstance that his fame hindered to their marriage announcement. However, he didn’t have to reveal who his bride is. He might be able to just say that “I got married.” Not only that, but the couple was not in Korea, they were living in America right after the announcement of his retirement. It is hard to understand the writer’s concern that she could be exposed to a lot of danger.

What is more, the writer goes on to say that their secret life could be in agreement as she enjoyed her life with his financial power. Some people could agree with this argument. However, is it okay for you to change the stigma of divorce and getting wealth for 3 years? Moreover, she was only 18-year-old girl when they married without parents’ approval. Even though there was an agreement, it might be a fatal mistake of youth. I think Seo, who was old enough to make a serious decision, should have had a cool-headed assessment of the situation.

Lastly, for those 2 reasons which I stated above, I maintain that Lee is just a victim of this tragedy. Seo could have chosen other ways to get the public’s blessing with quiet life and she was too young to make a serious decision like her marriage. Hence, I believe she is not guilty.

#5 Seo taiji & Lee Jiah

Provided that you have to choose between exposed personal life and private life, what is your choice? Seo Taiji, the most influential musician in Korea, picked the latter instead of setting his marriage with famous actress E Jiah abroad for 14 years. They even are in the process of filing for divorce approximately for 3 years. After this serious scandal popped up abruptly, publics have fall into chaos. Considering the public opinion on the internet, most people blame Seo only criticizing that he should not have made his fiancé as a victim of his picture-perfect life. My view, however, is that we should not blame only him. My view stems from the fact that he didn’t have any choice except for hiding and Lee is to blame for this secret as well.

 To begin with, it is well known fact that Seo is called the president of Korean culture for nearly two decades. Most teenagers who have lived in 90’s immensely affected by his music, fashion and especially spirit of resistance. All mass media focuses on his daily life finding a handle for gossip. He might think that he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. It would be difficult him to reveal his love life. Also, one thing we should not miss is that he must want to protect Lee from the mass media by giving a shelter to her.

Moreover, it is possible that Lee’s life behind Seo could be in agreement. Actually, Lee took too many advantages of his strong influence on the entertainment world. She has gained so easily a starring role in many soap operas even though she was just a new actress. Not only that, but she learned everything she want such as horse riding, playing a guitar, fashion design, web design and so on. I don’t think she could do that without his support.

In conclusion, many people say that he is a selfish man. However, I think it is not true because he has no choice but hiding his marriage and it is not only his fault but his wife’s. I do not think he doesn’t have any blunder. It is obvious that he deceived us all. But, it is necessary that we stay calm.

4th essay

  I was on my way to back home hastily putting up an umbrella. It was dim, dark and drizzling night. As it was almost midnight, I was little bit nervous. Nowadays the number of crimes is increasing rapidly. So I was always worrying about this dangerous society. 

  At that time, I felt someone was behind me in a distance and I felt like that the person follow me like a shadow. I suddenly got frightened, I threw away my umbrella and started running toward home. The tall man was running after me as well. I eventually was caught and trembled for fear like a condemned prisoner.

  Then, the man folded his umbrella. He was my younger brother! I breathed a sigh of relief with anger ironically. Finally, he was kicked in the shin and back home with me.

  From this experience, I learned that sometimes my suspicion could be wrong. However, I will never stop staying alert to live in this unsafe world.