Wealth is a relative concept, so is the value of life

Would you stick your head out for US$3,000? These men are about to lose their lives for US$3,000 worth of crude oil, or more specifically less than US$1,000 for each of their share. It makes me wonder about the concept of wealth and the value of life. About a year ago, an Indian course-mate was wondering aloud in class about how human lives in Australia seem to be valued more than those back home (in India). She was referring to the numerous accounts on victims dying from drunk driving accidents. In India, she said these will not warrant much of a mention in the news – well needless to say, the work volume would be too much for local press to handle. But it also speaks of the relative value of human lives in Australia – where population density is low, and in India – the second most populous nation in the world.

There is also the question of whose lives matter more? The lives of wealthier nationals/citizens, or those hovering above the poverty line. Granted the Chinese nationals should be aware of the harsh punishment, but is life worth living if everyday is a struggle to meet your most basic human needs? Greed is definitely a factor in the equation, yet in a nation where some are surviving on less than US$1 a day, US$3,000 is a lot of money indeed, and may just be worth risking your neck for.

Wealth is relative, but so is the value of life.

K-wave in, J-Pop wanes?

Signs of Korean wave raging through the world, looks J-Pop may not be all the craze for too long, original article on Chosun.

Tips for Koreans going on a Frugal Overseas Trip

College students who plan an overseas trip should take instant noodles, caramels, pictures of celebrities and shirts of the official football fan club the Red Devils. The items have at various times been proven to get Korean students out of a tight spot abroad.
Lee Kwang-chan (25), a senior at Dankook University, recently made a trip to Southeast Asia. There, he says he was able to get free meals in exchange for the instant ramen. Whenever Lee gave landlords at B&Bs some Korean ramen, they were so delighted they gave him free meals in return.

In Europe, Red Devils shirts can come in handy. Since Korean supporters were popular in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, many European football fans love the shirts. In the U.K., Korean cigarettes are popular since a pack there now costs some W10,000 (US$1=W922), four to five times more than in Korea. Several guesthouses in the U.K. reportedly offer a free night’s stay for 10 packs of Korean cigarettes.

One enterprising Korean who is studying in Paris is making some pocket money by selling Korean caramels. He says his French friends have been asking for Korean caramels since tasting them, so he is now selling them at twice the Korean price.

For college students thinking about trip to Japan, pictures of Korean Wave celebrities like as Bae Yong-joon, Song Seung-hun and Ryu Shi-won are a smart thing to bring. Especially in rural inns, the pictures will apparently get them first-class service.