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Yoon Young-kwan
For Yoon Young-kwan's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 3, 2010
Grooming a new approach to North Korea
SEOUL — The long-delayed meeting of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party came at a time of severe tension between North Korea and the international community. As widely expected, Kim Jong Il's third son, Kim Jong Un, was appointed to a high position to justify his becoming his father's successor. A reshuffling of important positions within the party also took place, allowing the presumed heir to form a new power base.
COMMENTARY / World
May 19, 2010
North Korea gambles once again
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's recent visit to China has further complicated South Korea's response to the probable culprit — North Korea — in the sinking of its warship, the Cheonan, on March 26. The debate about how to respond is complicated even more by the fact that the Cheonan's sinking does not seem to be a stand-alone event, but was, instead, part of a change in the general pattern of North Korean behavior. Indeed, North Korea has become increasingly bold and impetuous ever since Kim became ill (probably from a stroke) in August 2008.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 6, 2008
After the Dear Leader has passed
SEOUL — Korea is a unique country. The Cold War ended when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, and is now remembered only as history to most people around the world. The Korean Peninsula, however, remains divided along ideological lines, and the two Koreas coexist as living remnants of the Cold War. A total of almost 1.5 million young soldiers from both North and South Korea face off against each other across the heavily armed Demilitarized Zone.

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When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree