Many Koreans want to leave Korea and many are leaving Korea now. I have thought about the reasons why they are leaving Korea. In my opinion, it is weariness and disappointment in the government's economic, political, and educational policies. Koreans are beginning to reach the conclusion that their country has no hope to advance to a better society.
        There are two ways that people are presently leaving Korea. One is emigration and the other is foreign travel and studying abroad.
        Emigration is most popular among young families in their 30s and 40s. Besides, they are the middle-class and have a professional knowledge in their jobs. Even though they could live a comfortable life in Korea, they submit to difficult and unstable lives in another country. When they leave Korea, they leave with their young children. Perhaps the children will leave without memories of and affection for Korea. They will not have an interest in Korea when they grow up. We will lose a young generation within a short period of time. This is not only a lamentable reality, but also a big loss to our nation.
        I have many friends around me who travel to foreign countries and study abroad. One of them said, "Half of my friends are in foreign countries such as America, the United Kingdom and European countries. I really envy them." When universities close for summer or winter vacation, the airport becomes crowded with people leaving Korea. The youth, especially university students, want to go abroad for at least a few months or years.
        While this year is "Visit Korea Year," and we are hoping to hold the World Cup with success next year, the number of people who go abroad is higher than the number of people who visit Korea. Actually, I don't have a word to say, because I also would like to go abroad if I could. However, speaking for myself as well, although the youth go abroad, most would like to come back to Korea soon. They experience culture, economies and politics of foreign countries that are much more developed than Korea. The Korean government should not let down those who return to Korea. If they are disappointed with Korea again, they will leave here forever. Before we blame the youth who go abroad, the Korean government should reflect on themselves.