The Dalai Lama is, as you know, both the spiritual head and a political leader of Tibet. Sometimes, one thing some people misunderstand about the Dalai Lama is his name. It's not his own name, but the name of an important position in Buddhism. It's similar to a Cardinal of Catholicism. The present Dalai Lama is the 14th one. Also, he was a winner of the Nobel Peace Price. He is well-known all over the world, and lots of citizens of the world respect him. This Dalai Lama wants to visit Korea, but he can't visit now. He has already visited many countries; for example, he visited France that is not a Buddhist country many times. However, the Dalai Lama couldn't visit Korea where Buddhism is popular.
        I didn't know why the Dalai Lama couldn't visit. Nonsensically, the reason was Tibet is doing an independence movement against China. The government has declared they don't want diplomacy friction with China. This makes me wonder if the Republic of Korea has sovereignty as an independent country. The government said we would have many economic losses by inviting the Dalai Lama. Of course, Korea has lots of commerce with China. We can find many Chinese goods around us. The Dalai Lama's visit to Korea could cause an uncomfortable relationship between Korea and China. Following this bad situation, Korea has lots of possibility to suffer serious economic loss. However, we don't need to be afraid. Korea is not dependent on China anymore. We have commerce on an equal footing with China. If China gives us economic loss without special reasons, we also could use force against China by boycotting Chinese goods.
        Different religious leaders, including Cardinal Kim Soo-Hwan and ministers of several other churches, are also positive about the Dalai Lama's visiting. Inviting a man of virtue transcends even religion. Generally, the Dalai Lama is welcomed more in Western Europe than in Asia. Many Europeans support him. Not only many organizations of Korea, but also many foreign public opinions, ask the Korea government to allow the Dalai Lama's visit to Korea. Of course, I think the Dalai Lama's visit to Korea must be accomplished, but it has to be achieved only by our will, not due to Western public opinion's pressure. I think it makes no difference whether the Dalai Lama's visit to Korea is disapproved by China's pressure or approved by Western pressure.
        The government must allow the Dalai Lama's visit to Korea. When the government does not accept the citizens' will, they do not represent Koreans anymore, so the government should not ignore many people's voices. This is one process to break the toadyism that is our disgraceful attitude. I eagerly hope a day will come when the Dalai Lama smiles in front of Koreans.