Korean experience

Nike poster girl Michelle Wie’s introduction to Korean culture has probably left her with a lot to think about. Prior to her trip to the fatherland, her father said, “I’m well aware there that some say, since Michelle Wie is an American why is she making such a fuss. But you know what, the only thing about her that is American is her passport, she is "definitely" Korean.” (Incidentally, this Chosun Ilbo article is no longer available online.). The fact that she was born and raised in the U.S. was totally irrelevant. Was her father’s comment really necessary to promote her in Korea? Couldn’t he have just said that she was proud to have a connection to Korea?

And, Michelle, welcome to Korean business dealings. After her arrival in Korea, she was invited to throw a pitch at a Korean baseball game. This wasn't so bad. Lot's of stars and politicians do that. It was probably spelled out carefully in a contract – just throw a pitch - but, then she had to bat too.

Wie was only meant to throw a ball into the game but gamely agreed when the organizers asked her to do some batting too. (Right, “asked.”)

Then worst of all, yesterday, as I was flipping through the channels on the T.V., I came across Yoo Ban Jeong (Korea’s most famous gagman) with his band of clowns on the golf course – presumably after Michelle had finished her round. It was embarrassing to see half a dozen grown men prancing and showing off by singing, dancing, and giggling in an really, really, really adolescent manner in front of a young woman who was clearly embarrassed by it all. These were grown men, and lest we forget, Michelle Wie is only 16 years old. In spite of her size and her ability to play golf, she is a child. To have half a dozen grown men fawning over her like that was disgusting and really creepy. Then she had to do some weird dating game kind of thing where she was choosing from among several young men – presumably golfers but I’m not sure. I’m not sure how good her Korean really is because she clearly didn’t understand what they wanted her to do and the guy she chose wasn’t the guy she wanted. And again, lest we forget, she’s only 16 years old. Why would they even do that to her? I had the feeling the whole time that she hadn't expected any of it. The whole thing was just so bad that I felt embarrassed for Korea and Koreans.

Every time I’ve seen her on T.V. in Korea, she always has an uncomfortable, embarrassed grin on her face. When her career is over some day, and she is writing her memoirs, I’d be interested to know what she really thinks about her Korean experience.

Then to add to my Korean experience, this in the Korea Times – Plastic Surgery a Hot Gift for Parents' Day

Well, yes, thank you kids, I think I will get a nose job.

Riding a social trend that attaches greater importance to one’s appearance, Lee is one of many middle-aged people willing to undergo cosmetic surgery these days. (Does anyone but me think that this social trend should be stamped out rather than encouraged?)

This raises a whole new etiquette problem, one which I’m sure Koreans have already figured out, but which is totally beyond me. How do you say to someone, like a parent, “Dad, you really need to get those wrinkles smoothed out. How about a little botox?” How could you say to your mother, “Mom, you’d look so much better if you had a boob job.”

And then, of course, how does one refuse such a gift.