2/23 Korea-US FTA

DIALOG>> The Korea-US FTA was ratified at the end of last year.

The Korea-US FTA was ratified at the end of last year.

I know, but there was intense conflict over it.

Some people argued that it would hurt the Korean economy.

But some argued it would do more good than harm.
* do more good than harm: 잃는 것보다 얻는 것이 많다.

Both sides had valid points.

I just hope it helps the Korean economy in the long run.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the Korea-US FTA.

The Korea-US FTA talks started in 2003 with official negotiations kicking off in 2006.
* kick off: (본격적으로) 시작하다.

The trade pact was signed in June of 2007.
* trade pact: 무역협정
ex> The deal was officially signed by both sides yesterday.

The next four years saw disputes over the deal flare up in both countries.
* flare up: 불붙다
ex> She flared up in rage when she heard the news.

Many South Korans were against the KORUS FTA.
ex> I was against this marriage from the start.

They thought it would do more harm than good to the Korean economy.
ex> He tends to do more harm than good when helping.
ex> I do more harm than good when I’m in the kitchen.

Mass protests and candlelight vigils took place.
* candlelight vigil: 촛불 집회

Despite all this, the US ratified the deal in October of 2011, pressuring Korea to follow suit.
* be ratified: 비준되다
* follow suit: 같은 행보를 보이다, 선례에 따르다.
ex>  The national assembly ratified the pact.

The ruling party of Korea went on to ratify the deal in November of 2011 against intense opposition.

Korea is still divided over what results the KORUS FTA will bring about.
* be divided over: ~에 대해 분열되다.
ex> We’re still divided over what decision to make.
ex>  I’m scared to think about what this change will bring about.


@ Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave. 갈 때 불 끄는 것 잊지 마

1. This contract must be signed before payment.
2. He tends to flare up in anger quite easily.
3. The contract will do more harm than good.
4. Opinions are divided over the issue of dispatching troops overseas.