'85% Reduction in Accidents', The Man Who Painted the Road Pink [2023 Asia Newspick]①

Editor's NoteThroughout 2023, Asia Economy News reported numerous stories. Among them, we have selected the news that garnered the most empathy and reactions from readers online, and we share the articles along with their behind-the-scenes stories. First, as you review the popular articles from the first quarter, we hope you take time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the new one.

1. The Man Who Painted the Road Pink, Reducing Accident Rates by 85% (January 27, Reporter Oh Gyumin)

Among Asia Economy's articles this year, those that engaged readers the most through empathy and comments were topics easily overlooked in everyday life but carried their own storytelling. Like the article “The Man Who Painted the Road Pink, Reducing Accident Rates by 85%,” these stories featured unsung heroes who had a significant impact on our lives but were little known to the public.

Number of Empathies and Comments (Naver 기준)

Empathy: 4125

Comments: 1879

“Drive following the pink lane”

At some point, when driving on the road, your car navigation system started telling you colors. Following the pink or green lane helps you reach your destination easily and safely. Who first thought of painting the road with colors? It was Seokdeok Yoon, Deputy Manager (Assistant Manager) and Chief Supervisor of Construction Management Team 2, Anseong-Yongin Construction Project Group at Korea Expressway Corporation.

The colored guide lines on the road surface are guidance markings installed on the pavement at junctions to direct lanes. Since their first installation at the Ansan Junction on the Yeongdong Expressway in 2011, the number of accidents in that section dropped from about 20 per year to fewer than 3. That’s an 85% reduction in accident rates. By 2015, 77 guide lines had been installed, resulting in a 22% reduction in accidents at junctions and 40% at interchanges. Currently, there are 905 guide lines on expressways alone. Including city roads, the number is even higher.

◆“Let’s paint the road”= Yoon once got lost at a junction on the Yeongdong Expressway. Instead of heading toward Seoul, he ended up going toward Mokpo in Jeollanam-do. From that moment, he thought a “countermeasure” was needed?a way for people to easily navigate junctions.

While pondering, a major accident occurred at the Ansan Junction in March 2011. A four-car pileup resulted in two fatalities. On that day, the Gunpo branch manager told Yoon, “Let’s come up with a solution.” When Yoon arrived home after work, his 8-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son were drawing. “That’s when I remembered. If we add color to the road, people can find their way more easily.”

◆“It’s illegal, but it’s okay”= Painting the road pink was not easy. It violated the Road Traffic Act. Only white, yellow, orange, red, and blue were allowed on existing lanes. Yoon’s idea was “illegal.” “I even heard the police might book me.” Nevertheless, his idea decorated the Ansan Junction. It was well received, and in 2012, he proposed painting roads at the Korea Expressway Corporation’s Seoul Metropolitan Headquarters. The second guide line was painted at the Pangyo Junction on the Gyeongbu Expressway. Yoon recalls, “It was still illegal then, but since it reduced traffic accidents, it seemed the regulation was not enforced.”

In 2014, Korea Expressway Corporation officially recognized guide lines through internal policy. Following the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s publication of a road surface color installation management manual in 2017, the Road Traffic Act was amended in April 2021.

◆“People asked me who developed it”= He did not apply for a patent while creating the guide lines, thinking he was committing an “illegal” act. “Now, even if I got caught, I think I would try it once.” He secretly hoped someone would recognize his creation. But it was not easy to inform people. A colleague once asked, “Do you know who did this?”

Still, Yoon found comfort in knowing anyone could use it. He took pride in “saving people who could have died.” He said, “It’s more important to prevent harm caused by flawed or insufficient systems than to receive compensation.”

◆“I want to prevent black ice accidents”= Now, the world recognizes Yoon’s contributions. After appearing on TV in 2020, he received an award from the Korea Expressway Corporation president. In 2021, on Road Day, he was gifted a watch by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Last year, he was selected as a Korean hero at the National Foundation Day event. However, he does not recall receiving any significant monetary compensation. “More than money, I feel grateful that someone recognized my work.”

With about seven years left until retirement, Yoon has a remaining goal: to prevent black ice (thin ice) accidents. Currently, roads can be melted using electric heating wires, but he is considering a more economical and simpler method. “I want to reduce winter road damage. After that, I will retire without regrets.” We are curious about what ideas he will bring to make the world a better place.

2. Why Koreans Speak English Better Than Japanese, According to a Japanese Person (February 21, Reporter Heo Midam)

A Mr. A, who worked as an expatriate in California, had an interesting experience at a gas station. Japanese people were asking Americans how to get to “Wangowang.” No one understood the Japanese, causing an awkward situation. But Mr. A immediately understood and gave directions. The “Wangowang” the Americans couldn’t understand was “101.” Japanese people, who struggle to pronounce words with final consonants, said “Wangowang” instead of “one-oh-one.” Highway 101 runs from western San Francisco across the U.S. continent to the east. Locally, it’s simply called “one-oh-one” or “El Camino Real” (Spanish for “The King’s Road”).

The second most empathized article was about Japanese people’s English skills. It covered why Koreans speak English better than Japanese, as reported by Japanese media. It was an article that reminded us of Korea’s competitiveness but also made us reflect on the much more intense foreign language education reality in Korea compared to Japan.

Number of Empathies and Comments

Empathy: 155

Comments: 704

[Image source=Pixabay]

A leading Japanese economic media analyzed why Koreans speak English better than Japanese by comparing English education realities in Korea and Japan.

On the 20th, Japan’s Nihon Keizai (Nikkei) newspaper began a series titled “World Education Policies,” comparing English education realities in Korea and Japan. Japan has been focusing on English education, introducing English speaking tests for Tokyo Metropolitan High School entrance exams last November.

Nikkei said, “Although Korean and Japanese are equally disadvantaged in learning English, the average TOEIC score in Korea is about 100 points higher than in Japan.” As of 2020, Korea’s average TOEIC score was 683, while Japan’s was 531.

Nikkei cited the large number of international students and longer English class hours as reasons Koreans speak English better than Japanese. “Korea’s population is about half of Japan’s, but the number of international students is three times higher.” According to the report, as of 2019, there were 213,000 Korean students studying abroad and 61,989 Japanese students.

Also, when adding up the time elementary school students in grades 3 to 6 spend learning English at school, Korea has 130 more hours than Japan. It further analyzed, “Korea adopted English as a compulsory elementary school subject about 20 years earlier than Japan in 1997, and high educational enthusiasm has continued.”

The media emphasized, “As a child’s language ability improves, their worldview broadens,” highlighting that language learning is not only about grammar but also an opportunity to develop critical thinking and the ability to see the world properly. Regarding studying abroad, it added, “Living abroad helps one face oneself and develop acceptance of others.”

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is actively promoting overseas study for students in Japan. In his policy speech to the National Diet last month, he emphasized “internationalization of education” and “cultivating global talent,” stating, “We must expand overseas study opportunities for Japanese students and accept promising international students.”

3. “I Got Scolded for Going Home During Lunch Break” - A 30s Office Worker’s Frustration (March 6, Reporter Gu Nari)

The third most empathized article sparked much debate over the use of lunch breaks at work. It also showed the current state of value clashes between the MZ generation entering as new employees and the older generation.

Number of Empathies and Comments

Empathy: 309

Comments: 1309

[Image source=Pixabay]

A story about a 30-something office worker who was scolded by a superior for resting at home during lunch break sparked heated discussions among netizens.

On the 3rd, an online community post titled “Is it wrong to go home during work lunch break?” was uploaded. The poster, Mr. A, a 30-something office worker with 4 months of experience, wrote, “The total lunch break at work is 1 hour and 30 minutes,” and started by saying, “Employees either eat at the company cafeteria or freely go to cafes to rest.”

Mr. A lives 5 minutes from the office and said, “I have been resting at home during lunch breaks.” However, his superior, Mr. B, was displeased and troubled him.

Mr. A said Mr. B scolded him, saying, “How dare you go home during the lunch break given by the company?” Mr. A retorted, “Isn’t lunch break legally my free time?”

Mr. B replied, “You have no sense. It is free time, but there is the company atmosphere, so you should conform. Why go home? In my 20 years of work, I’ve never seen anyone go home during lunch.” Mr. A concluded, “Is it really forbidden to go home during lunch? I’m very confused after hearing my boss.”

Netizens who read the story empathized with Mr. A, saying, “During legally mandated break time, bosses have no right to interfere,” “It’s natural that no one goes home in 20 years. Usually, people don’t go home because it’s too far,” and “The boss is too narrow-minded. In my company, no one complains if you go home.” Some argued, “It’s normal to report to the company when going out,” and “If there is a company atmosphere, you should conform.”

According to Article 54 of the Labor Standards Act, workers must be given at least 30 minutes of break time during 4 hours of work and at least 1 hour during 8 hours of work. The same law states that break time is to be freely used by workers.

However, a 2016 legal interpretation by the Ministry of Government Legislation (16-0239) stated that even during break time, restrictions on its use may be imposed to maintain minimum order, such as ensuring continuity of work and responding efficiently to emergencies.

4. Other Ranked Articles

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Other ranked articles covered hot issues this year such as real estate, travel, and low birth rates. These issues are expected to continue developing next year, so please look forward to follow-up articles.

4. “Where Do You Have 200 Million Won Right Now?”... Landlords Lose Sleep Over Reverse Jeonse Crisis (January 1, Reporter Im Onyu)

5. The Safest City Chosen by Global Travelers? Taiwan’s ‘Taipei’ (January 24, Reporter Lee Hyunwoo)

6. “Single Mothers OK, Just Have Lots of Kids” China in a Hurry (February 1, Reporter Mun Chayeong)

7. [Real Estate A to Z] Why You Only Need to Put in 6 Million Won in Your Subscription Savings Account (February 10, Reporter Ryu Taemin)

8. “Korean Youths Brag About Rolex While Eating Cup Noodles” Japanese Media’s ‘Outrageous Remarks’ (February 17, Reporter Heo Midam)

9. Single Men and Women Say “No Need to Give More Wedding Money Just Because We’re Getting Married at a Hotel” (March 6, Reporter Gu Nari)

10. Daily Business Trip Expenses of 1.04 Million Won... When You Submit This, the Boss Breaks Out in Cold Sweat (March 21, Reporter Kim Dongpyo)