MORAL STATE

The true strength of a nation lies in its moral values. The level of success a nation achieves will be directly proportional to the level of ethical and moral standards upheld by its people—no less, no more.

An article was published in Time magazine on September 5, 1988. This informative article focused on the Korean economy. It stated that the engine of Korea’s Hyundai car was made in Japan, while the other components were manufactured locally, and the car was then sold as a Korean product. In response, Dong Man Kim, the General Manager of Hyundai Motor Company (Seoul), wrote a rebuttal letter to Time, stating:

“I would like to invite you to our Ulsan plant to see how we manufacture our engines.”

In other words, he invited them to their factory in Ulsan to see how they produced their engines. This letter from the General Manager was not only a challenge but also a statement that the Time report was contrary to the facts. Nonetheless, Time published the letter verbatim in its October 24 issue.

This incident underscores a profound lesson: individuals or institutions that demonstrate the courage to acknowledge and rectify their mistakes not only grow but flourish. Transparent and honest engagement with criticism strengthens credibility and fosters a culture of continuous growth and lasting progress.