Many associate the term "Dongyi" (東夷) with a disparaging label meaning "eastern barbarians." However, if you open the Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字)—the earliest comprehensive Chinese dictionary compiled by the Han dynasty scholar Xu Shen in the early 2nd century AD—you will encounter a surprising record that completely defies this common misconception. When analyzing the non-Chinese peoples surrounding the Central Plains, Xu Shen utilized highly derogatory characters and radicals for most groups. He used the "insect" radical (虫) for the southern Man (蠻) to imply a serpent-like origin, "dog" (犬) for the northern Di (狄), and a word meaning "weapon/spear" (戈) for the western Rong (戎). In stark contrast, no offensive beast- or weapon-related characters were used for the eastern Dongyi (東夷). Xu Shen wrote: "They are the people of the East. They follow [the characters for] 'great' (大) and 'bow' (弓). The Yi are great people (大人). ...

  The Psychology of Line Cutters When we see someone abruptly cutting into a long line at a subway platform or a bus stop, we feel far more than mere annoyance—we feel genuine anger. When you say, "Please wait in line, " and they lash out screaming, completely losing their temper, it becomes utterly exhausting. You might even regret speaking up, thinking avoidance would have been the wisest choice. Yet, staying silent makes them believe their behavior is accepted, and they will undoubtedly do it again—so letting it slide feels wrong. "Getting angry means losing. Lower your voice, speak slowly..." you resolve, holding back your frustration. "What on earth are they thinking?!" Social psychologists around the world have examined the behavior and psychological mechanisms of line cutters. First, in 2004, Professor W. Keith Campbell of the Department of Psychology at the University of Georgia posited that the primary driver behind this mindset is a sense of ...

  What’s Happening Right Now in the Pharma-Biotech Market—Even Bigger Than Semiconductors? A single small pill that we casually buy at a pharmacy embodies 15 years of development and an astronomical investment exceeding 2 trillion KRW (approx. $1.5 billion). Furthermore, the probability of an initial candidate compound reaching final market approval is less than 0.01%. What dramatic stories unfold during clinical trials amidst this relentless quest to conquer human disease? In the 1990s, Pfizer conducted Phase 1 clinical trials for "Sildenafil" as an angina medication; an unexpected side effect instead gave birth to the blockbuster drug "Viagra." In the 1970s, Upjohn’s blood pressure treatment "Minoxidil" similarly transformed into the world's most widely used hair loss treatment due to an unanticipated clinical side effect. In 2006, a Phase 1 clinical trial for a rheumatoid arthritis drug candidate (TGN1412) was conducted at Northwick Park Hospital i...

  Can a Spoonful of Vinegar in Your Humidifier Actually Kill Germs? How do you care for the ultrasonic humidifier you rely on during dry seasons? You might have heard the popular tip that "adding a spoonful of vinegar to 1 liter of humidifier water kills bacteria." However, this is a dangerous myth that fails to sanitize the water and directly harms your lung health. Ultrasonic humidifiers do not boil water; instead, they use ultrasonic vibrations to break water into fine micro-droplets and disperse them into the air. If you mix vinegar into the water tank, this fine acidic mist travels straight through your nose and airways, reaching deep into the alveoli of your lungs. Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strictly warn against adding any chemical additives—including vinegar or disinfectants—while a humidifier is operating. Inhaling aerosolized acidic residue damages bronchial membranes, which can trigge...

  The Psychology Behind Why Older Brothers and Younger Sisters Fight Every Day Let’s explore an interesting topic that many of you will resonate with: "Why men often aren't close with their younger sisters," examined through the lens of psychology and family dynamics. Older brothers and younger sisters often share an awkward emotional distance, driven primarily by four psychological mechanisms. First, men tend to prioritize achievement and independence, whereas women place greater value on empathy and emotional connection. From early childhood, their play styles and communication styles differ, making it difficult to find common ground. Second, studies analyzing birth order and personality development show that firstborn children develop a strong sense of responsibility to maintain family harmony. In contrast, the youngest child grows up under relatively relaxed parental control, fostering a freer and more flexible mindset. Third, there is a difference in how a man percei...

  Reasons Behind the Surge in Foreigners Requesting 'One-Month Stays' in Korea and Future Challenges I would like to share a recent, rapidly growing phenomenon in the statistics of foreign tourists visiting Korea. In the past, tourism for foreigners consisted of a 3-night, 4-day "touch-and-go" trip where they would shop in Myeongdong, wear Hanbok in front of ancient palaces, take photos, and return home. However, the paradigm is shifting significantly these days. Foreigners are unpacking their luggage and starting to "live for a month" in the alleys of Hongdae, Seongsu-dong, and Jeju. According to the Korea Tourism Statistics by the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of inbound foreign tourists surged from 970,000 in 2021 to 3.2 million in 2022, 11.03 million in 2023, and 16.37 million in 2024, reaching a record high of 18.94 million in 2025. That is equivalent to 55,000 people entering the country every single day. What is noteworthy is not just the num...