The high court recently upheld an adultery law that that makes it a crime to have an extramarital affair in South Korea. Among those facing prison on adultery charges is a movie star Ok So-ri. The adultery law is popular with the public and even some of Ok's natural supporters such as young educated women say her behaviour is unacceptable.

Adultery is a global phenomenon and age old social problem which is the root of so many problems. History records many accounts where kingdoms fell, leaders stumbled, careers ended, and children suffered as adultery was committed.

FACTS
Spouses face up to two years in prison if convicted, though few end up behind bars.
South Korea remains deeply conservative and is influenced by a Confucian heritage.
Supporters of the adultery ban say it promotes monogamy and keeps families together.
Opponents say the government has no right to interfere in people's private lives.

PEOPLE WHO COMMITTED ADULTERY
Bill Clinton - President of America
Prince Charles – Prince of England
Boris Becker – Tennis player
Henry VIII – King of England
Mick Jagger - Musician
David Beckham – Soccer player
Kobe Bryant – American basketball player
DISCUSSION:
Do you think marriage should be forever?
Why do you think people cheat?
Do you think adultery is a crime?
Why do people fall out of love?
What is your image of marriage in Korea?
How easy do you think it should be to get a divorce?
What do you think of religions that do not allow divorce?
What are the divorce laws like in your country?
Is divorce something society can stop?
Would you feel shame if you got divorced?
What do you think it is like to be trapped in an unhappy marriage?
Is divorce a real taboo in your culture?
What are the consequences of high divorce rates for society?
What would you do if you worked for an organization trying to stop people from getting divorced?
What was the most interesting thing you heard?
Was there a question you didn’t like?
Was there something you totally disagreed with?
What did you like talking about?
Which was the most difficult question?

ENGLISH SAYINGS, IDIOMS & QUOTES

Thou shall not commit adultery.
- Seventh Commandment

If a married person commits adultery, the punishment is to stone them to death, according to Allah's law.

- Surah An-Nur 24:2

I do not think that there are any men who are faithful to their wives.

- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Husbands are chiefly good lovers when they are betraying their wives.

- Marilyn Monroe

My attitude toward men who mess around is simple: If you find them, kill them.

- Loretta Lynn

|

The Internet has become an integral aspect of most people's lives, regardless of whether it's used for communication, information, or entertainment. Billions of people around the world send e-mail, chat online, read the news, and maybe even gamble, trade stocks, or play competitive games on a daily basis. Some have progressed into a dangerous realm, as the Internet can provide a sense of instant gratification or induce a withdrawal from the real world exactly like an addiction.

A number of psychologists argue that people who become addicted to the Internet already suffer from some form of disorder. For example, someone hooked on Internet gambling would still play in the real world, or someone with image or confidence issues would seek escape through another medium. Other professionals see the addiction as real, though, one which the medical world should recognize and insurance companies should cover treatment for.

While doctors and other experts debate the issue, South Korea has acted on the problem it views as egregious. In addition to counseling centers and treatment programs at hospitals, a rehab center for teens has recently been established. The country held the world's first international symposium on compulsive Internet disorder, too. Ninety percent of South Korean homes have Internet access, and online gaming is a well-recognized national sport. Children ditch school for marathon gaming sessions. Some gamers have even dropped dead after days and days online, deprived of sleep.

The rehab center offers teens the opportunity to connect with the real world, and rediscover satisfaction from it. During the twelve days, participants are barred from computers and may only use a cell phone one hour per day. The remaining time gets filled with physical exercise and group activities geared towards establishing real-life emotional bonds.

The center must turn away roughly four applicants for each available opening.

How serious are these addictions? Rank them in order.
1. the Internet
2. gambling
3. texting messages on a cell phone
4. alcohol
5. cigarettes

Talk about the following questions.

1. How many hours per day do you use the Internet? Do you think this is too much? Why?
2. Is Internet addiction a real illness that doctors and insurance companies should recognize? Why/not?
3. Could you go without a computer or the Internet for one week? one month? one year? Why/not?
4. At which point does the Internet become an addiction rather than a useful tool? Please explain.
5. What would you do if a family member spent days and days playing games on the computer?

|