ons and long range missiles . North Korea is even developing intercontinental ballistic missiles to reach the United States . For last several decades , there has been no nuclear test around the world , with the exception of North Korea , which is the single country that is testing the nuclear weapons even though its citizens are starving and not being fed properly . There are so many serious issues for the ordinary people of North Korea . The average height of ordinary people in North Korea is much shorter than in South Korea or in any other country due to malnutrition , but North Korea is spending most of its resources on nuclear weapons , not the welfare of its citizens .
Katia : Tell us about your perspective on Korea joining the Trans- Pacific Partnership ( TPP )?
Mr . Baik : Korea is open to any kind of trade and investment agreements ; not only bilateral or small group , but we are also open to agreements with a wider group including WTO and others , because basically the Korean government is supporting the idea of liberalization of trade and investment . TPP is a great opportunity expanding further this idea of liberalization . Korea is strongly supporting TPP agreement .
Katia : Is there anything we have not talked about that you would like to discuss ? Mr . Baik : In addition , the Korean government and its people are so appreciative of the contribution of the Korean War veterans , so the Korean government has made special medals for the Korean War Veterans in the U . S . to honor them . We cannot locate all the veterans , but we are searching for them all of the time so that we can present the medal and thank them .
Every year in the autumn , we host friendship-promoting event for the law enforcement officers of Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff ’ s Office . We invite them and their family members to enjoy a nice meal and various cultural performances . This year we are planning a field day event and play sports together . We will also give scholarships to the children of law enforcement officers because we appreciate the contribution of the police officers who protect the Korean community .
44 iF Magazine | OCTOBER 2016