Having lived in a developed country and also visited nations referred to as middle-income or developing countries, I realized and felt many things. There are countries with vast territories, hundreds of millions of people, and not only oil but every kind of mineral resource, yet they are swarming with beggars and have high illiteracy rates. On the other hand, I have seen countries with small territories, small populations, and not only no natural resources but even insufficient drinking water become the world's number one in national competitiveness. In any country, we must choose good politicians and public officials.

South Korea's land area is approximately 100,000 square kilometers, ranking 107th in the world.
Its population is approximately 51.61 million, ranking 31st in the world.
Per capita national income in 2025 is approximately $36,963, ranking around 7th among countries with a population of 50 million or more.
Nominal GDP in 2025 is approximately $1.8727 trillion, ranking 13th in the world.
Its military strength ranks 5th out of 145 countries in Global Firepower's 2026 evaluation.
In U.S. News' 2025 power ranking, South Korea placed 6th in the world.
South Korea just needs to do well in politics.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]