The G20 Seoul Summit will start on November 1st. I will watch this conference with criticism, where so-called developed countries participate.
Recently, I experienced Civilization V, a computer game. It was produced abroad and soon caught on all over the world. The game’s purpose is to develop each  civilization, which the player can choose. Compared with other countries such as China or Japan, Korea was described only as the city state(polis) Seoul, not an independent civilization. I was frustrated because I couldn’t play as the Korean civilization. A more disappointing fact is that the prestigious game maker(Sid Meier) recognizes Korea as the “city state Seoul.”
Most Koreans are proud of our nation, a member of the G20. Several companies such as Samsung and Hyundai, which are considered as the nation’s major enterprises, deliver an exaggerated hope to people by publicizing their great exports. PSAs* frequently air for improving the image of Korea as a developed country. However, I doubt that Korea can call itself a developed country. 
Seoul might be fascinating to foreigners. As advertisements show, the ultramodern atmosphere is filled with skyscrapers. It acts as a center of goods and services. When it comes to Korea, however, it’s difficult to say that all parts of Korea has developed. “City state Seoul,” as described in the game, accurately reflects the present status of Korea.  
Many Koreans are satisfied with the illusion derived by Seoul and some prominent companies. Focusing on our trade, a country operated by Samsung and Hyundai might be successful. However, there are just a few successful companies. Many owners of small- and medium-sized businesses struggle hard to sustain their company but go bankrupt. Though GNI* per capita exceeds beyond $20,000, our domestic economy is still in bad shape.
Korea is polarized by the rich and the poor. Social services and awareness are not considered in the evaluation of our development level. Abnormally, the extreme difficulty of job searching is thought of as natural.  Then, if they find the job, it’s another question to keep their work as long as they want.
On October 21, an audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade by an assembly was held. An assemblyman pointed out some distorted images of Korea on some foreign TV programs. However, the assembly should face up to the reality that Korea needs every efforts to be recognized as a developed country.
Prestigious F1 drivers were accommodated at seedy motels because of the shortage of hotels near the venue, which was located far away from Seoul. It undoubtedly revealed the pitiable situation of the “city state Seoul.”
 
*PSA: public service announcement
*GNI : Gross National Income