Kim, a native of South Korea, worked as an investigative reporter in South Korea for 15 years. Writing with former magazine journalist, she offers an insider's perspective on the political history, economics, industries, and society of the country's past 50 years. Some topics explored include relations with North Korea, the 1997-98 financial crisis and the resulting restructuring of the economy, and Korea's response to the current economic downturn. The country's relationships with China and Japan are examined, as are the roles of major companies such as Hyundai and Samsung. Social issues considered are stress in the workplace, mail order brides, childhood in Korea, and the country's obsession with golf. The book concludes with a discussion of how the country's weak environmental record, closed social systems, and political unrest may affect its future. Kim now works as a communications manager in Colorado government. Jaffe is a research analyst specializing in renewable energy. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)