Would you accept an unfair offer to get into your desired university?" According to a survey on youth integrity released by the Korea Transparency Organization, more than half (55%) of children responded without hesitation that they would accept unfair admission or job offers. When asked whether being wealthy or living honestly is more important, they answered that "being wealthy is much more important." There is a prevailing perception that honesty leads to loss. However, the benefits of honesty for individuals, families, society, and the nation are immeasurable. Research from the Anti-Corruption Administrative System Research Institute emphasizes that when a country's integrity score increases by one point, interest from foreign investors rises by 26%, per capita trade increases by 31%, and per capita GNP increases by 25%. Honesty is defined as "expressing thoughts, words, and actions truthfully and correctly in any situation to gain trust" (definition from Good Tree Character School). The benefit of honesty is that while it may initially seem like a loss, it ultimately leads to trust and success.

If you want to cultivate the character of honesty in your children to lead them to future success, consider the following strategies.

Strategy 1: Teach them the courage to choose what is right, even when no one is watching. True courage is not making excuses when you are wrong, but saying "no" when necessary and admitting "yes, I was wrong." Teach them the courage to express their thoughts and actions honestly, even if it may lead to a loss.

Strategy 2: Help them understand the consequences of deceit and lies. The fruit of honesty is trust. Lies make it very difficult to gain trust. Let them know that people who cannot gain trust often end up isolated, as no one wants to be friends with them. Despite the significant influence of media during the COVID era, children are greatly affected by the values of their most meaningful others—parents and teachers. When parents and teachers begin to intentionally teach the value of honesty, children's values gradually change.

Benjamin Franklin's words, "Make honesty and integrity your companions. No matter how close a friend may be, they cannot help you as much as the honesty and integrity in your heart. One sincere heart moves people more than a hundred books," resonate deeply in our time. The character of honesty is a powerful force that leads children to success and embodies strong leadership.

Expressing things as they are: Lies? No! Truth? Yes! Honesty means "expressing things as they are." It is about winning the trust of others by always telling the truth.

Step 1: Definition

Step 2: Definition

Honesty is

Korean Copyright Registration No. C-2014-008485

U.S. Copyright Registration No. TX 8-721-576

Good Tree Character School (GOODTREE USA) Representative

Korea Character Association Representative | Former Graduate School Professor at Gunyang University

Child Counseling Expert in the U.S.

Columnist for character education in the Korea Central Daily, Naver, and Chosun Ilbo

Guest speaker at the Blue House, Korea Educational and Academic Information Service, Ministry of Education, and Education Offices

Broadcast appearances: EBS 60 Minutes Parents, SBS My Child Has Changed, MBC Kkureogi Meal Class, KBS My Friend is Seven, CBS Sebasi, and more as an education expert

Publications: Author of numerous works including 12 Character Theories, Character Communication Methods, Character Discipline Methods, Character Nurturing Methods, Character Innovation, and Character Play.