Poli sci PhD SOP - any suggestions?

[part]

I'm applying to political science PhD programs, almost ready to send the applications.

Any suggestions?

The SOP

Thanks!

[SuddenlyParanoid]

It seems really solid, especially the academic background and why it's a good fit.

I would change the first paragraph a tiny bit, though. I would not refer to another country as "peculiar." I'm sure I would find Korea pretty strange but to call it peculiar just seems a little bit condescending and ethnocentric. Maybe mention something specific about Korea that grabbed you rather than just alluding to its exoticism. You mention specific interests later in your SOP so I think you could probably just move them up a bit.