The Yonsei EAGLES Vol.3

Fall2011 Vol.03

Inside Special Culture 4 Postcard: From Madrid 15 Photo Essay: Proverbs 16:9 5 Spotlight Interview: Kim Tae Woong 23 Movie Special: 27 Photo: The Yonsei EAgles Saying Goodbye to Harry Potter 30 Postcard: From Russia 25 Cinema Academia Yonsei University 9 The Globe 28 EASTASIA International College: 11 Freedomometer Report Card 13 ROKin’ Cultural Globalization 31 Shinning Stars of Yonsei University WONJU 17 Cover Story: Old Habits Die Hard 34 Internship Diary

What Now ?

The Flight of Knowledge

Yonsei University Wonju Campus Magazine

• 4 Postcard : From Madrid • 5 Spotlight Interview : Kim Tae Woong • 27 Photo : The Yonsei EAgles • 30 Postcard : From Russia

•9 • 11 • 13 • 17

The Globe Freedomometer ROKin' Cultural Globalization Cover Story : Old Habits Die Hard

• 15 Photo Essay : Proverbs 16:9 • 23 Movie Special : SayingGoodbyetoHarryPotter • 25 Cinema

• 28 EASTASIAInternationalCollege: Report Card • 31 Shinning Stars of Yonsei University WONJU • 34 Internship Diary

To you, this will be the first article you will read of the 3rd Volume of the Yonsei Eagles. But to the writers and reporters of the EAgles, this was the page that was last written and filled. As much as it is the first and the last, this article seems more burdensome as I write it.

With the end of the 2nd Volume, I took over this magazine as the Editor-in-Chief with dreams and expectations, and I can proudly tell you that it was nothing like how I imagined. Now that I come to think of it, without looking at the past records, I can barely remember anything from the original plan. Over the past three months, so many things have changed, been deleted and created, that somewhere in the middle I lost track of everything.

When I took a step back and starred at our layout, nothing had been done. Check boxes were blank, folders were empty and every circumstance seemed to set our works apart from the 3rd Volume we planned to publish.

Now that it has been published and has landed in your hands, I say it really has turned out nothing like I imagined.

But I think this is what life really is all about, and what really makes life so bittersweet. Yes, it is about getting over those hardships that we talk so frequently about, but moreover, I think it is more about not knowing what lies ahead of us. Having expectations and plans, and having those expectations and plans crumbled, starting from scrap and working our way up not knowing where that road will lead us. Sometimes that road will lead us right where we want it to, fulfilling our expectations and plans. But sometimes the end of the road may turn out like nothing we expected it to be, but at times that change may turn out to be something good or even better, and something we can smile at.

We always talk about how movies, songs and stories are boring because of their predictability. We always want something fresh, something not standardized, something

out of the ordinary. But take one look in to our lives and see how hard we try to keep everything predictable and standardized. Weird, is it not?

As I finally present the 3rd Volume of the Yonsei EAgles, I ask myself, “What went wrong?”

Although the 3rd Volume of the Yonsei Eagles has been published completely differently from what it was first planned to be, it has been published, the right amount of copies have been printed, and most importantly it has landed safely and expectably in your hands. So what went wrong?

Instead of a cover story on the nuclear crisis going on around the world, I present the Cover Story: Globalization and Cultural Theft. Instead of a piece on the CNN Effect and the conspiracies, I present to you an article on Saying Goodbye to Harry Potter. Instead of an interview with Anchor Baik Jiyeon, I give you an interview with a man who graduated high school at the age of 50.

For better or worse the articles have changed. But what is in this magazine, the changed designs, pictures and articles, are what will define the 3rd Volume of the Yonsei EAgles, as our lives will be defined and hopefully colored not by how much we keep to our plans, but by all the things that we do, period.

Before I close, I say to you, “Nothing went wrong, it is simply different.” Also, I want to ask you: take this volume, read it, judge it, grade it, compliment it and criticize it.

Get furious at it and rip it apart. Love the writing and read it over and over. Hate it and put it in the trashcan. But after reading it, do not keep silent and leave the ideas and messages in a pile of dust, for these ideas and messages live and are only worth something as long as your words react to and speak of it. Let us know what you think, let others know what you think.

P.S. : All the Glory to God.

rhgus1028@yonsei.ac.kr

September. 2011. Fall Edition PUBLISHER Insung Lee ADVISORY PROFESSOR Lana Obradovic Carl Sobocinski

Jaerin Lee

DESIGNER Daeun Lee PRINTING Jaeil advertisement design co.

YONSEI UNIVERSITY 234 Maeji, Heungup, Wonju Gangwon-do, Korea, 220-710 Phone: 033-760-2347 Fax: (82-33) 760-2712

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Postcard from Madrid

5

There is something in the word “Madrid” that rings one deep inside his heart. If Paris is the city of lovers, then Madrid must be the city of passion.

The city is always burning. The city is golden. The sun comes up at 7 a.m. and shines almost until 10 p.m. in the city. Under the sun, the weather is mostly warm, although there are times when it is breezy enough for a light jacket. When it is noon, the sun is at its hottest. During the hours in between 2-5 p.m. and during Sundays, when the city becomes golden, it is time for people to have a little rest from the heat. The culture of siesta has become a tradition in Madrid, as well as the whole of Spain. The city is filled with too much passion that people need to take a little rest to keep up with it. Due to the culture of siesta, it may seem as though the city is given the privilege of having two days in one day. However, the culture of siestas may have given the Spanish the privilege of being lazy: the unemployment rate of the Spanish economy has hit the 20% mark. In addition to this, the current economic crisis in the whole of is aggravating the situation in Spain. The locals call the existing generation of youth the “generacion ni ni.” In English, this would refer to the “neither-nor generation” where in the young neither work, nor study for a profession, leaving them literally unable to work or unemployed.

The Spanish economic crisis is not only correlated with the highest unemployment rate in the EU, but it also has a deep relation with the foreigners currently living and working in the Spanish peninsula. Ever since the economy began submerging, the Spanish government has continuously set up tighter restrictions against foreigners desiring to live and work in the Spanish peninsula. Because of the Latin American and European Spanish speakers coming to Spain to work with their “cheap labor,” the Spaniards have been void of jobs, on top of the already rooted problem of the generacion ni ni. This leaves a drastically significant effect on the Spanish economy since the service sector mounts up to 64% of the entire economy.

Despite the failing economy, Madrid still attracts millions of tourists each

Taejun TJ Cha dellince@hanmail.net

Chao!

year. Which keeps up to its title as one of the most visited tourism cities in the world.

The reason could lie in the fact that Madrid is an artistic city. If Paris has Claude Monet and Rome has Da Vinci, there is Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali in Madrid.

Such great works from great artists could be found in various museums in Madrid.

A few examples of such museums could be the Prado Museum and the “Museo Reina Sofia.” Furthermore, if England has Shakespeare and Germany has Goethe, Spain has Juan Ramon Jimenez. However, even with its numerous tourists, with the economic crisis all over Europe as well as in different parts of the world, it is facing trouble. With people have generally less amount of money to spend on leisure, number of tourists could possibly decrease at the same time bringing down the amount of income Spain gains from its tourism sector of the economy.

Despite the weight of the failing economy they are currently carrying as their burden, the Spanish have not yet lost their passion. Their passion is still visible and could be felt right through the skin in many parts of the country. The tomato festivals, the many football games and rivalries, the night life of the cities, and the Running of the Bull festival in San Fermin, Pamplona, the Spanish are hit with the crisis indeed. However, the crisis will pass sometime, and the Spaniards will be running with the bulls still.

5 4

On March 11th, the Japanese archipelago was hit by a 9.0 (Richter scale) earthquake.

The earthquake first shook the archipelago, mainly concentrated in the eastern coastline that was closest to the epicenter. After the earthquake, the tsunami hit land and devastated the cities such as Sendai near by the eastern coastline. The nuclear plant facility was also struck by the tsunami, causing a devastating chaos over Japan.

By July, the count of the dead and missing amount up to 22,000. In addition, the economy had dramatically decreased by an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the first quarter of 2011.

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The political rebels are still at war with the Qaddafi regime. With abundant oil money in sight both sides continue to fight over power and control. However, the rebels have recently gained control over the capital city Tripoli and are now in the hunt for the 40 year long ruler Qaddafi either dead or alive, who is suspected to be hiding while aiming to escape Libya. With the aid of the UN Security Council, the intervention of American and European forces and the NATO bombings of Qaddafi forces, the rebels are looking into their newfound freedom. In July, Libyan rebels received diplomatic recognition and are now in the process of trying to receive Libyan funds that have been sitting awhile in the American banks.

Taejun TJ Cha dellince@hanmail.net

The Globe

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T

he star of this volume’s Spotlight Interview, unlike the stars of former volumes, is not the star that you may expect. He is probably not someone everyone has heard of and is following on Twitter.

However, like the first two stars, or even more so than the first two, this volume’s star has a story unique like no other. In that I am more than proud to introduce you to Mr. Kim Tae Woong. He is a man with a story to tell.

I say that he is a man with a story because, when I sat in front of him for the interview, unlike the usual question and answer format, he just simply started to tell me about his life’s journey with the start of a light laugh, and through out the interview his eyes glimmered with energy and passion.

He lost his father and became the man of his family at the age of four, and he was expelled from high school for things he did not do.

Years later, that wandering boy has today become a CEO of a well established book publishing company, and the author of Kim ’s Roar of Youth.

So here goes a man who forged his friend’s high school diploma to get a job, but worked his way up and today is the CEO of Dongyang Books, or the man who graduated high school at the age of 50.

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1. Why did you have to return to high school in the first place?

3. What was hardest about the life you experienced in high school?

I delivered newspapers every morning, sold ice cream, and I even polished my teachers’ shoes, to simply make my tuition.

Even after school I was on the streets selling the left over news papers. I really wanted to study, and I tried so hard to make that come true. But against my will, the people around me tried to prevent me from doing what I desired because of a silly fight.

I was actually a smart kid, and I tried really lived hard. But the people around me and my school did not see me that way.

They saw me as a bad influence. They tried to find some bad aspect of me, they did, and they expelled me. The fight I was expelled for was not even my fight. One of my juniors got into a fight one spring day, and later the school was told he was in a fight, and he also got caught for smoking. The school asked where he learnt to smoke, and he said my name. So I got expelled, for a fight I was not in, a fight that happened months before my expulsion.

Later, I returned to high school because, as a CEO I felt that as I achieved more, the world and myself included asked and expected that much more. My life was always about looking forward, running only towards the final point. It was about providing the people with books that not only looked good but had good information and messages, and my company, Dongyang Books really grew quickly.

But I started to feel the fear of whether I would be able to keep up with the growing expectations. Also, when I looked behind, there were so many other competitors trying to catch me. I needed to upgrade myself, but I felt there was a limit. So to better manage my company I first put out an open advertisement on a newspaper that I was looking for a consultant to be the President of the company. Two highly qualified people applied for the spot, but knew nothing about the book business. So I thought to myself, “Why don’t I try? I’ll go to college!” I guess the longing for a better education always lingered in me.

So I took a look into my son’s text books, and found out it really was not all that hard! So I returned to my old school, told the principal “I want to regain my honor by returning to my old school and by graduating. Is it legally possible?” I also told them “Uniforms? I’ll wear them. My hair? I’ll shave it.”

He said that there was no problem so I said I would return the next year, and started getting private tutors for English and mathematics.

I started smoking since I was in middle school, but in 2000 I quit. When I went to school though, I saw students smoking.

I told them that they were making a mistake and that they should quite smoking. With that they started to keep their distance from me. I became a loner in school. That was the hardest part: the sadness and pain of becoming a loner.

They immediately separated me from their world. These kids, they could not swear in front of me as they always did because they thought that I might scold them. That was who I was. That is when I thought that this was not the way. So I started to open myself to them, I tried to understand them more. After a few months, they started to get used to my presence, and then started calling me hyungnim! Soon hyungnim became just hyung.

Once I connected my thoughts and feelings with them, kids who at first were little teenagers like my son, became my friends. Even my conversations with these kids were no different from other kids talking amongst themselves.

At the same time however, I felt the obligation to be a role model for my friends. Even if I lived far away from school, I was never absent nor was I ever late. I was also present in extraevening-studies.

But when I took my first mock exam, I realized that I would not make it in-Seoul, I realized it was harder than I thought. So I decided to apply to college with my high school grades instead, and I promised myself to become the top of the entire class.

It was really hard though. At first I did not understand students who studied night in and night out. I was more of a study and enjoy life together type of person. But now, I was in my 50s and more than anything my memorizing abilities were at an all time low. I simply did not have enough time.

So I drew up a curriculum for myself, to include the three hours I spent commuting to school. I really studied hard. At the same time I also had to run my business!

By the time I took the final exam of the first semester, I was at the very top of the entire class! In the midterm exams I was just in the top half, but now I was the first in the entire school!

2. As big of a story you were, did your life actually change accordingly?

Coming out from the lies, and showing my true self was the hardest thing about all this. But as I came out with the truth, my attitude completely changed. I could ask about the things that I did not know. Before, these things were things that I could not ask because it would have shown other people that I did not graduate from high school. But after, it was natural that I did not know. I could ask, dig and research freely into it.

Spotlight Interview

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As for my first goal, I received all As during my sophomore year, and I thought I was well onto achieving my first goal.

But this Theories of Administration class messed it up. The professor told us that all the questions on the final exam would come from the former state examinations, which were about four to five hundred problems. So I studied my butt off. But when I saw the exam, it was completely different from what the professor said. But the professor was not present during the exam. I still took the test, but later many students went to the professor to complain. He simply said, “I guess my assistant screwed up! I told him to make them from the state examinations. Oh well! It is over, get over it!” So, I was third in that class, hence I had to let go of my first dream as well.

"That is when I learned another valuable lesson about God’s plan for everything."

For my third goal, the book Kim ’s Roar of Youth. It is about the experiences I had with these young people, in both high school and college. I wanted it to stand as a bridge between the young and the old today. There is such a big gap between them. The young people think of us as old and people who always want to lecture us.

We think of the young as people who have not learned yet and are incomplete in some sense. Having the opportunity to stand in the middle, I realized the young people today did not appreciate the path their former generation set for them. The older generation in turn thinks all young kids are ungrateful, and criticize the new paths they try to make. They do not understand the creativity and energy of the youth today. So to bridge that gap, I wrote this book.

Obviously being the older generation, although I tried, there are more messages to the youth than the old.

4. I am sure that our readers are more intrigued to what kind of life you led in college. How were your years in college?

5. There is always a sense of uncertainty for the future, especially among college students now a days, it is a very burdensome matter. How do With great grades, I was accepted to SungKyunKwan you prepare for such uncertainties?

University and Inha University. The President of Inha University even sent me letters and asked me to come to his school, but the school was simply just too far from home, so I chose to attend SungKyungKwan University. That is when the three broadcasting companies, KBS, SBS and MBC, came to interview me.

But, going into college, I wondered if I would be able to fulfill my dreams. For me dreams are something big of course, but they also need to be something realistic. Most people talk about setting the highest dreams possible, but again, I like to go step by step. When I returned to high school, my goal was to go to college. When I was in college, I had three goals. Become the first in my class, never be tardy or absent despite my age of course, and write a book about the things I felt and experienced over the years.

It took me six years to graduate. I took two years off after my freshman and sophomore year to manage my company. Until the November of my last semester, I kept my second promise to never be tardy or absent. But a beloved friend of mine passed with cancer. He did not have any families, so he left me his last request, to give him a funeral. The time he passed was only two weeks before my very final exam. Even so, I gave him a funeral, and I was absent for two days. That is when I thought, “What value is there in showing people I can do it like any other young student?” I realized rather than never being tardy and absent, if I had known the truth of learning, if I had taken the time to help an old lady carry her bag for a few minutes, maybe I could have enjoyed the learning and have learned more. But I did not see those things, and I just ran through it. So in the end I was absent twice, and my goal turned to failure.

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I believe the future is decided by all the things that are here right now. How we accept and how we view the experiences we go through. There is really nothing more valuable than our experiences. When we say we will become a politician, in what way are you going to approach that dream. First you start with yourself then move onto the other things. It all starts from you, and it is all in front of you. You simply have to realize what it is that is in front of you. It all starts from you.

As you start with your little experience, when you can find what you need, want and is useful in that experience, you become successful. For example, if you go into a café, and you think that the café is beautiful, you have to ask you self “Why is it beautiful?”

First take note of the feeling. Then try to find out what it is that makes the café beautiful. But you have to understand that your opinion is subjective. So ask other people, find common ground. When you start taking these experiences and start looking at it more closely, and take note of it, these notes build and these little experiences really become your experience.

6. You have now achieved your dream, not only graduating from high school, but also graduating from college. You are also an achieved CEO. What other dreams do you have now?

Music! My next dream is to become a musician. I want to learn the saxophone and the drums! I want to be able to further understand and connect with the youth of this generation. I realized that through the drums it is very easy to do so. Not only that I of course want to be able to become a good musician [laughs]. I particularly like Brazilian music with a lot of repercussions.

I also think this is a good way to share the happiness in this world. The happiness that I have is not mine to keep, but is something to share. That is my final dream, since I am not able to help social welfare institutions financially, to become a missionary of laughter. I want to be a messenger of happiness through music.

7. If I was born again, I would……

I would, until I turn 20, really enjoy, play, experience and live my youth. My life was a life of my parents; I gave my life to my family. Until I was 30, I never had the chance to live my life. I was always too concentrated on putting food on the table. So if I was born again, I would, until I turn 20, really enjoy, play, experience and live my youth. My life was a life of my parents; I gave my life to my family. Until I was 30, I never had the chance to live my life. I was always too concentrated on putting food on the table. So if I was born again,

8. Is there anything you would like to say to the students in college, and also to your son and wife?

To the students, most people talk about having dreams and having courage. But the message I want to give is that do not be burdened by the dream itself. Don’t be burdened by the challenges. Be faithful to today and record your experiences today. At the same time always know and be prepared to look back, and go back.

When I was pushing through with my life, I tried to be smart and slip through bushes of thorns. But I did not realize that if I had slowly but surely cut off the thorns and worked and lived through my life, it would have been that much easier to go back. Life is like that, if you go, you must come back. But I only thought about the going. So you have to know to be faithful to today and also be able to look back.

An optimistic mind is also crucial, especially for us to be able to build a better society. It is important to know the different scholarships and knowledge in the world, but it is also important to understand others and look at the world from a different view at times with an optimistic attitude.

To my family… just sorry for always making it so tough for them. [laugh]

Minjae James Chung jameschung@yonsei.ac.kr

Spotlight Interview

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of regulation in financial innovation" and that the world needs a system that is more "fair, just, inclusive and well-managed,” pretty much questioning the US Dollar’s dominance in the financial market today.

In the midst of all these troubles, may be we can ask our selves,

As of recent, the world may be faced with one of the biggest economic critical junctures since the end of the Bretton Woods period. With the downgrade of the United States’ credit rating from AAA to AA+, the only thing that does not seem to be in collapse seems like China’s continued economic stability. In fact, in reaction to the credit downgrade the Chinese President Hu Jintao said that there is an “absence

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The year 2011 has truly become one of the busiest years in recent history for new agencies around the world. From economic troubles in the European Union and the continuing economic recession of the United States since the 2008 Financial Crisis, to the environmental troubles of Japan led by the earthquakes, tsunami and release of radiation, the world has seen the full package of problems this year. In addition, the democratic movements in northern Africa and the Middle East have also spurred worries.

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The troubles of 2011 have really been tiresome to so many people around the world, but everyone tends to push through to the ambiguity for more. More comfort, more money and more of everything. But taking a step back, although buried under the talks over money, the democratic movements that happened in Africa and the Middle East gives us an idea of what and how much of it we take for granted.

I’m talking about putting dictators that

It is obvious that there really is no answer, but a quote in the film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps(2010) may be an appropriate reaction. Jake Moore asks Bretton Woods the question “What is your number?” his answer is, “More.”

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order the killings of hundreds of people protesting for freedom in cages without beds, and making them stand in court with some sense of dignity.

Unlike the wealthy western countries of America and the European Union, and of East Asia of course, perhaps for countries such as Libya, Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen, the falling numbers on the stock markets and banks going bankrupt are not the biggest problems. Instead, not having the right to speak, not having the right to live and not having the right to freedom maybe more realistic problems for them.

To remember and support the right to freedom many countries have fought and are still fighting here are some facts we can remember.

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Freedomometer

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he industrialization of the western world in the 1800s gave the West overpowering dominance over the world.

Their rapidly changing agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation and technology steam rolled them into a lead that would not be challenged by any other until the mid-1900s by Japan. But in some ways, even today, the lead the West built early on is still only being challenged, but yet to be overturned by the East.

When we speak of the 1930s, most people will think of the Great Depression of the United States, which is still recorded as the worst economic depression all time.

But what many people miss is the boom of movies with sound. To those suffering through the economic depression, these motion pictures with sound such as the Walt Disney Mickey Mouse was really the only source of laughter and happiness.

But today, as the United States stands as the largest economic power in the world, what started out as entertainment during the worst economic times in history, has developed into one of the biggest influencers around the world; popularly known as Hollywood.

This phenomenon of Hollywood spreading over the world is many times referred to as westernization or even Americanization, and more recently, with the rage of globalization, it is also referred to as cultural globalization.

When we talk about cultural globalization we usually do refer to the spread of McDonalds, Hollywood movies, German cars, Microsoft, and Starbucks Coffee, all of which originated from western societies, so creating the connotation of westernization. However, as of recent, with the economic rise of Asia, especially of Japan, South Korea and China, cultural diffusion is happening not only from the West to the East, but from the East to the West as well. Traditionally subject to the West as colonies, the East, Asia to be exact, today has also become a cultural influencer. Asian actors such as Jacky Chan and Lucy Liu, athletes such as Yao Ming and Yuna Kim, and even bands and groups such as X-Japan and Super Junior are all stars that represent not only their countries, but also Asia.

"The question is then what has changed in Asia that makes its culture easier to accept?"

Over the past century, with the rest of the world, East Asia has gone through dramatic changes, especially with the 14 The Yonsei EAGLES

Vol.03

two World Wars accounting for the first half of the century, and the Cold war accounting for the rest. However, more so than any other region, East Asia probably has gone through the most change in the recent decade. This is not only because East Asia has experienced the fastest and greatest economic growth ever achieved, but also because East Asia experienced the greatest cultural change or even cultural degradation.

For example, China with the end of the Dynastic Periods in the early 20th century, fell into disorder with the Warlord Era, and was soon subject to colonization of western powers such as the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan during the First World War. In addition, from 1927, China fought a civil war between the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party, which lasted until 1950. No differently, before being divided into the North and the South, Korea was under Japanese rule from 1910 for 35 years, until in 1950 it also fought a civil war splitting the Peninsula into the North and South. Japan, since the mid-1800s went through drastic political, economic and social reforms transitioning into an absolutist empire waging war through out Asia and the Pacific Islands, until in 1945 surrendering to the United States. All three countries, however, colored its second half of the 20th century with miraculous economic growth, and now accounts for over 20 percent of the world’s GDP. The important factor in the history lesson above is that, " all three countries went through significant cultural oppression and degradation as a result of the wars and colonization, and the rapid industrialization."

In addition, unlike the western economic powers, which returned to their prosperous economies, East Asia needed to restructure and rebuild not only their economy, but their government, infrastructure, and society itself from scrap.

South Korea for example, created a presidential system, while Japan created a parliamentary system, both of which were closely influenced by the United States and the United Kingdom’s political systems. China on the other hand, created a communist government, aided by their northern brother, the Soviet Union.

In addition, with the rapid industrialization at hand, cultural revival and preservation was less important than the pursuit for economic prosperity,

not only by the government but also by the people. Particularly, the pursuit of economic prosperity was done in the way of the West. Buildings were built to become high skyscrapers based on western architecture instead of the traditional oriental houses, and businessmen were now in suites instead of traditional Asian robes.

Today in the 21st century, the oriental houses and traditional robes are more customary practices done on special occasions. Instead, as mentioned above, the western ways have become standard in East Asia. Then in both negative and positive connotations, East Asia has been westernized, and in that sense, "East Asia has lost its culture, and hence its distinct identity of being Asian, an identity crisis."

On the other hand however, as former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom once said “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” Like wise, surely for better or worse culture is also subject to change.

For example, traditional music, in the West it is classical music, it is comprised of instruments such as the violin and the clarinet. In Korea, traditional music is about the Buk and the Gayageum. So when we compared the two, we compared the instruments as that was what stood out.

But today, when we talk about different cultures, and music for comparison, it is not about what instrument you play it with. It is more about what kind of different tunes you make with the same set of notes and sounds. The difference now is simply the style of music and the language.

Can we say that just because western music does not have clarinet tunes in it, western culture has been degraded?

"Can we say that just because no idol groups in Korea play the Gayageum that Korea’s culture has been degraded?"

As with many other things, there is a fine line between the two: degradation and simple change.

If you look deeper, the Untied States which uses English, is the origin of the popular R&B everyone loves today. As its language, the tunes, the beats and lyrics are smooth and do not have many breaks.

On the other hand, Korean music, like its language which has exact breaks on each syllable, have tunes, beats and lyrics that are broken into exact notes.

In this sense, the very core and tradition of each country’s culture, its language, is still very much prevalent in influencing the type of music each country produces.

So it is not so easy to simply dismiss contemporary Asian culture as degraded.

Despite the changes and similarities in culture, each culture has its distinct characteristics. That distinct difference, however, with the early development of the West, has been changed to seem as if western culture is cooler, and as a matter of fact has been the more popular compared to Asian cultures.

The United States as the world’s leader of cultural popularity, led cultural diffusion from the West to the East. On the other hand, Asian cultural works including music and movies, apart from the martial arts movies starring Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, have long been ignored and subject to laughter.

However, as of recent, doing a case study on South Korea, its domestic boom of bands, also known as Idol Groups, has been expanded into the international market especially in Europe. June this year, SM Entertainment, one of Korea’s largest entertainment agencies, had its own very concert, SM Town Live, in France featuring all of its popular Idol Groups such as Super Junior, Girls Generation and f(x). Tickets were instantaneously sold out as the fans demanded the office to sell more tickets in front of the Korean Embassy in Paris.

This recent phenomenon known as the boom of K-Pop actually has been around in Asia for the past decade. From drama series such as Winter Sonata and A Jewel in the Palace which were both huge hits in China, Japan and all over South East Asia, to K-Pop which is rapidly dominating Japan’s music industry, Korea’s culture has long been popular in Asia. But what is different now that makes K-Pop more attractive to the West?

Unlike the many articles that talk about the perfection of performance, beautiful looks, fluency in foreign languages and the dispersion of the Korean community in many different countries, I would like to focus on a more historic view.

"For Korea, the entire 20th century has been about experiencing colonization and war, and consoling and having closure from that experience."

In addition, having to develop so rapidly, the Korean society very much is still in the process of being healed from past scars, especially with Japan trying to claim

territory over the disputed Dokdo Islands, and China trying to make Korean history Chinese history. As a result, if we listen to Korean songs from the 70s and the 80s, and well into the 90s, they are about scars, desires, and longings for lost love ones and over coming troubles.

For example, Naneun Gasooda(meaning I am a singer) a singing contest in which seven best and legendary singers of Korea compete to stay on the show, many of the old songs the singers sang and won first place were about longing for lost love ones, marching on through life, and enduring pain. Here are some of the lyrics of these songs:

As lyrics of songs many times represent the emotions and situations of that time, the Korean people related themselves to these lyrics, being healed from the scars and emotions of going through colonization and war. As a matter of fact, this was the identity of Korea that people saw from the outside: a wrecked country in recovery. It was this identity that created these songs, and hence represented the Korean culture.

The Korean culture was about the hurt and the lost.

However, when that identity creates culture, that culture is hard to share with people with different identities. We always talk about how it is vital to know the language to understand the culture, and the culture to understand the people.

But, when that culture is created by identity, the culture becomes ever so hard to understand. Hence, with such a culture it is hard for Korea to sell and share its music with the rest of the world.

So what is different now in South Korea?

South Korea over the past two decades, in addition to its miraculous economic development, has colored its history with victory. From the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 2002 World Cup Japan/Korea, in which Korea astonishingly advanced to the semi-finals, to the many achievements of world class athletes and celebrities such as figure skater Yuna Kim and swimmer Park Tae Hwan,

" Korea is no longer about losing and hurting, but is now about winning and celebrating. " Singer Park Junghyun of Naneun Gasooda Hence, with it, the society and identity of the Korea changes, in turn influencing its culture. Korea’s music is now about giving love, winning love and other joyful themes.

As a result, western societies are able to share the emotions, lyrics and tunes of K-Pop. In addition, sharing that culture, foreigners now relate to Korea based on Korea’s culture. " Thus, now identity is not what creates culture, but it is inversely, culture that creates identity. " Korea is now beginning a new voyage, spreading its music around the world, and as it sets sail, connotations of westernization and Americanization can possibly finally be erased, as the diffusion of culture happens both ways now; from the West to the East, and from the East to the West.

Nevertheless, as much as it is referred to as the boom of K-Pop, Korea should take care so that it does not end as nothing but a boom. It will be interesting to see how much Korea will be able to share its identity and culture with the people around the world, and in other words ROK cultural globalization.

Minjae James Chung & Melanie Grace Abbott

ROKin' Cultural Globalization 15

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Jaerin Lee cnngirljaerin@yonsei.ac.kr

Photo Essay

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Japanese propaganda during WWII Cover Story

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Two Japanese workers showing the stagnant economy of Japan

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The disputed Dokdo Islands

Prime Minister Naoto Kan of Japan

The more recent conflict between South country, saying it cannot guarantee the Korea and Japan involving the airplane safety of the lawmakers and that the strike and claim to the two islands is decision is out of consideration of bilateral likely another example of this. The week relations.” The one thing that all sources of the airbus test, “Japan's State Foreign agree upon is that their final destination Secretary Chiaki Takahashi said at a was Ulleung Island, the closest undisputed press conference that the ministry would South Korean land to Dokdo. The reason not invite Korean Air officials to events it why is a little more cloudy. Korean sources will host” and that Korea's actions were say it was to further publically declare a “violation of Japan's airspace.” At the the islands to be Japan's, others say it same time, former diplomats and ministers was intended to be an act of protest, and criticized the ministries actions, claiming Japanese sources say: “…the purpose of they would only make the territorial the planned visit was to understand South dispute worse and slow down agreements. Korean arguments concerning the longNone the less, the conservative movement running territorial spat.” Another area of in Japan sided with the ministry and agreement is the stubbornness shown by pushed for an all-out boycott. However, the Japanese lawmakers. Despite having the boycott that has been promoted by already received notice that they would not some of the Japanese media is largely be allowed in, they were quoted as saying symbolic, since Korean Air is often taken that “giving up their plan was tantamount by several Japanese officials who are not to giving in to the intimidation." They planning on making major changes. The have been criticized by Korean and symbolic nature of the Japanese media for boycott alludes to the making a grand stage assumption that it is " The symbolic nature of the boycott play for the purposes another nationalistic alludes to the assumption that it is of publicity, rather campaign played than doing anything out mostly for local another nationalistic campaign " useful towards the audiences, rather than conflict. a legitimate diplomatic jab.

This type of attitude But it did not stop at the boycott. On is nothing new. Ever since Japan’s first August 1st, three members of the Diet encounter with western countries, it and one Japanese researcher were barred has taken extreme measures to alter from immigration at Gimpo International itself in order to be respected. During Airport. The visit and halt at immigration the Meiji restoration, new people took were not unexpected. The Friday before, power, a constitution was formed, and the Korean Foreign Ministry warned eventually imperialism followed. Since Japan, “that the government would not its authoritarian rule in the Meiji period allow the three politicians to enter the when no other voice was allowed to be Cover Story

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heard, the Japanese people have only heard the government. There have been plenty of people who have spoken against Japan's war crimes, such as textbook producer Saburo Ienaga, who led a 10-trial battle against his government's censorship of school textbooks, a crusade motivated by his need to erase a sense of wartime guilt at indoctrinating students to fight for a god-emperor, but also to expose and understand wartime atrocities.” He even won a noble-prize for his efforts, but he is rarely mentioned in the international debate about the Japan-China-Korea issues.

In fact, most of the controversies that inspire rage in Korea and China are led by only a relatively small group of politicians.

These are the few that deny war atrocities or try to justify them. The problem is that most of the problem-causers have held high positions in government such as Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara and even the Justice Minister Nagano Shigeto and a Head Cabinet Minister Kajiyama Seiroku.

However, it is important to understand that under Japan's political system that the majority of these people are not handpicked by the public and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the majority. Since the information provided to the Japanese people about their history is directly approved of by the government, they have little chance to hear any other side. The people have no choice but to believe what they hear, just as most other people rarely look beyond what they learn in school.

This same trend repeated this summer with the lawmakers who tried to enter South Korea and visit Ulleung Island.

Only three, right-wing lawmakers made that move and they all are affiliated with the LDP. However, these three people are all members of the Diet. It seems that a few sour grapes can ruin the whole bunch when it comes to international disputes.

What make the drama of 2011 unique are the potential consequences. For the first time since the talks stopped in 2008, North Korea has called for fresh six-party

talks. This time, the U.S. and South Korea, while still wanting the North to provide “tangible demonstration that (they are) serious about denuclearization,” will likely agree to meet soon enough. Since Japan is also a member of the talks and is in a situation quite similar to that of South Korea, it is imperative that both parties get along and work together. They both share a security threat from North Korea, have close military relations with the US, have nationals living in the North, and lack the communist history that China and Russia (the other members) have.

" Ever since Japan’s first encounter with western countries, it has taken extreme measures to alter itself in order to be respected. " " most of the controversies that inspire rage in Korea and China are led by only a relatively small group of politicians. "

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Melanie Grace Abbott melanieabbott5@gmail.com

Cover Story

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Saying Goodbye to Ha

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

For so long Harry Potter has been a part of our lives. For many of us, the 14 year history of Harry Potter is also a history that we share as we have literally grown old with Harry Potter. We were also once littler children late in our beds reading the very first Harry Potter series, wishing that we were also walking into that grand hall of Hogwarts School of Magic.

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Unlike the actors that have grown up now, looking back to their acting in the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, they seem not only real but genuinely cute, as if they were real memories and videos of us when we were young.

But 14 years later, having seen the last of Harry Potter, we are put in familiar yet unfamiliar grounds. Familiar as we have said goodbye to so many other great works such as the Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars. Unfamiliar as possibly.

Harry Potter “ The world of wizardry is not some place you have to give up any of your dreams: you can become your dream and a bit more. “

"no other work has defined our childhood and life as much as Harry Potter has."

Before we say goodbye, perhaps it is wise to see what the Harry Potter series did differently to become such a big hit, setting itself apart from all other magic movies.

The world of magic in Harry Potter hides from the Muggle world as in any other movie. There are those who use the magical powers for good, but there are also those who use it for evil, as in any other movie. The good wins in the end, again, as in any other movie.

What was different however was that

magic was neither something that was taboo nor something that was feared upon. Being a wizard or a witch was not the weird thing, but instead, as it tells the story not in the view of us Muggles but in the view of wizards and witches, not having the magic was being the out caster. In other words, it was not about the ordinary world that we live in, but it was about the extraordinary world of magic, a fantasy which became our "The world of wizardry is not some reality. place you have to give up any of your As it made the world of magic not dreams: you can become your dream something taboo or cursed, but a gift and something exclusive, we find that the little and a bit more." fantasies and dreams we have of waving a wand and flying on a broomstick are On the basis of all things, the Deathly actually shared by others; shared by Hallows Part 2 really sums up all that Harry, Ron and Hermione, and everyone Harry Potter has always been about: reading the book and seeing the movie. magic. From walking through walls In addition, Harry Potter does two more through pictures, surrounding Hogwarts things differently. One is the Hogwarts with a massive shield, to having stone School of Magic. Unlike most other soldiers jump down from the castle-likemovies, in which you learn that you are school to protect Hogwarts, which was different accidentally or coincidentally, quite touching, it has always been about Harry Potter has a school where you magic. are systematically taught magic. You do So what can we say as we say goodbye not have to hide your differences with to Harry Potter? Some communities your peers, but are already creating instead you share "It took magic that was merely their own versions of that difference, Harry Potter. Stories a trick made by which becomes the quick hands, and transformed it into in which Hermione common ground of falls in love something that was meaningful Granger your relationship. with Draco Lucius to our lives: Again, this lets Malfoy, and stories in us engage with life, hope and most of all, fun." which Harry Potter our ideas and becomes partners imaginations more freely. with Lord Voldemort. In this way maybe Second, just because you have magical Harry Potter can remain in our lives. powers, does not mean that you can However, as long as the hopeful message be nothing but a wizard or a witch. In lives in us and we share that message, Harry Potter, you can be a hero like Harry Potter lives in us, and we live as Harry Potter, be the right hand man Harry Potters in our own lives. like Ronald Bilius “Ron” Weasely, As much as we would like a better or the beautiful brain like Hermione ending, especially for the movie with Jean Granger, played by the beautiful the ridiculous old-look makeup, there Emma Watson. You can also be a tough is nothing to say but in a British accent Quidditch player like Victor Krum. “Goodbye Potter”.

You can be a wise professor like Albus Mischief Managed Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. You can be the cowardly Minister of Magic, like Cornelius Fudge. You can be the bothersome reporter like Rita Skeeter.

You can even become a creepy janitor like Mr. Flinch.

The Yonsei EAgles

Saying Goodbye to Harry Potter

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Cinema W

e come into college with dreams and hopes of success, prosperity and all the goodness of this world. But a few miles in we face reality – the competition and the coldness of society – and we look back to the dreams we used to envision and dust off the thick dust piled up on it. Unlike the way our eyes sparkled at the marvel of our grand dreams, now our eyes are filled with worries with really one simple question in mind: “What do I do?”

My Black Mini Dress (2011) Three girls go drinking as Hyeji, the prettiest of the four, is street casted into a $100,000 contract for jean commercials and acting positions. Soojin, who continues to fail to fulfill her dream of becoming an actress herself, sarcastically and resentfully acknowledges Hyeji’s achievement for being nothing but a pretty face. She then tells Minhee, the jolliest of the four, that she has no worries as she has filthy rich parents. She pauses a moment on herself, but in the end pats herself saying that she is smart, so she will find her way. Coming to Yoomin however, Soojin tells her that she should be the one with the most worries.

“Somewhat rich, somewhat competent and somewhat pretty. Everything is just OK.” She tells her she’s just a chameleon trying just to slip in to society.

Throughout the movie however, it turns out each of the girls are going through their own hardships. At the end of the movie Yoomin experiences the suicide of a high school friend. She breaks down in tears and cries into her mothers lap.

This movie makes us think. Maybe we really are no different from Yoomin; no different from the rest of the people, just trying to go along with the flow, going wherever everyone is going. But we all know for sure we put ourselves bare out there, sacrificing and exhausting the best of our lives.

The four friends both fortunately and unfortunately through the death of a friend, and in the most unlikely of places – a funeral home – bring their friendship back together realizing what really matters Noteworthy Quote: “25 is never the time to stop dreaming but the best time to keep dreaming. And here I stand in the center of my life.”

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The Company Men (2010) A quote you may want to take from this film: “I will win, because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm!”

This is what Bobby Walker, played by Ben Affleck, a man who gave all his life to his job, mumbles unwillingly and without confidence at the force of his instructor at an employment agency.

In the midst of the 2008 Financial Crisis, Walker becomes a victim of corporate downsizing. Starting to look for a new job, once receiving $120,000 a year, he turns down a job offer furious at the $65,000 that he is offered, in addition to the statement that there are better qualified applicants for the job. Eventually he ends up working for his brother-in-law, who he hates, constructing houses.

The turn of events however does not come with a highly paid job offer, but it comes in the form of a pair of working gloves, a sandwich, and two hundred extra dollars from his hated brother-in-law at the end of the week.

In the end he finds strength, neither in the money he used to earn, nor the prestige of his golf club membership he used to have, but in spending time with his son, building a tree house with his children, caring for the good of his friends and family, and his will to value what really matters.

Noteworthy Quote: “I will win, because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm!”

If your asking if this is going to be another one of those articles that tell you how the world after college is harsh and barren… Yes! No doubt this subject is overused in countless number of other articles and books, but that should actually tell us something. The world really is harsh and barren. And to both remind us of this fact and wake us up to the real world, here go some films that may help us through.

Up In the Air (2009)

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010) It is a rough world out there, too-big-to-fail firms are closing down, and the job market is the Third World War. Starred by Shia LaBeouf and Michael Douglas, this film is based on the 2008 Financial Crisis, in which a young proprietary trader at Keller Zabel Invetment, Jake Moore, seeks revenge on Bretton James, who he believes led Zabel, Jake’s mentor, to commit suicide by causing KZI to go bankrupt.

Also known as Wall Street 2, this film shows you just how hard the 2008 Financial Crisis hit the world. Michael Douglas who plays Gordon Gekko, gives a lecture about the Financial Crisis, in which his first words are, “You’re all pretty much F***ed.” In the scene, the crowd full of university students and young graduates laugh, and so would we if we were there. But taking a step back, as much as it is a gift to be at the center of the fastest generation yet, it is that much of a burden for us as we are exposed to the dangers of an economically interconnected world.

Noteworthy Quote: “Someone reminded me…that I once said greed is good.

Now it seems it’s legal.”

Ryan Bingham, played by George Clooney, is asked “Where are you from?” This is the question Chief Pilot Maynard Finch asks Ryan as he becomes the seventh person in history to reach 10 million flyer miles. This is the life of downsizer Ryan Bingham.

Firing people for a living for “those who don’t have the balls to sack their own employees,” he travels all over the continent and is defined by one thing: his elite status.

From flying first class to driving with his Number One Gold Club status, his life is all about status and prestige.

In addition, as his second job, he gives speeches about mobility, how our lives are burdened by our surroundings and relationships, by which “we weigh ourselves down until we can’t even move… and make no mistake moving is living.” This is his life: being mobile with elite status.

If you think about it, the life Ryan lives is more than just attractive. Who would not want to always fly fist class, rent a full sized sedan and stay at the best hotels wherever you go?

As the world becomes smaller and smaller through the internet and our smart phones, it is not too much to say that our lives would be pretty good living as Ryan Bingham, as long as we have those occasional family reunions of course.

Some people, actually most people today, give up friends and family for a stable career. But some give up their careers to be with friends and family. Of course there are those fortunate enough to have both. One thing for sure is that it is going to be a choice that we will have to make in the near future.

Ryan’s answer to Chief Pilot Maynor’s question, I will not reveal for the sake of movie. However, a message we can take from Ryan is that we better make the best out of the choices we make in life.

Noteworthy Quote: “The stars will wheel forth from their daytime hiding places and one of those lights, slightly brighter than the rest, will be my wingtip passing over.”

Minjae James Chung jameschung@yonsei.ac.kr

Cinema

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Copyright © Daeun_Lee

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Postcard from Russia

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my teacher combed her hair in the middle of class every day. And women always have scarves for the cold weather and for the Eastern Orthodox religion in which women need to cover their heads when entering a church.

In addition, the community organizes many festivals and holidays. They celebrate Victory Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, May Day, Easter and so many more. On these days schools take a few days off and people

As I set foot on the alien land, Russia was not the most welcoming place.

On the streets Russians starred at me either with an interesting look or belittlement. For the first few months I was afraid and hid from the people.

Moreover, life in the dormitory was uncomfortable. Most of the walls were covered with mold; I washed my clothes by hand, took showers wearing slippers, and could not take one single warm bath. Honestly I regretted coming at the time. So I learned Russian simply to survive – to buy products, to ride a bus or a taxi, and to not be in danger. I was taught only in Russian, starting from the Alphabet and sentences as „the Cat is here' to the literature and history.

During the 10 months, I tried to experience and understand the culture and society. Through my stay, I learned its religious and family-centered community. Grandparents are in charge of grandchildren's education and dads take walks with their children on the weekends. People have certain manners and habits that they were taught from their early ages. Wives walk arm in arm with their husbands, and husbands hold their wives' hands when wives get out of bus. Men shake hands when greeting a fellow man; even in the zvery cold winter, they take their gloves off to shake hands. Women carry a comb in their purse and comb their hair frequently;

Dear my Yonseians,

Hyungwon Lisa Jeon jlisa139@hotmail.com

Снаилушимипожеланиями,ЛизаЧон

gather in squares to celebrate. I saw several times a crowd applauding veterans in their military uniform decorated with colorful medals. Events to show students' talents are also held in schools and on the streets. I even participated in one of the events and sang a Korean song with my friend.

There were students from all around the world such as Angola, Palestine, and China. And pretty much throughout the five hours of class everyday and with my two Mongolian roommates, Russian was the only way to communicate. I had so much practice speaking Russian, not to even mention the deep friendship.

The 10-month journey gave me much more than I expected. But foremost I learned Russian. Now I can read books written by Tolstoy and Chekhov in Russian! I can write stories and actually talk with Russians. With a motto “leave to change myself,” I really did come back with a changed life style, a dream, and many new friends.

Russia at first was a strange and scary place, but I fell in love with her.

The whole atmosphere just fascinated me every day – vastness of the land and cities, old architectures embracing history, family-centered culture.

And it allowed me to breathe deeply and soothed me. Most of all, I fell and am strongly in love with the language itself. Russian is such a beautiful language – the grammar, the use of each word, and the pronunciation. I learned Russian is a language connected elaborately to Russia's culture and ideology. Thus breathing Russia's air, eating its food, and walking around the city helped me understand the essence of the language. The journey was a chain of hardships but gave me courage, and I will always remember the short 10 months in my life with the words " I did it. "

Postcard from Russia

EIC : Report Card

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ASTASIA International College, founded in 2008, has already met its fourth year, taking in its fourth class of students in March 2011. Starting out with only twenty some students, EIC has now grown to provide high standards of academics in the field of politics and culture, and economics and business to

over a hundred students. In addition to the fast growing number of students, excellent professors have come and gone as they continue to motivate the students to excel even beyond the campus.

From hosting various events such as the High School Debate Contest and the International Student Forum, to supporting students actively both faculty wise and

financially, EIC is also the birth place of the Yonsei EAgles Magazine. Continuing to enrich its self with professional scholars of East Asia, students are also engaging themselves in various internships, from interning in embassies to interning in the Untied Nations. So now we look back at the achievements of its short but prestigious history.

Events hosted by EIC Freshman Overseas Workshop : This annual event for incoming freshmen has already sent freshmen on four different trips to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Nanjing, all financially supported by EIC.

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East Asia Field Trips : This annual event, as one of the most looked forward events of the year, sends freshmen and sophomores to Russia, China and Japan, according to the second language they are studying. Through the field trips, students have visited various companies and organizations, and have had the opportunity to experience first hand the language they are learning.

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International Student Forum on EA Development : Held every November, EIC successfully hosted the first Student Forum last year, and is looking forward to sending its second round of invitations to international colleges in Japan and China. Word is, invited colleges are already intensively preparing for the forum.

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30 The Yonsei EAGLES

Student Research Paper Contest : This annual contest induces students to submit their research papers related to East Asian politics, economics, business, and culture. The awards are a certificate of recognition and scholarships, awarded during the closing ceremony of the year.

East Asian Forum: Both students and professors are invited to engage in a presentation given by an EIC professor on their specialties.

Students are also encouraged to and are actively participating in questioning and debating with professors.

East Asian Film Screening: With the purpose to expose its students to a more variety of issues, it is a screening of various videos such as Ahnyung America: Two Families, The Cove and God in China: the Struggle for Freedom.

High School Debate Contest on East Asian Policy: EIC held its fourth contest this year.

It is a competitive battle to begin with applications, which come from the top high schools from all around the country.

Dinner with the Dean: Held for the first time this summer, the dean himself met with freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior students in Seoul, sharing their plans and experiences, and further motivating them during the summer.

 EIC Freshmen Overseas Workshop 2010 & 2011  International Student Forum 2010 Vol.03

 EIC High School Debate Contest on East Asian Policy 2011

The Yonsei EAgles Magazine: Fully funded and supported by EIC and its professors, it has gone through its third volume this fall, and has earned great applaud from professors in Wonju and Shinchon.

Special Finances & Support from EIC

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Geojung Scholarship for Overseas Conferences and Research: students are given the opportunity to submit reports of their overseas conferences and research to receive recognition and reimbursement of flight and application expenses.

Financial Support for: - Language Tests: EIC is now even financially supporting students’ language tests such as the HSK, JLPT, and TORFL or FLEX for Korean students; TOPIK for foreign students.

Students of EIC are required to earn a very high level of language proficiency in Chinese, Japanese, Russian or Korean.

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Student Achievements:

Exchange Student Program: Made mandatory to all students, EIC has already produced numerous students being admitted to top universities in China, Japan, Russia and the United States. This is a competitive program in which EIC students compete with not only students in Wonju but also students in Shinchon, - Student Exchange and Overseas and have been allocated to some of the best Internship: Juniors and Seniors, who are schools available. no longer part of the annual field trips, are encouraged to apply for reimbursements of flight fares, as they return from exchange student programs or international internships; eligible to Past & Current Exchange Students KRW 700,000 once a year.

Ji In Noh be sending one EIC student to Japan for University of Wisconsin – Superior either a semester or a year based on the Song Eun Kim student’s decision.

Exchange Program with Waseda University, SILS: A new and exciting addition to the EIC program, the exchange program with the School of International Liberal Studies of Waseda Univeresity will EA Reference Room: The department provides a fairly large sized room for students to rest, study and research in a well set environment with computers, scholarly books and journals.

Hobart & William Smith College, New York Jung Eun Kim UC San Diego Hyerim Kim UC Berkeley Su Jung Moon UC Berkeley Ji Soo Lee University of Wisconsin – Madison Bo Mi Lee UC Irvine Ji Young Jung UC Berkeley Yea Ji Son Saint Petersburg State University Jung Yeun Shin Kyushu University Ju Yeon Kim University of Scranton Inae Gwag UC San Diego

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 EIC East Asian Forum

With such support and enthusiasm from both the college and the students, EIC will be producing its first graduate this year. Along with the success of EIC students in internships and exchange student programs, the next few years will be a test for how much they can expand their influence onto the world. Good luck graduates! Good Luck EIC!

EIC : Report Card

31

Stars Of Yonsei Univers

Chang Yeon Soo (’06) Ku Ahreum (’07)

J

ohn F. Kennedy once said “my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Many of us, as proud as we are to be students of Yonsei University Wonju, are ashamed of being from Wonju instead of Shinchon.

Many of us come to Wonju with the goal to switch campuses to Shinchon. We complain about how we are a sub-campus to Shinchon, and at times hide and lie about being from Wonju.

In an environment some people may see as disadvantageous, there are students that go the extra mile to not only make their selves shine, but also make Yonsei University WONJU shine.

So here are Chang Yeon Soo(’06) and Koo Ahreum(’07), Stars of Yonsei University Wonju who took everyone by surprise by winning the Grand Prize in the 17th National Model United Nations.

1. Any comments on winning the Grand Prize of the National Model United Nations?

Yeon Soo: Along with all our seniors and fellow participants, our professors were of the greatest help. There were many instances when teams from our school received the Friendship Award or the Award of Popularity, so we were thirsty for a grand prize. Nevertheless, during the entire conference "we did not expect to literally win the Grand Prize!

Because of that we were able to take it with the utmost humility and gratitude."

Again, if it were not for our seniors who had participated before us, we would not have been able to do what we did.

Ahreum: I am pretty much on the same page with Yeon Soo. I at first thought it was to great of a prize for us, but still we worked hard and also there were that many people supporting and praying for 32 The Yonsei EAGLES

Vol.03

us, so I am simply grateful for it. This was only possible because of everyone’s support. I think this overwhelming award Yeon Soo: For the actual research, first is a gift from God. I know it. So I want to we started out broad then narrowed our return all the glory to God! perspective. We started by researching the overall issue of the agenda, then we researched the positions of the country 2. How did you prepare for the we were assigned to, the Netherlands, Model United Nations? which I believe was the most important Ahreum: For the preparation, we began part. I think what we did differently from March by organizing the IRDC from other delegates was that we tried (International Relations Discussion Club). to come up with and selected ideas that We started out with the handbook from other delegations may not have been past conferences and the official website. able to think of. For the four weeks of In April, the calls were in and by that preparation, Ahreum and I met everyday, time we pretty much already decided researching, organizing, and strategizing which teams were going to become the our approach. delegations. It really was not a hard The MUN is not just about being the decision. All our club members are very smartest delegation, supportive and caring. That is how we "but it is also about the connections and communication started out. you have with other delegations."

ersity Wonju

So we really had to decide before hand on how we were going to communicate and interact with the other delegates. The last two weeks were really all about the National Model United Nations.

4. Can you tell me more about the IRDC? Yeon Soo: We meet every Saturday in Seoul. It is mostly comprised of International Relations and Administration students, but we plan to expand it to other departments as well in the Fall semester. We thought it would be best to establish our basis then expand.

5. What kind of memories do you have while preparing for and during the conference?

Ahreum: It was hot and it rained so much. A very basic thing, but it really was hot and wet through out the weeks we were preparing, and even during the conference. The dorms and the conference hall environment was terrible to work with, but I guess we got through it.

Yeon Soo: There were obviously already so many resolutions on the matter. So our biggest question was how much further we could develop and improve these resolutions. So we tried to find a fresher way. In addition, the Netherlands really is not the strongest and the most outspoken country. So when we drew the lottery

to pick our respective countries, I was "The contents we delivered, how we approached it and full of worries. I have never been to the the manner we delivered it in."

Netherlands, and I have also never really The juries kept emphasizing manners. come across the country in the texts we Since we were representatives of our read in school. But as we started digging respective countries, they told us we in, we found out the Netherlands was very precise and detailed on every aspect needed to keep the composure as the of the issue. The agenda was divided into leaders of each country. We battle with three parts, but most countries, even the the same information, so I think it was strong countries only had one or two really down to how we delivered it and in aspects to speak on, but we actually had what manner we delivered it in. the advantage of being able to speak Ahreum: I pretty much agree with Yeon on all three parts of the issue with the Soo, and I think that the juries must Somali Pirates. But then again, there have been really bored throughout the was not much information on how the conference. The Model United Nations government was actually reacting to is different from other debating contests, the issue. And again, the weather was which is usually about how much you terrible! can say and how much you can rebut to.

Another thing was, if we want to pass But in the MUN, everyone is limited to the resolution, we need two thirds of the the same very short amount of time. No votes for the resolution. So there are a matter how much you have to say, you lot of deals between delegations. Some really do not have the time to deliver all delegations ask other delegations to join the things on your mind. their position, but some even attack and So I was really worried about that, but criticize your approach! On the phone! we decided to talk about something that But for us, we did not want to concentrate would help the juries freshen up. Every too much on the deals and alliances. We one talks about the same things, so we did took the phone calls that came, but we not want to repeat the same old stuff. We never called other delegations asking simply supported the things that were them for something. We gave them mentioned before, sufficient information, but not too much and gave them of course. We took the relationship the new ideas, new delegations had with each other very propositions. seriously. We did not want to make a But the best situation in which we would have to t h i n g w e betray our given word. There are actually h a d w a s delegations that concentrate more on Yeon Soo! creating alliances. But we tried to focus more on coming up with fresher ideas.

6. Is there anything you would like to s howoff about, being the Grand Prize winners this year?

Yeon Soo: The entire conference is about ten hours long, but in those ten hours each delegation is probably given 15 minutes at most to speak for the entire conference.

So we only speak 60 to 90 seconds each time we step on to the platform. So we wondered how we were able to win the Grand Prize. We did not really have strong alliances, despite seniors that urged us to do so. We also had a very limited time frame to present our ideas; and again, the Netherlands is not the strongest country. But I think there were three main things that divided us with the rest.

Stars of Yonsei University WONJU

33

Stars Of Yonsei University Wonju After each session, alot people talked about how Yeon Soo spoke like an anchor, and she really does. So I think this was a big plus to how much was delivered to the juries.

So presentation training is really important. I am not just saying this because she is on my team, but she really has a different voice. So I think that was a big reason to why we won the Grand Prize.

7. I heard as winners you would be visiting the Untied Nations installations?

I’m not doing anything because I am preparing for graduate school. So along with that, I think English is a really big part of my studies right now.

I think it is also important to be dedicated to school when you are in school. The Residential Assistant is a big part of my mission these days. I’m learning what it means to care for my juniors and to be able to be a good influence to others. So rather than just working out of school, I’m doing more in-school activities.

9. Any words of encouragement to next year’s MUN delegations?

Yeon Soo: The schedules are not concrete Ahreum: When you start preparing be yet, so we were told that we would be greedy for the Grand Prize. Once you notified later. But we will be visiting have decided to participate in the MUN either the Geneva or the New York Head do your best. But once you enter that hall, Quarters. I was told it will be for a day and for the four days, let your desire go.

I think that greed stops you from making tour with all fares paid for. good relationships with other students, Ahreum: So this Grand Prize really is and it becomes a burdensome load. I was GRAND! Also the difference between also burdened by that desire, but by the the Grand Prize and the next prize is second day I let go of everything and was huge. I think they are just given a letter of simply grateful for being there. I really recognition? tried to enjoy myself, and I did! And in James: So you would be able to meet the end we won! So the Grand Prize was that much more precious. some VIPs? Ahreum: Hopefully we will meet the "Be greedy for the prize during your preparation, but once it starts be grateful simply for the opportunity."

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon! But we would be participating in the actual Yeon Soo: Practice to think and speak. assemblies.

Every one did so much preparation, but not many delegations were prepared 8. How else are you preparing for to think and speak. A lot of them did your future? not listen to the other delegations’ presentations and proposals, and simply Yeon Soo: Well the IRDC is the biggest concentrated on what they wanted to say. thing. It was made for the MUN, but In the end they ended up repeating exactly we’re going to expand the curriculum what the delegation before said. Again to include other aspects, so even for we work with the same information, it those students not wanting to go into is down to how you deliver that same international organizations, it would help information. with their careers after college. I think it There were a lot of people that hurriedly is true that Korean students are weak in wore their jackets as they got on stage, terms of speaking and presenting. What I some texted during the session, and some realized when I was an exchange student even slept. So the small manners are really was that, we really need to practice how to important. think and speak.

Also, through the MUN, I was really attracted to the field of foreign affairs, so 10. Finally, any words you would like to give to the students of I am actually interning in the Ministry of Yonsei University Wonju?

Foreign Affairs right now.

And individually, I guess language Ahreum: When I was a freshman I had the victim mentality of being in Wonju studies? English and Spanish.

Ahreum: It is pretty much the same for and not in Shinchon. But as I spent my me. This is my last semester and I did a lot years here, I built pride in being here. of out-of-school activities before. I went on Now I tell every one that I’m from Wonju exchange student as well. I did internships and tell them how great of a school it is. in a law firm for six months. But for now I guess it is about finding the value and 34 The Yonsei EAGLES

Vol.03

meaning in your school. If I look back, there are so many things that I earned because I am in Wonju. My faith is much stronger and deeper than it was.

Maybe if I was in Shinchon, I would have paid attention to so many other things I would not have built this relationship with God. Also we have more exchange student opportunities, through Wonju and Shinchon. So it is about how much you utilize your situation. And also the IR Department is only in Wonju. We also have the Residential Colloquia. We have a positively differentiated curriculum from Shinchon. If you keep your heads down for being here, its your loss. If you try to maximize your gains here, you can gain so much more that the students in Seoul.

There are also so many great professors here, and there are less students, so you can get that much more closer to the professors. So I always tell the freshmen in my RA “Don’t be ashamed!”

Where are you a part of? Know it and be grateful for it.

Yeon Soo: That is totally true. I love my department. But there are so many stories about our seniors not being able to make it to job interviews for graduating from Wonju. However, we can not compare Shinchon and Wonju, but many of us do and have this victim mentality. So that is also a big reason why I participated in the MUN. I wanted to show others that you can do it too! I wanted to leave that pride I have with my juniors.

You can not be in Wonju and tell yourself “I can not do it because I am in Wonju.”

But I want to ask you, “How much have you tried? How many times have you visited professors and offices voicing your desires and requests? How hard have you worked?”

"If our school is called Wonsei University, instead of being ashamed of it, show them what we have and who we are! "

We have a beautiful campus, enjoy it!

There are so many students that complain without trying. It was your responsibility and even your fault for coming here, so take responsibility. And as Ahreum said, take advantage of the relationships that you can have with your professors because you are in Wonju. Same with the memories you can make with your friends.

Chang Yeon Soo (’06) Ku Ahreum (’07)

Minjae James Chung jameschung@yonsei.ac.kr

Internship Diary Paik I

(Soph n Shil omor e EIC )

So Yeon Park C) (Sophomore EI

it, DLO of Indiaan Prime m m u S l u o e S 0 G2 Indi his of escorting the

in charge as to escort Dr. Singh to I D-day! I washa d to do w oto. But still, e I ll A minister. ace when taking the family ph t to say to th respective plous. I tried to think about wlaha the morning was so nerv ter if he spoke to me. At msty ,Indian flag as Prime minisfinally over and I held up r could see me. I session was d so that the prime ministecalm voice and a high as I coulm coming nearby, he had a d could see hi . ello”. He smile n gentle smile ello,” I said “Namaste, Ha? he w s t’ ha He said “H “Have you been to Indi ”coTurse! I lived e and asked mblast off everything: “Yes, oflove India, I love I started to for seven and a half years, I Natyum dance in Chennai people, I learned the Barat waran. It is an the Indian ous dancer Chitra Viswes esome! How do from a fam lly meet you! You look awory, about India, honor to finaea?” I told him my life st st asked him how you like Kor esome he looked and at la about how aw

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Internship Diary

35

THE YONSEI E.A.GLES Magazine 3rd

Call for Class of Reporters

+ Looking For : people who want to write, love to write, have a passion to write, and have amazing ideas to share + Recruiting Positions : ● Reporters for Culture, Academic & Interview Section ● Photographer for Photo Sections & Idea Consultant* ● All positions are open to all students of Yonsei University + Application Dead Line : September 9th, 2011 + How to Apply : Download the application form at www.yonfeel.net 홍보게시판 > The Yonsei Eagles Application Form

+ E-mail & Contact : Minjae James Chung, Editor-in-Chief 편집국장 정민재

jameschung@yonsei.ac.kr 010.9993.0103