Tiger Times Volume 50 Issue 7

E PROM I L O G U Tiger Times E 2018 - 2019

the final or concluding act or event.

p2 . VIEWPOINT

Academics and activities close generational gaps of students and teachers

p3 . EXTENDED VIEWPOINT Sia Cho weighs the importance of one's thoughts and actions

p14 . SPORTS

Mr. Atanaskovic says farewell to athletes at his last sports banquet

VOLUME 50

ISSUE 7 MAY/JUNE 2019 TTONL.ORG

Editorial

Farewell to Mr. Coleman

By Sia Cho, Andy Yoon, Eju Ro Co-Editors-in-Chief

As another fruitful year of Tiger Times comes to a close, the staff and alumni of Tiger Times would like to thank their longtime teacher and adviser, Mr. David Coleman, for his dedication to improving both the publication and cultivating the potential of SIS’ young journalists. For the past six years with Mr. Coleman’s thorough and constant support, Tiger Times has grown into an incredibly sophisticated, insightful and educational endeavor and work in progress. Thank you, Mr. Coleman, for being the pillar of Tiger Times—the staff will miss you dearly.

“Thank you Mr. Coleman for the wonderful classroom experiences you made possible for me at SIS. From AP Lit to the years in Tiger Times, I grew so much—both as a student and as a person—and I could not have done it without your guidance. Hope all is well and best of luck in your next endeavors!” - Eva Hong (Class of 2016) “Mr. Coleman, you introduced me to the world of design and journalism, and I cannot thank you enough for showing me the ropes of what has now become my passion and joy! I really appreciate your mentorship and love for Tiger Times.

The paper will miss you greatly, but the positive marks you’ve left will always be remembered.” Grace Lee (Class of 2017) “I hope all is still well at Tiger Times. I have been keeping up with the recent issues, and it seems that the staff ’s work has constantly improved over the years. I wish you the best of luck [as SIS’ Curriculum Director], and I wish to thank you for all the lessons that you have taught me through journalism: honesty, integrity, and dedication, lessons that I take to heart as I go further in life.” - Jaeha Kim (Class of 2017) “It’s hard to imagine Tiger Times without Mr. Coleman, who has been the single greatest influence over the publication throughout his time as teacher and adviser. Whether it be idea generation, layout and writing quality, or administrative approval, Mr. Coleman was intimately involved with all steps of the newspaper, and his enthusiasm inspired us all as young, aspiring journalists.

As an adviser, Mr. Coleman was not only incredibly committed to the production of each issue, but also the personal growth and educational experience of each individual student—Tiger Times won’t be the same without his genuine love and passion for student journalism.” - Andrew Ham (Class of 2018) “Thank you so much for leading Tiger Times through our many trials and challenges! Ultimately, the community you helped build and the times we spent together struggling and triumphing as a staff were one of the most memorable, significant parts of SIS for me. We are sad to see you go but hope that you are excited to see the legacy grow!” - Diana Na Kyoung Lee (Class of 2018) “Mr. Coleman, your valuable advice and mentorship since the beginning of my freshman year with ITP to the last day of my senior year has shaped me into the writer I am today. I am endlessly thankful for everything you’ve done for Tiger Times these past six years and for all the steps you took to help the students have a memorable time in the class.” - Junie Kah (Class of 2019) “Thank you Mr. Coleman for giving the newspaper your absolute support for the past several years. Tiger Times would not be where it is today if it were not for your dedication and mentorship.

We will miss you in the newsroom, but wish you all the best!” - Hannah Kim (Class of 2019)

2 VIEWPOINT

Abortion bills polarize local politics

I

n a controversial decision that marked a significant shift in American history, the Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that having an abortion was a personal liberty that should be granted to all women. Decades later, Korea has followed the footsteps of its trans-Pacific neighbor and upheld the decision that the 66-yearold law incriminating abortion, set during the administration of previous South Korea president Syngman Rhee, was unconstitutional.

However, similar to the constant scrutiny the Supreme Court decision has been subjected to, the continuation of the pro-abortion legislation in Korea has also been put under question. The controversy has resulted in the South Korean Constitutional Court granting Parliament until the end of 2020 to vote on revising or terminating the law. Although tentative and possibly short-lasting, the decision marked significant victory for abortion and women’s rights advocates in Korea.

In the meantime, the 1973 SCOTUS abortion case, known as Roe v. Wade, has been overturned in several states,

namely Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, and Alabama. This wave of proposed state-level bans throughout the United States has caused many citizens to take to the streets, protesting the encroachment of American women’s rights. The recent passage of the strictest state anti-abortion law to date by Alabama’s governor has further provoked the anger of these protesters. The law, which penalizes all abortions—including those resulting in cases of rape and incest—can be punished by a sentence of up to 99 years in jail, providing harsher consequences than previous “heartbeat laws” that restricted abortions to earlier than six weeks into the pregnancy.

Since the new laws are scheduled to go into effect beginning in November, women’s rights groups have vowed to challenge the legislation in court. The precarious situation of the abortion issue has been aggravated by anti-abortion rights supporters who have advocated for the Supreme Court to revisit the Roe v. Wade case. With a more conservative court, including two justices appointed by pro-life supporter President Donald Trump, many believe

that there is a better chance of having the ruling challenged.

According to Al Jazeera, women’s rights activists have described these efforts as an “unconstitutional attempt to gut Roe and punish those who need access to abortions,” while pro-life organization executive director Eric Scheidler has described the ongoing protests against the passage of state-level, anti-abortion legislations as “deeply troubling” and against the “very idea that those unborn lives have any value at all.”

While the final verdict on the abortion issue in both Korea and America is yet to be determined, the achievements up to the current moment have marked a significant step forward for women’s rights advocates in both countries.

With legislative victories in both countries, it is now up to the people to continue protecting these accomplishments. What outcome such efforts would yield, we have yet to know.

By JIWON LEE Sophomore, Staff Writer

SIS closes teacher-student generational gap

M

ore often than not, we students complain about being forced down a formulaic route that seemingly sucks all the joy out of learning. We bemoan working on a superficial basis, simply memorizing concepts rather than learning and understanding. But while we grumble and gripe, we fail to acknowledge the importance and need to develop positive relationships with teachers beyond the academic realm—that doing so is fundamental in securing our growth and success in the various areas they encompass. After all, teaching and learning are forms of engaging exchange; the establishment of generational bridges between our educators and ourselves is necessary for securing increased levels of our motivation, involvement, and success.

A sense of belonging in school is the degree to which students feel accepted, supported, and respected by teachers and peers, and is linked to students’ attention and effort in class. An understanding of belonging is vital for educators, as they would not be able to plan effective practices to support students in the classroom and school-wide otherwise. Students who feel they are part of a school community are likely to engage in both academic and non-academic activities actively. Hence, improving feelings of belonging in school can facilitate both student engagement and achievement, and students who report a high sense of belonging in school will generally be motivated to put in more effort. Con-

versely, as students’ sense of belonging declines, their educational aspirations also decrease, directly resulting from less supportive and caring teacher-student relationships, increased teacher control, and limited opportunities for autonomy we face while adapting to an extended social network and a larger number of teachers while transitioning into high school.

Some developments in our SIS community may indicate that our interconnectedness with teachers may appear to have disintegrated over the past few years, notably with the absence of the TSC’s annual Students v. Teachers basketball games. But other examples have already somewhat been introduced as generational bridges.

Excited chatter among students and teachers about bubble teams, brackets, and buzzer beaters was inescapable during the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournaments last month. In order to engage his students in a fun activity with no educational value in addition to generating further “hype” surrounding the event, social studies teacher Morgan Miller hosted bracket tournaments in his US history and AP Economics classes. This activity allowed students to bond with Mr. Miller on a personal level as basketball fanatics, much like how students and members of the staff choir formed bonds as fellow singers and music enthusiasts.

Although these two mentioned bridges are a start, we must address the limitations of such connections;

they are only specific to, for example, basketball and music enthusiast, thus alienating those who are not interested in sports and or involved in the choral department. Luckily, basketball and choir are just a few of the many overlapping interests between teachers and students. We should take it upon ourselves to organize more activities focusing on our shared interests and passions, whether it be 90s movies or baking or outdoor activities. Perhaps we could organize a program based off RAK’s “Strangers as Friends” in which students and teachers would sign up to participate. Teachers would then be assigned to a student sharing an interest and be expected to partake in several recreational activities specific to each pair’s interest to get to know each other on a personal level. Partners would also have to engage in a series of games requiring knowledge of each other’s personal details such as childhood experiences, struggles, and strengths and throughout a week to earn points.

These are just a few examples that show how much we can do to strengthen the generational bridge between our teachers and ourselves. By allowing us to get to know our teachers better by willingly participating in activities involving our interests, we would only be increasing our belonging—that is, our motivation, engagement, and success both in and out of school in addition to enjoying ourselves.

By EMILY OH Sophomore, Staff Writer

Tiger Times

May/June 2019

Tiger Times Tiger Times exercises the right to report on and editorialize all topics, events or issues, including those unpopular or controversial, insofar as they affect or interest the school, community, nation, and world. We refrain from publishing material that advertises illegal products or services, is obscene, libelous, or invades privacy. We refrain from publishing material that creates a clear and present danger or the immediate material and substantial physical disruption of the school.

Tiger Times Staff Paper Editors-In-Chief Sia Cho Andy Yoon

Website Managing Editors Kate Lee Fiona Cho

Website Editor-in-Chief Eju Ro

Production Editors Claire Lee Youngjin Park

Paper Managing Editor Chris Lee

Graphics Editor Lynette Kim Photo Editor Lauren Kang

Video Editor Andie Kim

Layout Artist Erin Lee

Social Media/ Marketing Directors Emily Bae Emily Oh

Reporters Teddy Cho Christopher Shin Thomas Song Jr. Joanne Yang Eddie Hahm Irene Kim Ashley Kim Katherine Suk Jenny Seo Sarah Ju

Copy Editors Brian Ham Jiwon Lee Jimin Lee Eric Hwang

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Emily Sung Sarah Baek Clara Lim Jennifer You Adviser Mr. David Coleman

Viewpoint Feature: Action from principle, the perception and the performance of right, changes things and relations; it is essentially revolutionary.

-Henry David Thoreau, “Civil Disobedience”

Action, not reaction

C

hoosing is hard. As high-schoolers, the day has finally come for us to make our own decisions, to choose our own paths at the crossroads of life. From simpler issues like course registration to higher complexities such as social conduct, we are always presented with the thrill of new possibilities.

In reflecting upon some of our dilemmas and decisions throughout the last ten years at SIS, I have come to realize two main modes of human nature—namely, thought and action. At first glance, the two aspects may seem identical; in fact, without further thought, it seems quite self-evident that one’s actions should stem from one’s thoughts. But is the connection as clear as it seems? A closer look reveals a fine line that exists between what we do and what we believe; in other words, it is more often than not that we choose to react to action instead of act on thought. This discrepancy, then, calls much-needed attention to Thoreau’s concept of “action from principle.”

In other words, acting on our beliefs—and vice versa—is a conviction that is “essentially revolutionary” in our community.

Let’s take ourselves back into the classroom. When we take an assessment, we essentially have a choice. For one, we can choose to be “Trustworthy individuals” or “Independent learners,” and take action upon that choice to fulfill our self-defined beliefs. If we believe that cheating is innately unjust and a breach in our academic integrity, we would avoid it for the sake of upholding those values. On the other hand, we can also perceive the TIGERS values to simply be school-set guidelines for which there are consequences when violated, and choose to react in avoidance of those penalties. In this case, we would stop cheating not because we believe it is morally wrong, but because we fear the punishment of

breaking set rules.

Before we decide on how to act upon our beliefs, however, it may be worthwhile to establish what those beliefs exactly are. The question that naturally arises then is, what do we believe? To address this essential topic, we might first get started by pointing back to the prevailing colors of orange and black present in our hallways and classrooms: the aforementioned TIGERS values. Ingrained into our brains ever since our first day at SIS, the unifying message of these values serves as a reminder of our identity and way of conduct within SIS. Yet, these school-wide learning outcomes (SLOs) are far more than just a token of identity for the average student; in fact, they represent a choice between belief in responsibility and belief in accountability, as well as a choice between faith in action and faith in reaction.

In other words, while executing decisions based on our beliefs in the TIGERS values is an action, choosing based on the consequences of violating those values is merely a form of reaction. In this way, the conflicting nature of beliefs and actions is embodied by the SLOs themselves. We understand what those letters stand for, and we know why they exist; it is only a matter of fact that we choose to adhere to them or not. Instead of asking what these values mean to us, then, perhaps we can now address the greater issue: who are we to the TIGERS values?

With the former mindset of an accountability-driven culture, we do not bear any personal weight or other reason for our actions apart from the rules that hold us accountable. The consequences associated with each violation serve as the driving factor for reactive action. But in a culture of responsibility, everything is the opposite. Like the TIGERS values themselves,

nothing is concrete—the only real accountability that we have is ourselves, and the first question that we ask ourselves is “what is the right thing to do?”

We may find that the answer to that question lies once again not in our overt conscience but in our true choice between action and reaction. Simply put, when we choose to react, we become subjects of an accountability-based structure. When we choose to act, that is when we become citizens of a responsibility-driven culture.

Although the line between the two identities is becoming increasingly blurred in an academically rigorous and habitually competitive setting that is our society, we should be able to distinguish the differing nature of governance for the subject and the citizen. When governing subjects, authorities essentially view the people as children—ignorant, selfish, emotional, and not to be trusted. Such is not the case for their counterparts. In the governance of citizens, the people are assumed to be responsible, rational individuals that share a common sense of higher purpose.

In a metaphorical sense, our school is the governing system—and us, its inhabitants. As such, when we choose to become subjects or citizens, we cannot expect to be treated differently than what that choice of identity warrants. That is, one cannot govern a subject like a citizen, or a citizen like a subject; likewise, the school cannot treat us like a mature student body if we do not act like one. It is thus all the more clear that we cannot make poor decisions only to find injustice in the consequences that we face as subjects of an inflexible system. After all, that system is built by ourselves and our own interactions.

So which one do we choose? Admittedly, there is a multitude of external factors that influence our decisions. Existing social

pressures, as well as prevailing cultural values, take part in shaping our ultimate goals and purpose. At times, the pressure to perform, to compete, and to excel overrides our sense of right or wrong. It is undeniable that deep inside, we all know what is right.

Essentially, there is no moral question, because on the surface, we can all agree that skipping class, copying homework, or sharing exam answers is unjust. But some of us do those things anyway, succumbing to the pressures of the success-driven majority. In doing so, our actions—or more precisely, our reactions—reflect the belief that the ends justify the means. In other words, we break the link between thought and proactive action, and instead resort to inactive reaction.

The question thus shifts from one of morality to priority. Should we prioritize our conscience over external pressures? Do we have an obligation to do what we believe is right and not follow the law dictated by the authority? When the majority is unjust, do we have a civic duty to refuse reaction to conformity and distance ourselves from the public order?

Perhaps it all comes down to the very roots of our natural state, our inherent mindset. Whether we choose to follow our beliefs as subjects or citizens depends on how we reconcile thought with action.

Whether we limit ourselves in order to achieve a higher good, to live proactively in an active—and not reactive—culture determines our identity as good, bad, or blank slates. And whether we are willing to act upon our convictions to create social change depends on our individual integrity.

All of it is ultimately up to us. Blind reaction or moral action—the choice is ours.

By SIA CHO Junior, Staff Writer

4

NEWS

News Briefs

By Jimin Lee

Junior, Staff Writer

Students organize and perform “Charlie Brown” From May 20-23, a group of students—Ashley Whang (12), Adela Cho (12), Arthur Kim (12), Eddie Ko (12), Yoobin Lee (12), Joyce Kim (12), and Lauren Whang (9)—performed the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the Black Box theater. This group of performers decided to host a student-led production to commemorate their high school years.

Singing in the Broadway musical Charlie Brown, the seniors at SIS performed their last production on May 23, 2019 in the Black Box. Photo by Lauren Kang

“The biggest reason I participated was to create a lasting memory of high school,” said Ashley Whang (12), performer. “The musical, ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,’ is about finding the joy in life wherever you are and whoever you are with, and I think that encapsulates my feelings about this production.”

SIS Triathlon enriches participants

Feeling enthusiastic about the event, children of SIS teachers prepare for an exhilarating day at the SIS Triathlon.

Photo courtesy of Diane Hill

On May 19, SIS faculty members, along with several KIS faculty members and staff students, participated in the annual SIS Triathlon. Participants engaged in the event either individually or collaboratively as a team.

For those competing individually, the events included the 300m swim, 15km bike, and 5km run, whereas the team events consisted of the 500m swim, 15km bike, and 5km run. After the triathlon, participants enjoyed a barbecue.

“The triathlon sounded like an interesting event to me,” said Tessa Alden, participant in the triathlon.

“Because I swim regularly, I participated in the event in a team with Mr. Coleman and Mr. Loveday. We placed third in the event, which was as a pleasant surprise to us. It was a nice community event.”

Musicians host spring chamber recitals From May 21-23, band and strings members performed at the atrium during activity period as their skills-based assessments for the semester. In preparation for this event, the members had to practice a piece of music in groups of two to six people and undergo a rigorous selection process of their music. During the chamber recitals, the atrium was filled with a vast audience of teachers, students, and faculty members.

“The event was special to me because I got to perform on stage of the flute duet that my partner and I have been preparing for over a month,” said Yewon Chu (11), performer. “I am thankful that Mr. Ganus gave us a chance to perform on the first day of the spring recitals.

I also enjoyed listening to other groups perform.”

Clubs assist students in transition to high school With the year coming to a close, the majority of middle school students are looking forward to the new freedoms that will be offered to them in high school. Ranging from volunteer service to public speaking, clubs at SIS offer a wide range of opportunities for students to choose from. In order to assist middle school students in this decision-making process, several high school clubs have taken efforts to expose middle school students to new extracurricular activities and offer guidance regarding the club selection process. In particular, the high school MUN team held a conference open to middle school students and NHS hosted an information session for eighth grade students.

“I really enjoyed helping the middle school students during the MUN conference, and I personally found it to be a very rewarding experience,” said Shawn Yoon (10), member of the MUN team. “I could see the improvement and growth in confidence among the middle school delegates over the course of the conference.

Looking back to the time when applied to join the high school MUN team, I think I would have definitely appreciated it if I had a introductory MUN conference like the one that we recently hosted. I would have had some more exposure to MUN and more confidence during the tryouts for the club.”

The high school MUN team hosted its first middle school conference on May 20, aiming to foster interest in public speaking and diplomacy among younger students. For many middle school students, this conference was their first official MUN conference, and the event allowed them to build up both their experience and confidence. By holding a conference exclusively for middle school students at SIS, the high school MUN team created a much more comfortable environment where delegates could practice their public speaking.

Throughout the conference, club executives and a few volunteers from the MUN team facilitated discussions and debates among the middle school delegates. “The conference was very well organized and the executives did a great job of encouraging the middle school delegates to engage in debate,” said James Kowalski, middle school MUN advisor. “Naturally, participation from the inexperienced delegates was not even, but I saw no issues with it. The execs were very flexible and supportive of the newer members who were unfamiliar with the debate procedure.” Additionally, on May 21, NHS visited eighth grade classrooms during their advisory period in order to offer information about how to prepare for high school. NHS members began with brief presentations covering topics such as time

budgeting and stress management.

In addition, they also introduced the middle school students to the concept of clubs. The middle school students were provided with information regarding the types of clubs offered in high school and advice for selecting clubs. Afterwards, a Q-and-A session was held to allow the eighth graders to freely ask questions to the high school students.“I am really glad that NHS visited us during advisory period to answer some of our questions about high school,” said Andrew Choi (8). “They did a good job of giving us advice for high school and offering information about clubs. Before the information session, I was really unsure about the club application process, but after talking with the high school students, I felt much more confident.

They talked about their own personal experiences and I found that to be helpful.”Overall, middle school and high school students alike have expressed positive support for the events hosted by the MUN team and NHS. The MUN conference opened up an opportunity for middle school students to practice their public speaking in a friendly environment. In addition, the NHS information session allowed middle school students to ask questions that they were interested in.

With the success of such events, clubs plan on continuing this support for middle school students moving up to high school.

By CHRISTOPHER SHIN Sophomore, Staff Writer

Xing Xing kickboards garner public attention On May 2, Life Mobility Xing Xing announced the launching of its new electric kickboard service to the public. Yoon Mun-jin, CEO of the company, introduced many new aspects of this model of electric kickboard that competing services are not providing.

Xing Xing is now the first platform in Korea to combine Online to Offline (O2O) with the electric kickboard, which enables users to leverage their phones to activate devices. Because of its simple application, which allows for online rental of the service, many residents in Seoul are experimenting with using the kickboards to substitute other means of daily public transportation.

“On my way back and forth from school, I often see people going around riding these electric kickboards,” said Jaeho Hwang (11), a student living in the Seoul Forest area. “It seems like a fun experience that I would like to try. I think it’s going to become the new trend of transportation, because I see them everywhere and it is very simple to use. I also think that people can gain their own personal experience of fun through these kickboards. The Online to Offline usage of the service is also definitely one of the reasons that Xing Xing is currently becoming more

popular.”

Many people have taken to using the service, as it brings a considerable change to everyday lifestyles. The electric kickboards are also arguably more efficient than other transportation methods. Xing Xing supposedly eliminates the crowded nature of public transportation and allows for a more enjoyable experience while people go about their routines. This technology could potentially alter the way everyone makes his or her daily commute.

“I really enjoy riding these electric kickboards,” said Kristina Kim (11), a user of Xing Xing. “I think that not only is it an efficient way to get around, but it’s also fun to ride the kickboard itself. I think that it’s very easy to use on a day-to-day basis, so I find myself gravitating towards it more than other public transportation. I also think it’s really cool how you can rent [the kickboard] through your phone. I would definitely recommend this service to others, because it’s easy to access and fun in general.”

Considering the extremely polluted state of South Korea, many people claim that this new mode of transportation could drastically improve our environment. Ridding the constant usage of buses, cars, and taxis to get

from place to place and replacing those means with an electric-powered device is likely to be a substantial improvement in order to be mindful of the world individuals live in.

Contrary to the conventional wisdom, however, electric kickboards are not as beneficial to the environment; the electricity still originates from burning coal, which continues to pollute the country.

“Where [the] electricity comes from becomes important when you consider the impact it has on the environment,” said Peter Alden, Environmental Science teacher. “The electricity [for the electric kickboard] is coming from a coal-powered power station. Then, it still has a negative environmental impact. In fact, the most environmentally unsound way to get energy is through burning coal... You get much of that electricity that we get here in Seoul from burning coal. So, in reality, even though you have an electric device like that for transportation, it still has a negative impact. It’s not going to be completely renewable until we can use solar energy.”

By SA RANG JU Freshman, Staff Writer

Tiger Times

May/June 2019

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Students’ artwork shines at AP Art Show On April 19, the AP Drawing and AP 2D Design classes held their annual AP Art Show, displaying a vast array of art pieces that the students completed over the past year. The event showcased over 20 students’ concentration works, which they worked on for the entire second semester. Each student’s works revolved around a central theme chosen by the student, opening up ways for students to reflect on past personal experiences and comment on social norms.

“I feel like the work displayed was very unique this year,” said Jane Mitchell, AP Drawing teacher. “Everyone had a personal voice that came across strongly. The detail and skill overall was among the best I have seen to date. This year we had not only very personal topics but also varied topics. The themes were incredibly meaningful, highlighting super strong messages with often hard-hitting social themes.”

The AP Art Show, held after school from 4-6 p.m., was an engaging experience brought together by the collective efforts of students and teachers. After Ms. Mitchell and AP 2D Design teacher James Derdeyn delivered their speeches, Edward Ko (12) delivered a speech to open up the event.

Edward passionately discussed how art connects students together, recalling how the students cooperated after school to finish their projects. For his central theme, Edward focused on sign language, conveying a message by drawing hand motions in his pieces.

Observing the artwork, James Kowalski appreciates the student-produced work at the AP Art Show.

“We had the opportunity to express our unique ideas,” said You Young Kim (11), AP Drawing student. “For example, my artwork was influenced by Orwell’s Animal Farm, which I read in English 9. In my paintings, I presented a criticism of corrupt corporate culture by using pigs to represent humans. Next to the pigs were only inanimate objects, which shows how corruption creates a desolate, barren environment.”

After the speeches, the students moved to their areas to explain their works to visitors, explaining how the aesthetic elements combine to portray a central theme. These

ASEAN commences maritime security exercises On May 1, a major maritime security field training exercise organized by Singapore and South Korea began, with ships departing from Busan, a port city in Korea.

This exercise was initiated to strengthen cooperation within the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, which consists of the 10 ASEAN nations along with other countries, including South Korea, China, and Australia. The exercise, which will end on May 13, involves maritime security drills in the waters off South Korea and Singapore as well as a series of professional exchanges ashore, aided by aircraft, ships, and various personnel from 18 countries.

“I think having these maritime exercises is not only important for security but also for communication across countries,” said Lara Kim (10), Government and Politics student. “It’s a confidence-building measure that eliminates misunderstandings among countries and prevents miscalculations at sea, enhancing safety. These security exercises need to be continued in the future.”

For the beginning of the training, South Korea’s navy sent a 4400-ton destroyer, 2500-ton frigate, a 4900-ton landing ship, choppers, and helicopters. With the Korean Navy leading the exercise, naval forces from Brunei, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and the US practiced rescuing ships hijacked by armed groups and conducted other necessary maritime security operations. Tokyo skipped this first training session due to the lingering tensions caused by a military conflict with Seoul earlier this year. However, it plans to join the exercise later in Singapore.

“I think it’s a good sign that various countries are involved in a joint cooperation effort,” said Jisue Shin (10), AP US History student. “Recently President Moon created a new policy promoting peace and prosperity among ASEAN nations. I think this maritime security exercise, which involves many countries not just in the East Asian region, is a sign of progress toward peace among the countries.”

With ASEAN countries identifying a need for a stronger response to maritime security issues, the Philippine Navy has joined in the effort in recognition of its importance. Lee Seong-yeol, commander of the Third Fleet of the Republic of Korea’s Navy, stated that the maritime exercises should not only give the participating navies the opportunity to acquire a joint responsibility capability in the area of maritime operations but also strengthen the cooperation among various ASEAN nations.

“The security exercises demonstrate the ASEAN countries’ desire to align with the US as China continues to grow its power,” said Jonathan Ames, Government and Politics teacher. “Especially considering China’s aggression in the South China Sea, it’s important for ASEAN nations to establish a strong trading network. This exercise may potentially upset China and place trade and tariff negotiations between the US and China in a more precarious position, which can affect other ASEAN countries as well.”

By EMILY BAE Junior, Staff Writer

themes ranged from personal reflections to criticisms of social norms. Joo Hyung Lee (11) commented on the life-altering experience of puberty by using a network of various lines and altered perspectives focused around a central character present in all of his works. According to his artist statement, the artistic elements offer a thoughtful reflection on this life-altering theme. Other students focused on subtle political messages; Andie Kim (11) produced multiple works on the idea of female bodily autonomy, focusing on the Corset-Free Movement in Korea. In her works, symbols

Citizen commemorate Gwangju Uprising On May 18, a ceremony for the 39th anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising took place at the BITGOEUL Citizen Cultural Center in Gwangju. This occasion was celebrated by more than 500 citizens, including families of victims, patriots, and public officials. To remember the young students and other activists who died fighting for this pro-democracy movement, ceremonious events occurred in different metropolitan areas across the nation.

“I remember my mom telling me about this incident,” said Eileen Kim (9), a freshman student interested in Korean history. “I was a little disturbed that so many innocent young lives were taken by the command to fire. I am glad to hear that there are still various occasions that allow people in our country to memorialize the brave hearts that fought back. Every Korean knows that this specific event was what allowed us to live independent and free lives, but I think it could be acknowledged a little bit more.

It was a devastating episode that occurred in Korean history, and it deserves to be recognized.”

After South Korea’s military leaders declared martial law in 1980, pro-democracy protests began to grow across the country.

On May 18, 1980, President Chun DooHwan’s hard-line military rule led to a confrontation in the city of Gwangju, located south of present-day Seoul. The uprising, triggered by student demonstrations, led to Chun’s deployment of the Special Forces unit—trained for assault missions. The troopers used tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets to put down the uprising but eventually opened fire, taking at least 165 lives and wounding more than 200 people.

Photo courtesy of Hyun-Dong Park

of corset strings were subtly present to convey support for the movement.

“I am glad that my hard work was represented in the AP Art Show,” said Brian Park (11), AP Drawing student. “I had worked on the art products for the last few months, and it was a good experience to see others enjoying the work that I had tried so hard to produce.”

By CHRIS LEE Junior, Staff Writer

“Korea itself was under a military dictatorship at that time which is why I am not surprised at President Chun Doo-Hwan’s decision to open fire,” said Emma Im (9), a member of Model United Nations (MUN).

“Although it was a completely irrational choice, it must have been the appropriate judgment for the troops, given that the protest was getting out of hand. The poorly made choice has hurt a large number of people physically and emotionally. I genuinely hope that Korea gets the change to openly talk about the movement, as there are still people who suffer from the costs.”

The year this pro-democracy movement took place was a significant one for Korea, as many citizens were shocked at the brutal usage of violence. This feeling of betrayal morphed into motivation for breaking the power of the South Korean military regime.

South Korea’s democracy has matured significantly since 1987 with shifts in democratically elected governments resulting in political stability in the country. In addition, the apology made by the former defense minister regarding the issue of disorder at the demonstration was a leap into the process of healing old wounds. Only time will tell what effect the event will have on the sustainability of Korea’s democracy.

“I think that it certainly is an event that Koreans do not want to commemorate,” said Michael Silber, social studies teacher.

“I think it is controversial, perhaps, less so today than it was 20 years ago but it is still a stain on Korean history. It should be remembered because Koreans, like all people, need to come to grips that not every part of their past is rosy. It would be a real disservice and problem if it is overlooked.

People should understand and appreciate the sacrifices made.”

By JENNY SEO Freshman, Staff Writer

6

NEWS

Prom marks “Epilogue” for SIS Seniors

Posing for the camera, seniors make memories of prom.

Photo courtesy of Jessie Park (11)

Decorating the finale of high school, Prom is considered as the final step before seniors step out of SIS doors with their diploma.

After months of preparation from the HSSC, specialized by the Junior Council, Prom was held on May 17, at Raum social venue with the theme of Epilogue. The four-hour event was packed with a variety of activities and forms of entertainment, such as Blue Note performances, Guess the Baby, superlatives, and dance time. There were also many differing elements aspects from last year’s Prom, Moonlight, such as a course menu and a photo booth that elevated the quality and overall satisfaction with regards to the event.

“We chose Epilogue to be our theme this year because it symbolizes both the seniors’ departure and the closure of the school year,” said Emma Lee (11), the Public Relations Officer of the Junior Council. “The design for this year’s theme has been inspired by the colors of the sunset, such as pastel pink, purple, and blue, and a white clock to symbolize the continuance of time that extends beyond graduation. The colors of the venue and decorations have also changed to match our theme and its color coordination.”

At the onset of Prom, guests were given time to roam around the venue, such as the Majestic Ballroom and the Grass Garden, to take pictures and converse, concluding with the official senior walk-in amidst up-beat jazz music performed by Blue Note. Following the walk-in was dinner, where guests were served an eloquent course meal. One of the main highlights of Prom, however, was superlatives, during which seniors could interact and vote on couples or individuals and their attributes, such as Prom King and Queen, Best Dressed Female and Male, and Most Likely Couple There Never Was. Another prominent activity was Guess the Baby where guests could play the online game Kahoot to guess which baby pictures belonged to whom.

“Our performance at Prom was a product of weeks of practice and determination,” said Jamie Lee (11), a Blue Note member. “Unlike where our previous performances took place, Prom was a new and professional setting, so we were all quite nervous but also elated to play in such a different atmosphere. Whether it was fast or slow paced, we were ready to meet and cater to the mood of the venue. We were extremely pleased to see the audience enjoying and, at one point, even dancing to our music.”

Closing the event was a surprise farewell video compiled under the guidance of the Junior Council. The video was assisted by the entire student body by sending their final messages to seniors. With underclassmen sending their farewells as representatives of their respective clubs and sports, seniors were given a heartwarming closure of the high school years and Epilogue.

By ANDIE KIM Junior, Staff Writer

Leadership team implements new club executive policy In mid-May, the leadership team announced on the SIS Daily Bulletin a policy limiting the number of top executive positions students can hold. Specifically, this new policy states that students should be limited to one top leadership position in clubs, such as president, excluding HSSC and publications classes. It emphasized in this message that students should dedicate themselves to one club, not many; they ought to aim for quality of work produced than quantity of tasks undertaken. Often, given that a handful of people in the entire student body assumes responsibility over top leadership roles, the leadership team emphasizes the importance of distributing such positions.

As an effect of this new policy, students will more readily apply for commitments they care about.

“Having leadership positions concentrated in a handful of people can lead to over-commitment and under-delivery of actual outcomes,” said Gray Macklin, high school Vice Principal. “That is why I think it is important for students to delve into one club’s activities. The existing structure where students can have multiple positions may demotivate some people from trying out for leadership positions because they feel like they cannot get those roles. They self-select themselves out of the competition early on. Meanwhile, as soon as the ambitious students receive top positions, since they’ve got their desired position, they stop contributing to the club as much as before.”

Although the policy is well-intentioned, the student body has been raising concerns regarding the manner by which it was created and announced. Some assert that it is feasible for a student to take on multiple tasks—as long as they

possess adequate organization skills and leadership. One’s workload is already a consideration in the application process; if a student receives the position with the consent of previous executives and advisers, then he or she deserves it. Additionally, others argue that their opinions were not taken into account, though they recognize that the school does possess the authority to make these decisions on its own. Policy-related details were announced following selections for some club positions, surprising these top executives who thought they could apply for additional spots.

“I definitely agree that some leadership positions should be relatively spread out across the student body,” said Yihyun Kwon (11), HSSC grade-level representative. “I’m just concerned that this may restrict students’ options when applying for club positions they care about. I think more input of student opinion when creating this policy was necessary—in other words, a thorough conversation between students and administrators.”

In light of the students’ and leadership team’s viewpoints, Mr. Macklin stated that it could possibly be an effective idea to create an open platform for discussion.

To address the differences in opinion, the leadership team is finding ways to create the most appropriate student environment possible. With only a month since the policy’s implementation, the effects have yet to be seen. Whether the policy produces a positive or negative impact on students, it was created with the intention of altering existing club-related mechanisms that had room for improvement.

“I do appreciate the intentions of the policy and agree with the administration’s claims to a certain extent,” said Jinkyu

Han (11), a member of Aperture, Blue Note, and D$Q. “I was personally not as affected as others by this administrative decision. Even though I am part of three clubs, I only decided to apply for an executive position in one simply for personal reasons. Had this policy been implemented years ago, I would guess that I would make the same decision.”

By EMILY BAE Junior, Staff Writer

Google blocks Huawei’s Android use The tense relationships between US and China erupted on May 15, when Trump first came out with an executive order against Huawei and other Chinese companies. This was directly foreshadowing the news that came later: Google initiating the trade ban and official blocking of Huawei accessing Android.

The US and China had been in a trade war with one another before—and even while Huawei’s deceptive allegations started to take place—which rendered the situation even more concerning. However, these issues were addressed even before the executive order, when chief financial officer (CFO) of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, also the daughter of Huawei’s founder, was arrested on Dec. 6, 2018.

“Huawei deserved much of the backlash they are receiving as of now,” said Michelle Heo (9), STEM club member. “They should be aware of the public’s opinions and act accordingly. However, they failed to achieve this since they didn’t think of the possible harsh consequences that could have resulted from them having reports of fraud charges. This impacted Huawei’s image overall into a more negative way.”

Google’s accusations of Huawei have led to the conclusion that Huawei should

be stripped of acquiring Android’s usage that was originally integrated into their system. According to the US, Huawei supposedly infiltrated the US intelligence system, prompting the government to retaliate. In turn, it to this day believes that Huawei was an extreme threat to their national security, which finally triggered Trump to administer and implement the blocking against Huawei. However, Huawei still continues to deny these actions, for there is no solid evidence charged against them. In fact, speculations addressing this theory have been already established, for the direct dispute between Google and Huawei was extremely evident. The two companies’ past history of being the top two competitors for the market pushed them beyond limitations and sparked Google to block Huawei’s Android use. The Chinese authorities, however, have been reportedly evading sanctions made towards North Korea and Iran in order to abscond with confidential information by supporting these countries with telecom equipment, or equipment used for spying.

“The concerns that Google and the western world have are legitimate…” said Mr. Montague, AP Computer Science teacher. “... [since] allegedly there are

mountains of proof that [Huawei] does steal… [Probably,] not anyone in their right mind could look at the situation say it’s impossible, and that there’s nothing strange going on saying Huawei wouldn’t steal.”

Although Huawei’s expansion to the rest of the world has been cut off entirely and its ambitions to spread to the global market has failed tremendously, the company claims to still have hope for their new future. Its alternative would be to launch its own operating system to the world and manage its phones itself, claiming to become a self-sufficient company on its own. However, whether the brand will ever emerge as a successful operating system on its own is uncertain. “ It is questionable if Google made the moral decision through blocking all access of Android for Huawei, but one thing that would happen for certain is that it would affect millions of people worldwide,” Pablo Lee (9), a coding student mentioned. “Hopefully the dispute between Huawei and Google would be resolved in the near future.”

By JENNIFER YOU Freshman, Staff Writer

Tiger Times

May/June 2019

Apple acts against access denying apps

The More You Know By Brian Ham

Technology companies have come under fire in recent years because of their negligence for customer privacy, ranging from Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal that revealed a systematic collection of user data to suspicious eyebrows raised at Google’s substantial connective network that allows our information to spread across all corners of the Internet. When Apple then began to limit applications’ abilities to collect excessive data from the user, it seemed to signal a change for the better; perhaps technology companies had finally turned a corner and actually cared about their customers! However, it seems like our hopes were once again set too high, as Apple has since been accused by such developers for deliberately targeting software that directly harms their sales in order to expand their already omnipotent presence in the App Store.

Throughout the past year, Apple either deleted or restricted 11 of the 17 most popular

addiction-fighting and parental-control applications, a staple of the Korean parents’ diet that implement features to hamper a user’s abilities to access their phones at certain time intervals. Ironically, Apple’s grounds for justification were that these regulating parental figures were given too much control over external devices, and Apple was in fact a valiant warrior shielding us from the horror that is logging off the digital world and seeing the sunlight. Suspiciously Coincidentally, these actions were taken immediately after Apple decided to develop its own screen-time tracker, creatively titled “Screen Time”, which would have to compete with similar apps that had already been downloaded over three million times.

According to executives of such software, Apple is not necessarily concerned about our privacy but rather both protecting their own businesses and simultaneously keeping people on their devices.

Furthermore, this episode is just one branch of the perceived monopoly tree Apple holds over its own App Store. Apple takes up to 30 percent of the profits earned from all applications and brought home $34 billion in profits last year, which was roughly 28 percent of the total $120 billion generated by software developers. This yearly total profit is also on the rise, improving by 50 percent on last year’s $80 billion showing, fattening

Photographing the unseen

of EHT, described the task as “reading the On April 10th, 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project released the first-ev- date on a quarter in Los Angeles when we’re er image of a black hole, a culmination of two standing in Washington, D.C.” A telescope’s magnifying power is defined years’ worth of data collection and research. by its size, and a device the size of the Earth In the age of high-definition cameras that is required to reach a distant target like M87. can zoom in to see the man on the moon Although it is physically impossible to build while sitting on your front porch, the resulta telescope the size of the Earth, of course, ing pixelated orange halo may have been a EHT constructed a functional substitute by slight disappointment to science fiction fans. setting up multiple telescopes around the However, for the scientists around the world waiting for any glimpse to confirm a plethora of scientific conjectures, the discovery was truly groundbreaking and opened the door for future endeavors into the cosmos.

Black holes escaped the scrutiny of human eyes for a century after their discovery because of their elusiveness.

A black hole’s extreme gravity prevents any matter from escaping, and particles crossing a certain boundary called Graphic by Young-Jin Park the event horizon are at the point of no return, much like a boat teetering on the globe in locations such as Chile, New Mexico edge of a waterfall. In essence, these regions and the South Pole. The project cost $50 to by definition are unable to be captured on film because light itself also goes through the 60 million and required collaboration from 20 countries and over 200 scientists. Physical same phenomenon. hardships interfered with the astronomical One might imagine that the massive size process, as scientists had to wait over six of a black hole would pose a problem for astronomers wishing to capture it, given that months for data from the South Pole due to its harsh winters. By utilizing the data the Messier 87 black hole spans 38 billion synchronized by a precise atomic clock, kilometers. In fact, the exact opposite rings sufficient weather conditions, and a touch of true; because the target also lies 55 million light-years away, Sheperd Doeleman, director luck, scientists around the globe were able to

Apple’s wallet even further.

As time progresses, the foundations of this practice are slowly disintegrating, slowly but surely striking at the App Store’s 11-year reign of the technology world. Just two weeks ago on May 13, the Supreme Court announced that by a tight 5-4 decision, they would allow citizens to file lawsuits that contest Apple’s monopoly and policies such as claiming 30% of profits. Spotify, a popular music-streaming device that serves as the main rival to Apple Music, accused Apple of bending the rules of the App Store to weed out competition and violating European antitrust laws in the process. Spotify also accused Apple of stifling innovation and limiting consumer choice in order to promote its own products, directly contradicting the premise of creativity and innovation that the company was built on. But in a society so tightly entangled in the “Apple ecosystem”— where shutting down your Macbook at 3 p.m., slipping on a pair of Airpods on and hitting up your friends on your iPhone constitutes an ordinary day for so many of our students—who knows where Apple’s next attempt for control will fall? Through buying into the interconnectedness of a myriad of Apple products, whether it be a computer, tablet or pencil, perhaps we have to first look in the mirror when trying to figure how we ended up here.

piece the image together.

This image of the black hole is interesting not only for artists and those concerned with aesthetic value but also the scientists who will be undertaking rigorous analyses of each pixel available. The mere existence of the photograph helps confirm the validity of monumental scientific theories; for example, Einstein’s theory of general relativity, posed roughly a century ago, predicted that any black hole would have a ring of light around it, a conjecture that was proven spectacularly by the image. Moreover, the photograph may unlock a new era in astrophysics by answering a number of significant scientific questions. For example, it is now possible to test how black holes digest matter and launch material outward, and understanding the dynamics of a black hole—some of the most extreme physical objects in the galaxy—will help physicists grasp the limits of physical laws. However, the greatest piece of knowledge the scientific community can gain through the effort is the telescope itself, which will be used for a number of groundbreaking astronomical projects in the near future. The EHT has already begun photographing Sagittarius A, the black hole at the center of our own universe, watching the formation of infant planets, and simply possesses endless possibilities for subsequent scientific endeavors.

7

micro-

particle

evels

Microparticles: the elusive search for breathtaking solutions ARTICLE BY TEDDY CHO

Smoking a whole pack of cigarettes in a day once or twice a year might make someone feel ill, but probably would not kill him. Smoking one cigarette every day for decades, however, might do so. Such is the difference between acute and chronic exposure, and it is a distinction most people comprehend. What they may not comprehend, however, is that the same applies to microparticles.

The Korean government sounds its emergency alarm only when microparticle levels rise to a point at which they cause immediate discomfort. That makes sense, for it lets asthmatics take appropriate action. However, it might also lead the unwary to assume, if the alarm does not sound most days of the week, that the air one is breathing is essentially safe. This may not be the case: according to a seminal 2019 study by the State of the Global Air, the average life expectancy of children born in South Korea today will be shortened by 23 months by virtue of breathing the toxic air spread across the country.

Not only does living under thick layers of smog hurts the body, it also harms the mind: a 2018 study by Peking University revealed that certain toxins in microparticles could damage the nervous system and hamper intellect once inhaled—especially for students. In turn, students tend to spend more time indoors with their windows sealed, which exposes them to yet another threat: carbon dioxide (CO2). In a landmark public health finding, a 2016 study from the Harvard School of Public Health found a direct link between high CO2 levels in poorly ventilated rooms and impairments in cognitive performance. As such, many schools around the world are implementing CO2 sensors in tandem with

microparticle detectors so as to foster a healthier, more conducive learning environment for their students.

Regardless of one’s job or age, microparticles pose an indiscriminate health hazard.

Surprisingly, the response to such a universal threat has become very personalized. The ritual is a familiar one: every morning, 51 million Koreans launch the microparticles app on their smartphones, assess the air quality, and don KF94 masks before braving the outdoors. Announcements issued by the government present microparticles as they would weather, like snow or rain, suggesting that all citizens can do is to wear a mask—like one might use an umbrella on a rainy day—or spend their day indoors.

While microparticles affect all ranks of society, clean air has morphed from natural right into an insignia of privilege enjoyed by those who can afford air purifiers. According to the e-commerce website Auction, Koreans spent 760 billion won on 1.8 million units of air purifiers last year, a threefold increase from 2017. Meanwhile, a 380 percent jump in nasal sanitizer product sales, a 213 percent rise in nose masks, and a 383 percent increase in canned air also signal growing concerns about air pollution among Korean consumers. Indeed, their concerns are warranted: on March 21, Seoul recorded the second-worst air quality in the world, after New Delhi. Beijing was sixth.

Seoul said that there was not much that could be done about the problem and claimed that about 80 percent of the capital’s pollution was external in origin—mostly from China. The South Korean government has laid the lion’s share of the blame on Beijing for years, ignoring

the fact that coal and liquified natural gas (LNG) consumption in Korea have both skyrocketed over the past decade, according to the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

Where the Blue House is quick to pass the buck to China, the National Assembly has been picking up the slack. On March 13, it passed a set of bills that designated microparticles as a ‘social disaster,’ thereby enabling the government to allocate parts of its reserve funds to respond to any damage caused by air pollution. Furthermore, it mandated that every school classroom install an air purifier and removed a limit on sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles, which typically produce less emissions than gasoline and diesel.

The South Korean people are also on the move. On April, about 500 women marched at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, the site of the largest political protests in Korean history, to protest against government inaction regarding air pollution. The participants belonged to a civic organization of about 44,000 mothers called Dust Out, which demanded that the government take action against air pollution for the sake of their children’s health.

Time and time again, Koreans have proved that when Koreans come together, they wield enormous power. If they truly muster the will to address microparticles, they will make an enormous difference. President Moon has long pledged to combat microparticles by shuttering the country’s oldest and most polluting coal power plants, and Koreans will urgehim to follow through.

Regulation of microparticles and possible solutions ARTICLE BY JIWON LEE In the wake of air purifier installments around the school, many have come to the realization that institutional regulation of microparticles is a possibility. Prior to the decision by the school administration to install these purifiers, students had resorted to wearing masks and staying indoors in an effort to keep their exposure of microparticles in the air to a minimum––and so has the Korean public. These individual measures in the face of a national crisis demonstrate that despite the Health Effects Institute reporting Korea’s air pollution to be the worst among all OECD countries, the South Korean government has taken surprisingly limited measures to combat this nation-wide issue.

In a 2017 study conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Korean citizens cited air pollution as the most concerning issue for life in the country, meaning that concerns for air pollution levels ranked even higher than those of nuclear threat by North Korea, a particularly noteworthy detail since relations between the United States and North Korea had been in rapid aggravation that year. While the international relationship between the two countries has somewhat improved over time, the South Korean air pollution problem has only worsened.

Despite the prevalence of the issue, the South Korean government has been unsuccessful in providing the public with a comprehensive response; most of the time, the government simply sends out emergency alert messages to the public to address the issue, a method often ignored. With limited governmental regulation of air pollution and microparticles, citizens have been forced to take matters into their own hands.

There is an extent, however, to how much of the problem can be resolved by the individual. For the issue to be properly addressed, intervention at the governmental and institutional level is necessary. The first step would be to pinpoint the source of microparticle pollution, and the next measure would be to take adequate procedures

to rectify the matter.

Many cite airborne pollutants carried over from China as the main reason for Korea’s increasing microparticle levels, and while it is true that China is responsible for some parts of the issue, it is not the sole source to blame. South Korea’s dependence on non-renewable resources is concerning to say the least – dozens of coal plants and extensive amounts of diesel fuel are responsible for supplying the majority of energy throughout the country – and the reliance on such energy source options plays a significant part in South Korea’s air pollution. Specifically, the nationwide reliance on coal for power generation is the primary cause.

To control the amount of microparticles that result from overuse of coal, the Korean government could devote funds to develop new methods of utilizing renewable resources, as well as placing restrictions on microparticle release of coal plants. The government could enforcement of traffic and transportation legislations to further regulate air pollutions levels. Although public transportation usage is already impressive in South Korea, so is the number of people who use public transportation or take their cars for very short distances. This is largely due to yearround high pollution rates throughout the country, contributing to a decline in incentive for citizens to walk short distances. Implementing traffic and transportation legislations could to some extent solve this issue, especially if governmental regulation is strict enough to have a visible impact on theamount of microparticles released by vehicles.

Another plausible governmental solution could be to control the amount of trash produced by the public, as generated waste is often disposed of through burning in landfills. This problem became particularly severe after China issued its National Sword Policy in early 2019, which was essentially the country’s ban on taking in extensive

amounts of foreign trash to dump in its landfills, hundreds of thousands of tons of which had been from South Korea. Without previous measures to dispose of their trash with, combined with a severe lack of land to build landfills on, South Korea has resorted to burning most of its trash: a method that has saved the country a considerable amount of land but has also resulted in dramatic increases in microparticle levels throughout the country. Cutting down on waste production and utilizing more environment-friendly methods of disposure – which are admittedly more expensive but also visibly beneficial for the environment – could somewhat mitigate the issue.

A possible method for SIS to contribute to solving the problem would be to reform policies and systems throughout the school, such as cutting down on plastic at the school café or limiting the sale of food items wrapped in plastic at the school store, could contribute to palliating the issue at hand. Additionally, implementing unconventional measures such as using electronic copies of textbooks for classes rather than purchasing mass quantities of traditional paper-based ones could also help cut down on overall school waste production and subsequently aid in solving the air pollution problem.

There exists a number of government and institution-level reforms that could contribute to addressing the microparticle issue. It is not just up to the individual – be it an SIS student or anyone from the Korean public – to devise practices to combat the present issue; the government and smaller institutions are also to be held accountable. In the case of the SIS student, the school is the institution that should shoulder part of the responsibility for providing a safe, pollutant-regulated environment for students to learn in.

south

layout by Claire Lee

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FOCUS

Netflix: heavyweight of mass media

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etflix is an online streaming platform that allows its users to view various movies and TV shows that are available in their country, and with approximately 139 million subscribers, it is currently on the rise. In fact, as of May 22, the net worth of Netflix was reported to be at $154.89 billion, placing its title as one of the biggest companies on the Forbes List and the Fortune 500 List. At $12.99 a month, Netflix allows its users to access a variety of shows from around the world at a high quality; aside from its considerably low price, it is a seemingly basic business model. Then what is it that makes it so popular, and what kind of impacts does Netflix have on today’s society?

Primarily, the most captivating aspect of Netflix can be attributed to its convenience: in fact, it has almost become synonymous with the term “binge-watching.” The most prominent feature of this program is the widespread availability of shows and movies in high definition--barely any restrictions are placed on the library available to the customers, other than the ones that the country respective to the customer places. For example, viewers in Korea can immerse themselves in American TV shows that they normally would not have access to. Alternatively, there is a multitude

of benefits to Netflix that contribute to its appeal to millions of consumers.

First of all, the platform can be accessed from almost any device with a screen, whether it be a computer, a tablet, a TV, or a phone. Thus, customers are able to enjoy their shows while on the move, eating meals, or even on the bed. In addition, the progress made on a TV program or a movie is automatically saved, allowing a viewer to immediately start where they finished watching on their previous time of access. Netflix also recommends its users new shows based on the shows they watched previously. Finally, while watching shows, customers barely have to move a finger, as the app automatically streams through all episodes of the show, providing skips for intro scenes and end credits. Such factors make up the definitive convenience that differentiates it from other online streaming platforms.

The widespread popularity of Netflix has outreaching impacts on society, some of which can be deemed positive or negative based on different perspectives. A major impact is increased connectivity among viewers.

Since the app provides such a broad scope of shows from other countries, people gain the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures that they normally would not experience. TV shows that are trending in a certain country are arguably representative of

some of the cultural elements of that place. For example, Lucifer, an American TV show that is currently trending due to the recent release of Season 4, portrays an angel who was banished from Heaven to rule as the devil in Hell, Lucifer Morningstar, as he becomes part of the LAPD while taking a vacation from Hell in Los Angeles.

As he solves murder mysteries with a detective in LA, many components of the city are implicitly depicted, including the party lifestyle, the greedy and manipulative side of the corporate world, ongoing underground drug operations, and the extravagant lives of the rich. Such cultural aspects can be integrated into TV shows, providing users with not only entertainment, but also various cultural elements and perspectives.

In addition to connecting to different cultures, consumers can also interact with each other. With an increasingly prevalent access to various TV shows and movies, there is an increasing amount of interactions between those who watch the same shows. Because most shows are readily available on Netflix, people talk more about said shows, recommending personal favorites to each other.

With streaming being so convenient, customers are more eager to find new shows and go through the existing seasons, especially since Netflix provides all episodes and seasons avail-

able. Hence the increasing appearance of “Netflix” in conversations. In fact, instead of, “Are you watching ___(TV show)?”, the question has become, “Are you on Netflix?”

Netflix impacts modern society in many unprecedented ways.

As a result, Netflix impacts modern society in many unprecedented ways. Although its great convenience and accessibility have contributed to a growing culture of binge-watching, it provides means for connections between people and cultures. As the media industry grows, Netflix will likely be in the center, facilitating the spread of entertainment and ideas throughout its platform.

By THOMAS SONG Sophomore, Staff Writer

Tiger Times

May/June 2019

layout by Young Jin Park

Comics: mirrors of society

W

ith the debut of Superman in DC Comics in 1938, superhero comics exclusively capitalized on a subset of nerdy fanatics in the market instead of having a wide scale cultural impact on pop culture that it has today. Eventually, the sensation and popularity of superheroes paved way for an international phenomenon where they dominate all forms of mass media including TV shows, political cartoons, movie industries, Youtube mashups, and even video games. Comic movies are no longer cheesy or childish films, but thrilling must-sees that pamper to millions of fans across the world regardless of age or gender.

The most enthralling aspect of Marvel and DC Comics is the ability of the enterprises to consistently develop and advance multiple storylines of heroes within the same context and time period. The interconnected plots, inside jokes, and cross references make it difficult, if not implausible, to selectively watch movies in isolation, breeding intense personal commitment in the audience. Ultimately, the success of Marvel can be derived from its collaboration with the audience: while fulfilling its own promise of satisfying production quality and unity of different superheroes, it trusts the audience to follow along and not get lost or dis-

interested in the middle, giving them the relative autonomy to interpret and read comics in individualized patterns.

The popularity of superheroes can be primarily attributed to their complex and dynamic characteristics that mirror the ideals, prospects, and values of society at the time. Marvel’s renowned creation, Captain America, was first made to urge the American people to contribute to the war effort during World War II, express patriotic sentiments, and provide relief on the invincibility of American military against the Nazis and Japanese; after the war, the comics changed to reflect the qualms people had during the period of McCarthyism with the almost paranoiac crackdown of communism, loss of civil liberties, and issues on government oversight. DC Comics’ Batman, who lets go of the villainous Joker ever time, sparks philosophical controversy regarding moral righteousness and the extent to which government can enforce law. Even the antagonists intrigue the readers by materializing in a form of the public’s greatest fear and turmoil at the time; during Prohibition, it was common for comic producers to affiliate villains of 1920s comics with the rise of organized crime, gangs, and corrupt government officers.

Despite providing a haven where reality and fiction coincide, Marvel and DC Comics have also become a catalyst

for social change, pressing for more liberal and open minded perspectives on identity and celebrating the intrinsically diverse global culture. Black Panther’s vision of Wakanda as a hidden world power with vibranium-powered skyscrapers, spaceships, and weaponry, challenges the traditional portrayals of Africa as an unsophisticated, disorganized, and backward country.

By introducing a rejuvenating change to racial dynamics, the movie molds public perception on the rich beauty of African culture, enabling them to firsthand experience and appreciate the cultural elements— music, rituals, and customs—incorporated within the films. Wonder Woman’s successful breakthrough in DC Comics similarly inspires feminists to challenge the supremacy of men and uphold the values of women as independent, intelligent, and powerful emblems of peace and good.

The empowerment of social minorities through an accessible and loved form of entertainment continues to be one of the greatest feat of pop culture.

Personal and emotional attachments to the sensational superheroes inspire readers worldwide to appreciate order and happy endings offered in an otherwise complicated and haphazard society.

By JOANNE YANG Sophomore, Staff Writer

a mediavolution for the masses

11

12 LIFESTYLE Relish plump and juicy ribs at Mongtan

After weeks of anticipation, I finally opened the tall, wooden doors of Mongtan, a meat restaurant known for its thick and tender ribs with a huge bone attached to them. Located near Samgakji station, this restaurant recently opened in November 2018. It is immensely popular, and it boasts long lines as it does not take reservations for groups under six customers. I eagerly stepped into Mongtan and was immediately greeted with the strong smell of sizzling meat coming from the open grilling station.

I quickly sat down and scanned the menu. From ribs, also called woodae galbi, soybean paste stew to naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles), the menu was full of mouthwatering dishes. I decided to order woodae galbi and soybean paste stew, Mongtan’s most popular dishes. Waiting for my food, I finally got to look around the restaurant. The building’s interior had an antique look with mostly wooden furniture.

Mongtan was very large, with two floors and enough tables to fit around 15 teams of customers at once.

In 20 minutes, the galbi and stew were prepared and placed before me. As the meat needed to be further cooked at my table by the waiter, I took a taste of the stew first.

Compared to other soybean paste stews, this had a more refreshing taste because edible plants, like Shepherd’s purse and

chives, were in it. I liked this addition of herbs as it added depth to the stew.

Completely satisfied, I moved on to the long-awaited ribs.

I picked up the juicy piece of galbi with my chopsticks and popped it into my mouth. I was initially worried that the meat would be tough due to its thickness, but my concerns were quickly alleviated. It melted in my mouth. The side dishes, such as frozen spicy radishes and onions, served as perfect complements to the hot and greasy galbi. Eating the ribs with sesame leaves was also delicious. The fuzzy texture of the leaves in contrast to the tender ribs was an excellent combination. At the end, the

waiter cut off the remaining bits of meat on the large bone. Unlike the soft galbi, these pieces were chewy and bounced around in my mouth.

After gobbling down the ribs, I ordered onion-fried rice. The waiter brought the ingredients out and cooked on the pan where the meat originally was. Like the previous dishes, the fried rice was delightful. I cannot forget how savory the rice was and how the amalgam of ingredients fit perfectly together. As one who cannot eat spicy food well, I was relieved to find that the egg yolk placed on top balanced out the spiciness.

Eating this after the greasy meat was the perfect ending to my meal.

Overall, Mongtan was a 10/10. The food was delicious, facilities were clean, and customer service was great. I was comfortable as the waiters cooked everything for me.

However, one downside is that there are extremely long lines. Although the restaurant opens at 5 p.m., many people get there earlier. I got there by 4:30 p.m. and was still the ninth in line. When I go next time and there is a lengthy line, I will be willing to wait. Mongtan’s heavenly meal definitely makes up for the wait.

By KIRSTEN HUH Senior, Staff Writer

Students explore methods of relieving stress from exams

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ue to the AP and final tests, students have been heavily stressed. The freshmen take their first final exams of high school, the sophomores take their first AP exam, the juniors take three to four AP exams and stress about college, and the seniors take their last AP tests of high school.

Though the administrators have stepped in to assist relieving stress for students through the implementation of skills-based exams, the students have also found their own ways to alleviate their stress.

Athletic students have engaged in activities they love: sports. The frequent open gyms held by the volleyball teams on Mondays provide opportunities for volleyball players to relieve their stress. For example, the hitters relieve their stress through exerting power on a spike. Other athletes that play a more easily accessible sport, such as basketball, head to most parks in Seoul

Jukebox Jewels

Set It Off

by Jiwon Lee

to shoot some hoops. Especially along the Han river, basketball courts can be seen every 500 meters. Even if students are not on the basketball team, getting their mind off studying for an hour helps relieve stress through physical activities. The sidewalks of rivers also provide a space for running while listening to music, helping to soothe students through aerobic exercise and rhythmic beats.

“I often call my friends and visit a basketball court near my house,” said Asuka Kurebayashi (9). “The physical activity of playing basketball helps me forget about studying for a bit and allows me to enjoy playing ball with my friends.”

A particular club that has been a strong influence over lowering the stress levels in SIS is the Random Act of Kindness club.

The club has been active since last year and has been continuing their program of Stress Relief week. During activity periods

Ask anyone when the most awkward times of the life were, and they will most likely reply: “high school.”

Reflecting back on their years as a student, many will regret at least a few of the choices they have made during the turbulent years of high school. Regardless of the amount of time spent on repenting over past mistakes, it is evident that decisions made in these late teenage years continue to affect one’s future. This is especially true for two members from

from May 1 to May 3, they sold milk tea with boba pearls from a famous tea brewing café, Gongcha. While the drinks were to be sold at 1:10 p.m., students lined up in the atrium from 1:00 p.m. Since more than half of those who had waited in line could not receive the milk tea, they had to increase their daily amount of bubble tea. Although they had started the sale with 25 drinks, at the end of the program they increased their orders due to the immense popularity. Tired students who had been studying all night for AP exams were able to drink sweet, caffeine rich drinks to help them survive the school day.

“Just like chewing gum, the chewing sensation brought by the boba helps me to relieve the stress of the impending three AP exams that I would have to take next week,” said Alexandra Oh (11).

Media Club also stepped in to provide stress relief for the students with an ASMR

the band Set It Off: Cody Carson and Dan Clermont.

Carson and Clermont first met each other at a marching band practice in high school, and were able to bond over their love for rock and metal music. They eventually formed their own band, performing at local gigs throughout high school. While performing around their neighborhood, the musicians often brushed past another rock duo consisting of Austin M. Kerr and Zach DeWall.

video in a series called the Sounds of SIS. Recently, ASMR became an internet phenomenon due to its ability to help relieve the tension in the body. The club has collaborated with Mr. Miller, US history teacher, to review three different gummies. The video garnered nearly over four hundred views in just a few days. The crumbling of the wrappers and the chewing of the gummies helped to alleviate the students’ stress and provided short breaks from their study times for the nearing exams.

Not only did students find their own ways to solve their high stress levels, but they also helped one another survive through the influx of exams. By working in clubs to help others and finding personal methods to relieve stress, students were able to carry through the tough weeks.

By LAUREN KANG Junior, Staff Writer

The two bands eventually joined together to form the four-person band Set It Off in 2008. Prior to the formation of the band, Carson left for the Oberlin Conservatory of Music to major in classic clarinet.

During his time in college, however, he realized his dream of starting a rock band and consequently dropped out to pursue this aspiration. Using his college funds to start up the band, Carson recruited members from his hometown of Tampa, Florida be-

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Tiger Times

May/June 2019

Movie review: Pokémon Detective Pikachu

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veryone’s favorite yellow and furry Pokémon finally came to life with the movie, “Detective Pikachu,” that was released on May 10. With Ryan Reynolds starring as the voice for Pikachu, the film takes the audience through a journey of wholesome and amusing mystery where Tim, the son of well-known detective Harry Goodman, investigates his father’s abrupt disappearance with the help of Harry’s former sidekick, Detective Pikachu. A special bond between the duo is formed as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu. The movie surpassed expectations by topping the international box office for its first two weekends, bringing their overseas revenue to $193.4 million and their worldwide earnings to $287.4 million.

The entertaining mystery that sets up the conflict of the movie was complemented by the stunning graphics, which contributed to improving the film’s overall quality. Because “Detective Pikachu” is an animated movie, CGI effects were paramount to produce a polished movie, and they certainly complemented the film well by bringing the Pokémon to life. In addition, the film initially gained massive attention

through placing Pokémon in realistic urban settings rather than fictional landscapes, an approach that was not taken in many other past films related to Pokémon.

Through these CGI Pokémon, the audience also felt a genuine bond between humans and Pokémon throughout the whole movie. As Pokémon came to life, their interactions with humans displayed in the movie looked realistic and played a major part in stirring the silly mood of the film. Watching Pikachu and Tim talking to each other back and forth was an intriguing and new way to depict the relationship between Pokémon and humans to the audience because in the original anime series, such a situation was not visible since only characters that were humans spoke. The contrast between the characteristics of the movie and the original anime series, such as giving Pikachu the unexpected ability of being able to talk, engaged the audience and allowed viewers and fans to notice a stronger bond and compare the relationships in the movie and the anime series.

Ryan Reynolds’ wild and dynamic voice performance also served to coordinate well and blend in with the

Graphic by Lynette Kim

fore settling on combining his high school band with that of Kerr and DeWall’s.

The newly formed band released its first EP on Oct. 31, 2008, gaining a small, underground following. In the two following years, the band released one more EP and three singles, however failed to gain much publicity. It was only with the release of its third EP, “Horrible Kids,” that the band was finally able to hit the mainstream with the band

signing to its first major record label Equal Vision Records. The EP, originally consisted of eight songs, was remastered as part of the record deal, and a ninth song, titled “Chase It,” was added. The band went on to release three more EPs – Cinematics, Duality, and Upside Down – before leaving Equal Visions and signing with Fearless Records.

The most notable characteristic of the punk-rock band is arguably the endearing love it dedicates to its

humorous atmosphere of the movie, allowing the film to draw attention from a wider scope of audiences and expanding on the original fans of Pokémon. Granting Pikachu the cynical voice of Deadpool was another novel and successful way of approaching the audience by making the film substantially more comedic, preventing it from classification as a typical childlike movie that would have only appealed to a limited range of viewers. The movie also utilized imaginative marketing strategies, such as releasing a lighthearted make-up tutorial by Reynolds so that the viewers could

portray the character themselves.

With an appropriate amount of humor, silliness, and mystery combined together, the movie will engage the audience into a crazy CGI world that was never introduced previously, where Pokémons coexist in the urban cities with humans. “Detective Pikachu” will take viewers on a rollercoaster of a comedic and restless adventure of Tim and his chosen partner, Detective Pikachu.

By IRENE KIM Sophomore, Staff Writer

Diving deep in the sea of faces “Deepfakes” are the Internet trend, and their implications are more disastrous than commonly perceived. The sophisticated form of technology enables users to impose a person’s face onto another body and manipulate the audio and movements to create videos that look and sound authentic. Due to widely accessible AI software and step-by-step tutorials in YouTube, anyone with a personal computer can create misleading and deceptive images of people and spread the videos on the Internet without their consent, raising imminent questions regarding the security of cyber technology and its social repercussions.

Deepfake algorithms make use of an intricate and deep neural network that observes and notes the facial movements of a person before synthesizing the images of a source person’s face making the corresponding movements. In order to impersonate an individual more realistically, an extensive amount of source information is inputted including photos of the person or voice clips. Researchers at Washington University modelled the shape of former president Barack Obama’s mouth from stock footage to create a false, synthetic image of him; similarly, at Stanford University, researchers experimented with head rotation and

fan base. In the beginning of 2018, the band held a livestream session on YouTube in order to communicate with its fans and discuss song ideas with them. More than 1000 fans contributed to the song idea discussion, and the band selected its favorite lyrics suggestions to combine into the song “Hourglass Love,” released on YouTube two days after the livestream.

Reminiscent of the music styles of the late 1990s and early 2000s

eye blinking to edit virtual reality. However, this does not mean the technology is limited to experimental use: apps open to the public include FakeApp, FaceSwap, and DeepFace Lab, which utilizes complex graphics processors to facilitate the process of creating fake videos.

Though initially made as a form of entertainment, the ethical implications of deep fakes remain highly controversial. Critics object to how it can easily be used as a tool to unjustly interfere in political elections or spread misinformation on a day-to-day basis, endangering the communication of authentic news to the citizens. Especially in contemporary society, social networking sites like Facebook or Wikileaks are being taken advantage of in order to disseminate false news about political candidates, national policies, or minorities— targeting Democratic primaries, French elections, and even instigating racial riots and oppression in Sri Lanka. Not only that, it can humiliate individuals and threaten their security, as their identities may be usurped and exploited without knowledge and consent.

Such ethically-concerning form of technology has been on the United States Department of Defense’s radar for preventative efforts.

By using red flags to detect the falsehood of manipulative videos, governmental branches including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are attempting to prevent media from tainting the image of government agents and normal citizens. Meanwhile, image forensics expert Hany Farid is designing new software that is trained to track subtle inconsistencies in facial movements, blinking, frowns, and speech patterns to distinguish one from the fake versions of themselves.

According to CNN, however, the program remains limited to identifying false footages of celebrities and well-known politicians, making it imperative for the general public to avoid deceptive traps by not taking everything they see on the Internet at face value.

rock music, Set It Off ’s music incorporates elements of both pop culture and alternative rock music. To look further into the band’s music and future tour plans, visit their YouTube and Songkick channels – particularly since the band has announced that 2019 will be dedicated to touring and performing to promote its latest album, “Midnight,” released in February of the same year.

14 SPORTS

SPORTS 14 PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Thank you mr. a!

Close to bursting into tears, Mr. Atanaskovic, the athletic advisor and coordinator, thanks the former and current athletes who have put together a thank you video for him during the annual sports banquet on May 21.

Photo by LAUREN KANG

Sports banquet concludes successful sports season

On May 21, Tiger Sports Council (TSC) hosted their annual sports banquet in the auditorium after school. All varsity members regardless of different seasons were requested to come to the event along with all coaches and managers. Teachers, JV athletes, and even non-athletes were more than welcomed to join the event. Through the sports banquet, all sports team got the opportunity to reflect on their great effort and successful results brought back to SIS. “I think that the purpose is to bring all athletes together as a team one last time,” said Joyce Kim (12). “The sports banquet is often memorable as it acts as a final goodbye and a nice closure for the senior athletes. We also use this event to bring recognition to certain athletes and team not only for their performance during the season but also with special awards for their athletic achievements.”

The sports banquet consisted of season recaps, games, awards, and most importantly messages from departing seniors and coaches. To give recognition and thank them for their efforts, underclassmen athletes from

each sports prepared goodbye videos or small gifts, which even teared up some of the recipients. With senior athletes and coaches leaving SIS, many athletes expressed grief for wanting to stay as one team.

“Everything will be so different considering that they will no longer be there to look after us,” said Angelica Eun (10). “The seniors are the ones who keep our team alive with their hard work and heartwarming smiles, but having to carry on without them breaks my heart. But at the end of the day, we all know we have to persevere through the struggles and become a even better team.”

TSC began the events with videos and speech of captains, which led the audience to feel sad about seniors leaving the team; however, to bump up the mood, TSC had prepared a 18-19 SIS Varsity jeopardy game filled with questions about one team’s performance or inside-jokes such as “What is Coach Miller’s favorite cracker?” and “Most famous for not playing defense.”

“The new jeopardy game was something fresh created by TSC members to make

the banquet more interesting and overall better,” said Andrew Song (11). “The solution we came up was to insert a game that was not only fun but also reminded all the teams of few of the treasured memories throughout the seasons. Although it was the first time TSC included games into the sports banquet, it turned out to be a success as many athletes enjoyed these.”

However, this sports banquet was so much more special than the previous year, as it was the last one for Mr. Atanaskovic, athletic advisor and coordinator of SIS, to end his career in SIS. As he is also the advisor for TSC, members of the club and varsity athletes collaborated to prepare a little surprise wishing to thank him for his hard work and effort poured into our school. With a sudden blackout in the middle of Mr. Atanaskovic’s speech, all athletes turned on their flashlights as the video prepared by TSC began including messages not only from SIS athletes but also SIS alumni wishing him the best.

“It was a huge surprise for me,” said Mr. Atanaskovic. “It was very emotional and hard for me to comment after hearing the

experience students and even graduates got out of the interaction from volleyball season or just everyday school life. I never knew that what I was doing here for the past years influenced them not only as athletes, but also on more important topics like values in life and plans for future. I was so surprised that I actually did these things, which was why at the I had this big thing stuck on my throat not being able to talk about it. It was a very deep and profound feeling I had after watching the video and that evening I was all over the place and couldn’t put myself. This reminded me how important my role is and how big of a responsibility I hold in interactions with students, which really makes me feel like I have a purpose in life.”

Putting the emotional goodbye aside, Mr. Atanaskovic truly thanked everyone and quickly guided the audience to the food stand prepared outside of the auditorium successfully ending the 2019 sports banquet.

By LYNETTE KIM Junior, Staff Writer

Accolade-filled 2018-’19 year in sports comes to a close

The 2018-’19 school year has been full of memorable moments, accomplishments, and precedents in school sports. This past fall season, the boy’s cross country team placed third in their KAIAC conference, which is the first time a SIS cross country team has finished in the top three in more than four years. In addition, several runners, including Andrea Shin (11), Thomas Song (10), and Katherine Kim (12) earned individual all-conference honours. The men’s volleyball team also impressed by finishing second at the volleyball AISA tournament.

“Volleyball is a really mentally draining game,” said Younchan Hwang (10), varsity volleyball player. “Between every point, the game stops, and during these periods, you can really feel the pressure. Although we

may have lost at the AISA finals, I’m really proud of our team for staying mentally tough throughout the tournament.”

SIS sports teams also found successes in the winter. The varsity cheerleading squad, led by Hannah i, first year cheer coach, won third place at the annual KAIAC cheerleading competition. Chris Koester, varsity girl’s basketball coach, led the girl’s team to postseason success at both the KAIAC and AISA tournaments, where the squad placed third and first respectively. The latter victory was particularly sweet: it was the first time in SIS’ girl’s varsity basketball history that the team had triumphed at the AISA tournament.

“We were all crying after the game, and we were all jumping up and down,”

said Elin Min (10), varsity girl’s basketball player. “We’ve won a lot of games before but this one was very special, especially because we knew our victory signified that SIS had won AISA for the first time. I was really honored to be part of such a strong team. To be honest, I kind of expected us to have good results, but I was definitely not expecting first place.”

In the spring season, SIS badminton teams completed a formative year in preparation of becoming an AISA and varsity sport. After a year of practicing in unofficial leagues and tournaments, SIS is set to host the first ever AISA badminton tournament next year and the school administration plans to formally recognize badminton as a varsity sport. On the soccer field, the girl’s

varsity squad secured first place honors at both KAIAC and AISA tournaments, solidifying a year of dominance behind Mary Ghadimi, assistant coach of the team.

“I think there were a lot of keys to our team’s success,” said Coach Ghadimi. “One really important key was that we were a team, and that even if someone got injured, somebody else would step up and play their heart out. We had fantastic team chemistry, and I think we just had a very unified approach to our goal of winning, no matter who scored or did what. We played with passion, we played hard, and we played for each other.

By ERIC HWANG Sophomore, Staff Writer

Tiger Times

May/June 2019

Foul filled NBA Western Conference Semifinals disappoints fans With the NBA Playoffs well underway, many basketball fans at SIS are looking forward to the intense games and heightened stakes typically associated with the postseason. In particular, many fans have directed their attention toward the Western Conference Semifinals, played between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. The series has proved to be a close one, as every game has decided by a margin of six points or less. However, to the disappointment of many, instead of an intense back and forth sequence of scoring plays to end each match, both teams have solely relied on free throws to score the last points of every single game in the series.

“I think that especially compared to last year’s Western Conference Finals between the Rockets and Warriors, this year’s series is a lot less action packed,” said Riley Kim (10), NBA fan. “Players on both teams are flopping more often and trying to game the system for foul calls instead of actually playing the game.

Toward the end of each game, a last minute comeback is usually well-within the losing team’s reach, but instead of trying to earn their points, teams try to force collisions in order to receive free throws. At a certain point, it gets very boring to watch players get paid millions of dollars to shoot free throws on the sport’s biggest stage.”

With increased attention drawn to the league during the postseason, everything from basketball strategy to officiating is put under the microscope. A major issue that many fans have with the Rockets’ play style is their tendency to purposefully draw fouls to their advantage. This not only affects the outcome of games, but also greatly impacts the pace. Every time a foul is drawn, the game is stopped, and viewers must wait until the fouled player shoots a series of uncontested shots before normal action resumes. James Harden, a guard for the Rockets, is known for his ability to generate points off of free throws and currently leads the league with 95 drawn fouls on 3-point shots this season. In fact, in the first game of the Western Conference Semifinals, Harden was able to score 13 points exclusively from free

15

throw shots. Combined with his great efficiency shooting from the line, Harden has been able to consistently rack up double-digit points from free throws throughout the series. Some fans have claimed that the referees have been too lenient with their calls and have caused unnecessarily choppy games.

“Honestly, after watching the first three games of the series, I completely lost interest.” said Andrew Cho (10), junior varsity basketball player. “From my perspective, it seems like the referees are giving foul calls way to easily, and players are getting free throws after getting barely touched on their way to the basket. In the future, I hope that the league works on better defining the balance between player safety and maintaining the natural flow of the game. At this point, any form of contact seems to be a foul, and players exaggerate so much whenever any physical contact is made. I strongly believe that the league needs to take action in order to discourage flopping and excessive reactions to small fouls.”

While many fans have expressed their disappointment regarding the fouling strategies employed by the Warriors and the Rockets, other have continued to enjoy the high level of competition maintained throughout the series.

The Warriors and the Rockets lead the league in terms of offensive efficiency, and the clash between such potent offenses has resulted in many spectacular plays. Between the fouls and the free throws, the NBA Playoffs still largely remains a place “where amazing happens.”

“It has been amazing to see how the Rockets and the Warriors have competed with each other throughout the series,” said Timothy Munro, varsity basketball coach. “Even when the Rockets were down 20 points in Game 5, everyone knew that they would keep on fighting and make it a close game. There has not been a single blow-out throughout the series, and so far, it has been very exciting to watch.”

By CHRISTOPHER SHIN Sophomore, Staff Writer

Graphic by Erin Lee

Summer conditioning programs help athletes stay healthy

Many SIS athletes engage in conditioning programs to maintain and enhance their skills over the summer. In such programs, students perform a series of intense drills that involve both aerobic and anaerobic exercises to increase their stamina and strength. It is a chance for them to focus on individual abilities, focusing on their personal areas of improvement. Occasionally, coaches hold sessions to prepare the athletes accordingly depending on their positions.

“To be successful, athletes must be consistent with their workout routines,” said Tamara Atanaskovic, physical education teacher. “It is recommended that all athletes, including those involved in spring

sports, work out over the summer. They should exercise all year long because otherwise, they might not be able to perform at their maximum level.”

However, many students in SIS cannot afford the time to exercise, considering their heavy academic load. As an alternative, athletes try to stay healthy by controlling their food plans. At the same time, they must take into consideration that extreme dieting may lead to dangerous health consequences. For all athletes, maintaining a balanced diet is an important aspect of the summer conditioning programs.

“This summer, I am probably going to go on a diet to stay fit and healthy,” said Jennifer Shin (9). “Of course I am going to ex-

ercise, but I do not have much time because of a rigorous academic schedule. Instead, I plan to focus on my daily routines. I am planning on eating more vegetables and fewer snacks. Since I am going to try out for various sports next year, I feel like I should get ready as soon as I can.”

Besides athletic purposes, summer conditioning programs could serve as an enriching experience for those who partake them. Through this experience, athletes can not only develop a healthy mindset and body but also learn how to manage their academic and athletic lives appropriately.

Some athletes are planning to encourage their friends to keep themselves motivated.

“I am determined to be part of the sum-

mer conditioning because it is essential for all of us to stay healthy,” said Hannah Kim (9). “All high school students need it because we have to find a way to take care of our health while balancing our academic workload. I hope that my friends can make some time to join me over the summer.”

From June to August, high school athletes would have plenty of time to prepare themselves for their upcoming school year.

While preparing for their studies is important, maintaining their shape and getting fit for next year with help from summer conditioning would benefit them in various ways.

By SALLY LEE Freshman, Staff Writer

16 SMALL TALK Big Deal

an economics column

SOFT

SKILLS Article by Teddy Cho

T

rethinking education for the future of work

he impact of rapidly advancing technology on education, skills, and learning is a controversial topic in many schools. How can institutions equip students with the expertise necessary to succeed in the changing job market? Although this is a valid question, the issue lies in answering it.

Since technology is the main drive behind such changes, there is a general consensus that the government should continue investing its efforts into promoting STEM subjects. Often referred to as “hard skills,” these courses are prioritized in educational curriculums from primary school to university. In the meantime, “soft skills” have been relegated further down the pecking order of curriculum must-haves.

However, much evidence suggests that benefits that come with soft skills far outweigh the advantages of hard skills. For instance, a recent study conducted by Harvard University demonstrated that STEM-related careers saw significant growth in the global market between 1989 and 2000 but have stalled ever since. In contrast, the number of jobs that require soft skills – such as those in the creative industry sector – rose by nearly 20 percent in the years between 2011 and 2016. The demand for soft skill jobs is, in fact, ever-increasing: Google, a multi-platform, billion-dollar enterprise, cites “creativity, leadership potential, and communication skills” as essential prerequisites for prospective workers.

If so, why are soft skills so highly sought after in the era of the fourth industrial revolution? The answer: as technology evolves rapidly, an emphasis on hard skills leaves students vulnerable to change, as such skills often have shorter shelf lives. According to the World Economic Forum, more than one in four adults reported a mismatch between their skills and those required for their career. This is because technical skills, such as the ability to code, can be taught and assessed relatively quickly, whereas soft skills require time to develop and are more convoluted in nature. However, the latter skill sets often prove to be more useful in the long run: soft skills enable students to adapt to changing situations and ultimately progress further in their chosen career.

It is undeniable that schools should teach technical skills, but without curriculums placing equal, if not greater, emphasis on soft skills, students will be missing a crucial trait. Hard skills, while possibly helpful in aiding a student get a job in their chosen industry, are unable to assist them in creating lasting changes and achieving a wider impact in the field, which students can rely on soft skills for.

Returning to the Google example, many of the company’s primary “characteristics of success” are soft skills: being a good coach, communicating and listening well, possessing insights into other points of view, being supportive of one’s colleagues, critical thinking and problem solving, and being able to make connections across convoluted ideas. The fundamentally human emotional and social skills are what should be nurtured, developed, and celebrated as the keys to future success for students and society at large.

Many universities have embraced this idea by incorporating classes for soft skills such as critical thinking, idea generation, and interdisciplinary ways of working with hard skills. However, the solution must address the crux of the matter: soft skill deficiencies must be tackled across the entire education system so that students are already familiar with how to employ these skills when they reach college.

With enrollment in arts and humanities degrees on the decline and the government’s continued emphasis on technical STEM subjects, the perceived value of soft skills may be in jeopardy. Perhaps the right place to begin addressing the situation would be by reframing the language we use to describe these vital skills since these soft skills do not seem to be so “soft” after all.

counterpoint

point

Sia Cho & Andy Yoon

Facebook…

… is an online social media platform which was created by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. According to Statista, up to 2.27 billion users populate this network as of April 2019, rendering it the most popular social media website in the world. However, due to concerns regarding privacy infringement, the #deletefacebook movement has been gaining popularity across the world among teenagers and adults alike. It raises the following question: to what extent is Facebook necessary for students like those attending SIS?

… is essential for communication:

The very purpose of social media networks is to provide a broad platform for connections; as such, Facebook opens the doors to a virtual world of interpersonal communication and collaboration among students. By acting as a public forum for all users, Facebook enables students to freely interact and share their thoughts through posts, comments, media, and groups. The rapid exchange of information not only benefits those in need of helpful resources and information for classes, but also creates an interconnected web for collaboration and engagement on a collective scale. At SIS, groups are organized among grade levels, clubs, and even individual subjects--these avenues allow individuals to ask one another questions, promote school-wide events, and share important knowledge with their peers. Furthermore, Facebook Messenger also acts as one of the main outlets for group collaboration and peer-to-peer communication. Through quick messages that can directly be sent to other users, students can constantly update one another about upcoming events, group projects, and school life. Deleting Facebook would thus cut off much of the daily interactions and essential flow of information required by the average highschool student.

… is a vital source of current events:

Additionally, Facebook constitutes a substantial database for current events. As students are able to like news pages such as CNN or New York Times, they are exposed to a plethora of information ranging from global news to lifestyle infographics. Simply by scrolling through their news-feed, users can get updated on what is occurring around the world--in fact, according to the Quartz, 67 percent of Facebook users get news from there. Even more specific to SIS students, school-affiliated pages such as Tiger News Today and Tiger Times can provide essential updates on school events and other timely issues that ensure an informed community. In a modern society of rapid technological developments, social media platforms like Facebook provide a common channel for news consumption by all generations. moment. Not only that, but compared to the human eye, their optics provide full motion imagery at much larger distances and altitudes. The elevated sensors of drones are highly effective in locating and pursuing individual threats, ultimately saving innocent lives from the possibility of human inaccuracies.

… violates people’s privacy rights:

Despite facilitating efficient communication and varied entertainment for citizens worldwide, Facebook has been criticized for encroaching on the privacy of users; the #deletefacebook movement under question in fact arose as a result of such violations of fundamental rights. Generating profit primarily through advertisement revenue, the company admittedly requires a considerable amount of user data to function effectively. However, the extent to which it has done so has been unacceptable. Concerns about Facebook’s conduct first became apparent during the Cambridge Analytica scandal; the company released the information of up to 87 million users to aid the presidential campaign of Donald Trump. To expose this data, Facebook created a ostensibly meaningless quiz for users to fill out and consequently exposed a loophole in the program to garner such information—an act of outright deception. Since 2016, countless more scandals arose, one of which involved Facebook paying users to install a VPN program, which again harvested personal data. In January 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it could impose a multibillion-dollar fine on Facebook, indicative of the severity of its actions so far. Democratic governments must always guarantee a reasonable expectation of privacy; individuals should never be forced to browse the Internet with the constant fear that a third-party entity could be watching.

… constitutes a constant distraction:

In addition to Facebook’s neglect of individual rights, this platform serves as a distraction for students and adults alike. At, for example, SIS, Facebook often acts as a hindrance to students’ academic focus. A major contributor to procrastination, the website offers a diverse array of enticing features, ranging from a messaging service to discussion forums. Although rest from academic stress is important, the unending notifications from this website prevent efficient studying, test preparation, and the completion of other tasks. Even for employees at a given company, incessant exposure to this form of social media diverts one’s focus and results in less overall productivity.

While its greatest benefit is immediate connectivity with others around the world, it disconnects individuals from reality, resulting in not only meaningless communication but also long-term distractions.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like, so long as somebody loves you.”

- The Witches (Roald Dahl)

Photo by Ashley Kim (10) Giving his 5 minute speech on the podium, Brian Lee, SIS’ valedictorian impressed many students and teachers at the 2019 graduation.

Photo of the Month