2 STAFF
STAFF PAGE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF- JAIMI KIM & STACY YUN LAYOUT JAY CHUNG EUGENE KIM JASMINE PARK CARTOONISTS DANIEL LEE JEANNE HAN
REPORTERS JOHN KIM SANGWON KIM BONA KOO JESSI KOO ELIZABETH SONG HELEN SONG MILTON YOON JONATHAN YUN
GRAPHICS AMY CHOI SEAN KIM LINDA PARK EUNA SUN WINSTON YOO
LAYOUT EDITOR- ELISA HAN GRAPHICS EDITOR- STEPHANIE SONG MANAGING EDITOR- KRISTINE OAK ASSISTANT EDITOR- EUNICE LEE
ADVISOR MS. CAROLYN BROWN
COLUMNS
By EUNICE LEE The pale blue dot. Believe it or not, that’s what we are all a part of—a mere pale blue dot. From outer space, no matter how long the Great Wall of China is, how many skyscrapers we have, or how many aircraft carriers we build, we are just a single blue dot within boundless empty space. Which means we really aren’t special compared to the rest of the universe. The human race has always considered itself superior to other forms of living organisms. Given the context of what’s living on Earth, this is inevitable—we are the only species able to think cognitively for ourselves. We are the only species able to develop technology to better our
By ELIZABETH SONG
lives; dogs bark and cats meow, but we invent light bulbs and cell phones. Who says there aren’t any other species like us—or more advanced, even—in another pale dot some million light years away? Who says there aren’t other living creatures out there, making fun of the backwardness of our seemingly modern society? Exactly. We don’t know. As of now, we are in no position to deem ourselves superior over other species—and most importantly, over each other. As long as the sun continues to shine on Earth, we are all inhabitants of this single blue dot. And as long as we continue to live on this dot, we should try to get along with each other.
For instance, why wage war? Why go through all the pain and bloodshed to build empires that in essence, will only be an infinitesimal part of a pale blue dot? This might seem like a call to sit pretty and do nothing. But that’s completely missing the point; working for the benefit of one another (or the so called “greater good”, politicians may say) is always worthy of applause. What isn’t worth all the trouble to cause change is when that change adversely costs millions of lives, like Hitler’s Holocaust, the genocide in Rwanda, or the South African policy of apartheid.
THE Deputy Assistant President of ECOSOC
Hye Seung Son, Deputy Assistant President of ECOSOC, shares her past debating experiences and her motivations for joining MUN. 1. What prompted you to join MUN? My first MUN [experience] was in eighth grade right after I came back to Korea. When I was attending an international school in China, I saw many juniors and seniors participating in MUN conferences, and I have always been curious [about MUN]. When I came to Korea, I saw an advertisement saying that there was a conference in Korea. So, curiosity prompted me. 2. Who is your role model in the UN? Ban Ki-moon. I read his biography and I was really impressed by the enthusiasm he had since his youth. While all his friends were just doing schoolwork, he had a larger dream. Back in those days, learning a foreign language was really hard because there weren’t many hagwons but Ban Ki-moon, with his enthusiasm, tried really hard and had his dream set and was always trying his best for that goal. I was impressed by his attitude.
3. Do you think joining MUN was a good decision? Why or why not? I wholeheartedly think it was a good decision. Since my first experience in eighth grade, I have continuously participated, and at first as a delegate, I was really nervous, but as time passed by, I served as Secretary General and chair and I could see myself improving through MUN. 4. What are you going to miss most about MUN? I think I’m going to miss MUN itself as a whole because when I become a senior, I’m going to be busy with college stuff and won’t be able to participate as actively. I’ll miss most the enthusiasm of the participants and the chairs. 5. How was your first experience in MUN? I was very nervous and even though I took the workshop for delegates, I didn’t get the rules pinned down in my head. I was confused and surprised to see so many people speaking better and knowing much more than me. I was half-nervous and half-motivated to do better and prepare more for my next conference.
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4 POINT of INTEREST Delegates look forward to celebrating end of conference By jessi koo
Delegates from different backgrounds present at the SEOMUN XIII conference have a variety of activities they plan to do after the conference. While some delegates cannot wait to return home and sleep, other delegates are enthusiastic for a night out with their friends. “After the conference, I am going to celebrate with people who took the SAT on Saturday,” said David Lim, delegate of China from Human Rights. “We need to party.” Reece Kim, the delegate of Saudi Arabia from Human Rights was eager to get back
on the soccer field. “I am planning to play soccer with my friends at Korea International School,” said Reece Kim, delegate of Saudi Arabia. “But I need to make up school work as well.” Other delegates from overseas had different plans such as dining with family, shopping, and sightseeing. “I’m not too sure what I have planned but I think I will spend time with my family who are my grandparents and my aunt,” said Matthew Cho, delegate of Norway of ECOSOC. Sang Woo Kim, delegate
of the IMF from the Advisory Panel, was looking forward to sightseeing around Seoul before returning to Japan. “I am planning to go to Namsan Tower after today’s conference but I am mostly excited about visiting Yonsei University. I will be going with my teachers and friends from Japan.” While other delegates were ready to take out their digital cameras, John Choi, delegate of the United States from Human Rights, needed to go down to Busan to meet his friends and enter a mock trial competition.
“I have some friends in Busan and I’m an executive at the mock trial. I think I can take back and apply a lot of what I experienced from this SEOMUN conference. I learned to cooperate with people who have contrasting opinions – a bipartisanship.” After the three days at SEOMUN, delegates will find ways to rejoice in their successful completion of the three-day conference and relax before returning to school and their daily routines.
gET TO KNOW: SEOTV BY STACY YUN
New to the conference but attracting many eyes, SEOTV debuted at SEOMUN XIII.
BY AMY CHOI
Few of the participants are unaware of what goes on behind the scenes in the broadcasting room. Seoulite interviewed one of the three editors in charge of the innovative staff, Albert Joo from Korea International School. Q: What caused and motivated you guys to introduce SEOTV to the conference? A: About year so ago, we started a new broadcast class back our school. For the first year, the response to the digital newscast proved to be successful and we decided to branch out our video journalism staff to THIMUN – Singapore which KIS is in charge of the press. Again, people liked it a lot and since KIS is hosting the conference this
year, we decided to introduce the video team – expanding our team. Q: Who came up to the idea of video broadcasting? Who put the plan into action? A: It was actually not one specific person that came about to bring the project come true but rather a lot of people. The four current editors and few graduates came up with the idea with Mr. Longbotam who really helped us a lot in getting things rolling. Q: What part of SEOTV do you enjoy the most? A: I like the fact that the entire staff is very motivated. They are all bound to work out. I like working with video as well. Q: What is the most difficult aspect of SEOTV? A: We run into a lot of technical difficulty – especially importing files, exporting videos, and voiceovers – a lot of spontaneous and unexpected mis-
takes that come along while editing. Q: What are some future goals that you guys have in mind? A: We just want it to be more recognized within the community. We want to be more organized and receive more support from actual conference and teachers. We need a lifting hand that could push us farther. Q: What is the work schedule like for SEOTV? How is the work divided? A: Usually two people are assigned per story and they edit their respective part and record the voiceovers. Then the editors compile and edit the videos. We publish two serious news stories, one lighthearted story, and one credits feature.
POINT of INTEREST
Delegates reflect on highs and
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lows of SEOMUN XIII
By John Kim, Sangwon Kim Assisted by Jonathan Yun
BOTH PHOTOS BY SEAN KIM
Committees in SEOMUN debate on serious global issues. However, amidst the intensity, joyous moments uplifted the mood of the conference. Delegates were affected greatly by the outcome of their resolutions. “It’s really great when a resolution that you have defended and contributed towards is passed because you feel a sense of achievement,”
said Lara Klopper, the delegate of France of the Human Rights Committee (HR). For other delegates, meeting new people, socializing, and having lunch were their personal sources of joy during this year’s SEOMUN conference. “Near snack time or break, everyone was really worn out and looking forward to having snacks,” said Grace Han, the
delegate of United Kingdom of the Advisory Panel (AP).. On some occasions, these joyous moments , helped to relieve the serious atmosphere of the debate. “It was hilarious when the chair couldn’t pronounce Qatar,” said Kay Yun Lu, the delegate of Kyrgyzstan of HR. On the other hand, delegates still suffered from stage fright and felt awkward after giving their speeches.
“[I felt the] worst after giving a speech, and [even w o r s e when] I had to answer POIs,” said Amy lee, delegate of IAED of AP. “It was so nerve-wracking trying to answer those questions.” said Amy Lee, delegate of IAED from Advisory Panel. The rollercoaster ride of happy times, sad times, serious and at times hilarious moments captures the essence of SEOMUN. The delegates found this year’s MUN experience just as memorable as any other.
SENIORS WAVE THEIR LAST GOODBYES TO SEOMUN BY HELEN SONG Senior year is full of goodbyes. Goodbye to high school, goodbye to SAT’s, goodbye to friends. And goodbye to SEOMUN—forever. There are many seniors this year that will be dearly missed by the MUN community. This conference will be their last; the end of several long, successful careers that have helped better the quality of SEOMUN. “Of course I’m sad; SEOMUN is definitely my favorite conference,” said Elsie Chung, Assisstant Deputy President of Six Party Talks. “Even though I’ve only been doing MUN for two years, I’ve gotten so much out of it and am going to miss it so much.”
Though the purpose of MUN is mainly serious debating and resolutions, it is also about meeting and befriending new people. As a result, seniors and veteran debators are left with many fond memories of SEOMUN. “Last year was especially fun,” said Christine Pak, President of Six Party Talks. “Our entire committee went to Butterfingers and we really bonded and go to know each other.” A question posed by many freshmen and new delegates is what good comes from three long, tiring days of continuous lobbying and debating. Seniors have many things to say about the lessons they learned
throughout the years. “You learn a lot about being confident speaking with others and learning how to deal with people you meet for the first time,” said Christine. “The issues in MUN are also relevant to today’s news and MUN helped me become aware of current events I never would have learned about otherwise.” Some of the seniors, many of whom have at least three years of MUN experience, gave advice to their underclassmen delegates. “What I’ve learned is that you need to learn the appropriate times for having fun and knowing when you need to be serious and debate,” said
Kelly Kang, the delegate of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of Six Party Talks. “You really need to be serious about MUN to do well.” Though seniors will never return to SEOMUN, many of them have plans in the future to continue MUN in college. Others have shown an interest in joining the real United Nations as a career. “If the college I go to provides MUN, I am definitely going to join,” said Elsie. “I’m really interested in UN and think that it will be a part of my future.”
6 FOCUS
SECURITY
COUNCIL
President Chris Nam What have you gained from this conferene?
I think I’ve gained an insight on how to lead a forum, a reminder on how to chair properly, and a lot of fun watching delegates debate constructively.
ECOSOC Assistant President Richard Kim
How did the delegates improve over the past three days?
They’ve grown in that they are becoming more confident. At the beginning of yesterday, some delegates were wandering around by themselves being shy during lobbying. But as time passed, they became more relaxed and today, we barely had problems with people not talking.
By EUNA SUN
By SEAN KIM
ICJ
GENERAL ASSEMBLY President Jenn Kim What was the highest point in your committee?
We were discussing ICTs when Dr. Paul Jhin came in and talked about the issue since he is directly related to it. He will be emailing the delegates and chairs as well.
By AMY CHOI
President Olive Jung If your committee were a color, what would it be?
Hot pink because we are hot!
By SEAN KIM
FOCUS
SPECIAL
HUMAN RIGHTS
CONFERENCE
President Nina Yun What was the atmosphere like in your committee?
A lot of people have been working together and cooperating. Nevertheless, while the first resolution passed, the second two failed. Still, people are handing in a lot of amendments and trying to improve resolutions.
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Assistant President Yuri Han Describe your committee in one word.
Nice (synonyms for that are caring, compassionate). We’ve passed every resolution so far. There have been so many for speeches today. Also, outside of debate time, delegates are very nice to each other and are smiling and laughing. Even when they “declare war” on each other.
By AMY CHOI By LINDA PARK
SIX-PARTY
ADVISORY
PANEL
Deputy Assistant President HeeJae Choi How is AP unique?
AP is different from other forums.We debate clause by clause, so it is more focused, more direct, more intense. It’s been great to be a chair for a hard-working and passionate group of debaters for the past 3 days
talks
President Chris Nam What have you gained from this conferene?
I think I’ve gained an insight on how to lead a forum, a reminder on how to chair properly, and a lot of fun watching delegates debate constructively.
By WINSTON YOO By AMY CHOI
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PHOTO COLLAGE
PHOTO COLLAGE
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COLUMNS
search for sean
by linda park
By linda park
By KRISTINE OAK
TODAY’S FASHION TREND: 11/06/2010 The last day of SEOMUN has arrived and the debates are coming to a close. Let’s see what formal wear is in style today among the participants of SEOMUN. The formal trend for girls: Hardcore Suit Well-fitting formal pants Matching suit jacket of same color or different color Black formal high heels or shiny flats. →With this look, girls will possess a sharp look but at the same time, they can move around comfortably in
The formal trend for guys: Dandy Boy Black formal pants Collar shirt of grey Black vest over the grey shirt Black or red bow tie Black formal shoes →This attire gives guys will have a neat and tidy look but they may always take off their ties and give their necks a break. By SEAN KIM
By SEAN KIM
Although SEOMUN is coming to an end, there will always be next year’s conference. As for me, this is my last time participating in SEOMUN and my last fashion column for formal wear. But we all know what there will be plenty of opportunities to dress formally. Show other delegates your passion for fashion. Will you be IN? or will you be OUT?
CARTOONS
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SEOMUN daniel lee CARTOONS BY:
ILLUSTRATED jeanne han
day
#3
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SUPERLATIVES
SEOULITE SUPERLATIVES Stacy Yun: Most likely to have a flock of sheep Jaimi Kim: Most likely to get frustrated by the disorganized tin of Danish Butter Cookies Kristine Oak: Most likely to fight with Eunice over the title of Nikhun’s girlfriend Elisa Han: Most beautiful (duh) Daniel Lee: Most handsome (duh) Stephanie Song: Most likely to throw a tantrum when there is no food Eunice Lee: Mostly likely to have eyebrow implants in the future Ms. Brown: Most likely to go to great lengths for a good cup of coffee Jessi Koo: Most likely to fall asleep at anywhere at anytime Milton Yoon: Most likely to have photos of Girls’ Generation, IU, etc. on his wall Winston Yoo: Most likely to set up a Nikon camera shop when he grows up Jasmine Park: Most likely to engage in a long Skype session with her friend from abroad Jonathan Yun: Most likely to say, “I got this.” Sean Kim: Most likely to take it like a man Amy Choi: Most likely to be Snow White Linda Park: Most likely to be able to trace a circle from her face Sangwon Kim: Most likely to have a collection of slippers at home Jay Chung: Most likely to be LEGEN…wait for it…DARY Jeanne Han: Most likely to work the hardest John Kim: Most likely to be unable to read his own handwriting Helen Song: Most likely to be hungry Eugene Kim: Most likely to give the best reactions Bona Koo: Most likely to weigh as light as a feather Elizabeth Song: Most likely to have a nasal problem Euna Sun: Most likely to be King Jong-guk’s sister