NO.368 JUN 2021 FEATURE COVERSTORY
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FEATURE
Will There Be an End to China's Cultural Plunders?
NO.368 JUN 2021
COVERSTORY
#StopAsianHate
SMTRACING
The Alliance Program You Want
NG TIMES
YU
CO N TE N TS
M
368
K
THE SOO
EDIT
JUN 2021 | THE SOOKMYUNG TIMES - NO. 368 JUN 2021 |
O
RI
AL
BOARD
About SMT
The Sookmyung Times (SMT) is the only official En-
glish Newspaper at Sookmyung Women's University.
Founded in 1973, 2021 marks its 49th anniversary.
SMT publishes a hardcopy magazine each March,
April, June, September, October, and December and
publishes a webzine each May and November. The
Sookmyung Times office is located in the Student
Union, room 309.
12
03 12 21
COVERSTORY
PUBLISHER President Chang Yunkeum
03 #StopAsianHate 28
16
DIRECTOR Professor Shim Sookyoung
LETTER GLOBAL REPORT
Carpe Diem! NOW or NEVER!
COPY EDITOR Professor Matilda Krivan
Do Not Hesitate or
FOCUS ON
04
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sang Lim Hyeji You Will Miss a Great
Summer Vacation is Experience!
CULTURE SECTION EDITOR Kwon Jung Eunseo Waiting for You
ALUMNAE
CULTURE SECTION EDITOR
SOCIETY SECTION EDITOR
Choi Song Bojeong
Na Cho Seongah
Recreating Music Her
Way 18 30
WOMAN SECTION EDITOR Lee Hwang Hayoung FORMAL ARTICLE
PEOPLE
CUB REPORTER
CUB REPORTER
Kim Lee Jiwon
Park Gil Yeonseo
06 Encouragement and
Enlightenment from 32
ON CAMPUS Photos
CUB REPORTER Park Sung Iyoung MUSE ON
08 21
CUB REPORTER Yoon Kim Eunji Following the Footsteps
of a Master of Modern
TEL 02)710-9152 Art
ADIEU SMT SMTRACING
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www.facebook.com/thesookmyungtimes
Time to Say Goodbye
You Want 34
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Plunders?
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SMT CULTURE HEAD TO HEAD
Open Your Time
Capsule at the Beach
CRITICAL VOICE TO CHANGE THE WORLD
LETTER
Carpe Diem!
Another semester has ended in the blink of an eye. It was full of regret, but
I will not regard it as regretful because I have to move on to prepare for
summer vacation. How are you going to spend your summer vacation?
Last summer vacation, I spent my days full of The Sookmyung Times
training. But this summer I'm a bit freer, so I thought about the types of
activities I could do that would have a lasting effect on my life. But it's not
easy planning for tomorrow, and it is even harder planning for the future.
So, I was at a loss brainstorming idea for my summer break. I had no idea
what I wanted to do or what I wanted to be. Nothing popped to mind. With
this concern floating in my head, I came to the conclusion that I should do
things that I can right now and not worry about their future relevance. Life
without a plan may not be a good idea, but there is a saying 'Carpe Diem.'
Once I do what I wanted to do, I will consider how I plan my future. It's a
vacation, so we need rest. Doesn't everyone? I'll travel, watch movies, and
go to the theatre. Basically, I will do all the things I couldn't do during the
school semester. I'm going to find a way to enjoy everything COVID-19
allows.
I hope my fellow Sookmyungians, you too, enjoy your summer vacation. You
don't need to do a productive task or get a job, just do something you like.
After revitalizing yourself, let's meet again in September!
Sang Lim Hyeji / Editor-in-Chief / smt_lhj@sookmyung.ac.kr
NO 368 / JUN 2021 3
ALUMNAE
Recreating Music
Her Way
Na Cho Seongah / Society Section Editor / smt_csa@sookmyung.ac.kr
Kim Lee Jiwon / Cub Reporter / smt_ljw@sookmyung.ac.kr
Have you ever seen an orchestra perform? It's a
magnificent combination of string, woodwind, brass, and
percussion instruments. At the center of every orchestra
is the conductor who leads the musicians. The conductor
is also referred to as a musician who recreates music.
SMT interviewed Professor Kim Kyounghee, pioneer of
Korean female conductors.
ALL PHOTOS FROM KKH
Before beginning the interview, from Sookmyung? Earning the title of first female
would you please introduce yourself In more recent years, Korean universities orchestra conductor must not have
to our readers? have begun offering an environment where been easy. What comes to mind as the
My name is Kim Kyounghee, and I am a students can learn to conduct. However, most precious moment?
professor in the Department of Orchestra when I was a university student, no such Winning the title of a front-runner is not the
Music at Sookmyung. I've worked here at major existed, and there were very few only best value. What's more important is
Sookmyung for 30 years. I am also the first symphony orchestras and conductors. For how responsible you are and how well you
female orchestra conductor in Korea. I have those reasons, I majored in composition and have come up with and that's when the title
also worked as a conductor of the Gwacheon then went overseas to major in conducting. has its meaning. In the past, it was unusual to
Philharmonic Orchestra and an artistic A music critic who attended the same church see a woman standing in front of an orchestra
director as well as a conductor of the Jeonju I went to said, "You are better suited to and conducting. I felt the pressure of being
Philharmonic Orchestra. During that same conducting than composing, so why not there, but I endured it with the thought that
period, I conducted the KBS Symphony become a conductor?" I was unfamiliar with why does it matter that I am a female when
Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, conducting and not confident, so I decided to other females were playing the instruments.
Busan Philharmonic, Daegu Philharmonic, first start conducting a choir. The critic also It is difficult to make music with others,
Suwon Philharmonic, Incheon Philharmonic told me that I would be entering new ground, so I was very nervous and tired, but I was
and so on. I took the Sookmyung a path no one else had travelled. I was able to grateful. I was rewarded by the end results,
Philharmonic Orchestra to the Sydney enter the department of orchestra conducting creating harmony at a music hall.
Opera House and Vladivostok Philharmonic at the Berlin University of Art in 1993 with
Hall in Australia and conducted the Indiana only a background in composition from How did you overcome hard times?
University Orchestra at the invitation of Sookmyung. The most difficult task for a conductor is
Indiana University. Although I am well rehearsal because I must create music in
over 60 years old, I passionately conduct What attracted you to composition front of the orchestra members without any
orchestras on any stage with faith and love and conducting? instruments. I always felt rehearsal was like
of music. Composing involves creating while walking through a minefield. I also have to
conducting is re-creation. In other words, engage in psychological warfare in order to
You are a graduate of Sookmyung the composer creates what does not exist, deal with people and listen to their musical
Women's University with a major and the conductor recreates what is already instruments. As a conductor, I must have
in composition as well as a graduate created. Each conductor produces different strong hearts because I need to manage the
of Berlin University of Arts with a music. However, both involve some form of music and the musicians together. Although
major in conducting. What made you creation. I am fascinated by both composing I love music, I feel that is the most difficult
major in conducting after graduating and conducting. task for me.
4 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMES
Then, what was your most are entering the profession in Korea, and I individuals can finally impress audiences.
memorable and rewarding moment? hope they will be recognized for their pure I feel like I am creating something out of
I was happiest when orchestra members, who ability and not be compared to males. nothing.
once ignored me as I was a female conductor,
Many students see you as a role The music performance sector has
came around. They would say they felt the
model. Do you have anything to been hit hard by COVID-19. How is
joy and emotion of the music thanks to
advise them? And, is there anyone the conductor making an orchestra
me. The applause of the audience is also
who influenced you too? impressive with directly meeting the
wonderful, but in the end, being recognized
by fellow musicians is my biggest reward. Please study the basics of conducting hard audience?
and listen to a variety of music. You need A conductor who has no technique would not
You were active with both Korean to reproduce music but at the same time, be able to do it. First, the conductor must play
and foreign orchestras. What has make it your own, so I hope you study the according to social distancing regulations.
been the most impressive experience techniques and music interpretations of many For example, stringed and percussion
conducting orchestra? conductors in depth. I also hope you keep a groups must wear masks on stage while
Among my conducting experiences, I really proper attitude toward music. The world wind instrument musicians socially distance
recall my experience of conducting the has many great conductors, but I especially themselves by playing in choir seats or other
eight-nation concert orchestra in Japan. It like the conducting style of Carlos Kleiber spaces where they can still see the conductor.
was incredible to witness orchestra members from East Germany. There is freedom in his There is a need to come up with alternatives
coming to practice an hour early. It was framework of conducting. While I've been to the traditional way of broadcasting an
also wonderful to see the musicians smiling conducting for many years, I still aspire to be orchestra on the large screen. If any of you
broadly, enjoying themselves as they played like him someday. have suggestions, I'm sure each orchestra
leisurely on the stage. Moreover, I was quite would love to hear from you.
What does it mean as a professor to
surprised by their consideration. They met
present good music to the public as Last, do you have any final words
me at the airport upon my arrival and saw me
well as conduct an orchestra that that you would like to leave for
off when I left so that I could wholly focus
harmonizes with everyone? Sookmyungians?
on music. Compared to that experience,
the atmosphere of a symphony orchestra in Making sheet music come to life at the hands You may not be sensing it now, but the time
Korea is a little heavy. I would like to see it of a conductor is hard work. Unaccompanied will come when you realize that this time at
take on an air of trust among the musicians music can be made and delivered by the Sookmyung Women's University was truly
by encouraging, caring, and practicing each single person with their sheet music, but the golden age of your life. 'Challenge new
other with a warm heart. However, it's not with an ensemble, you also need to consider paths and keep striving towards the ticker
easy with everyone having different ideas. melody and Mars. Therefore, the process tape'. Before you know it, you'll see your
The memories of each stage performance are of uncovering which kind of music is best wishes come true.
all precious and impressive to me. suited to which instrument for a particular
sound is what makes an ensemble attractive.
As the first female conductor in The efforts of the conductor and all of the
Korea, you must have had to endure
social prejudices, especially since Kim Kyounghee
the profession was male-dominated.
- G
raduate of Sookmyung Women's University, Department of Music
What difficulties did you experience? Composition
Indeed, but the profession is still difficult - G
raduate of Hochschule der künste Berlin, Department of Orchestra
for female conductors. On one visit to Conduct
Jeonju Philharmonic Orchestra as an invited - C
onducted with KBS Orchestra, Seoul City Orchestra, Daejeon City
Orchestra, Busan City Orchestra, and other multiple orchestras, both
conductor, I saw an article with the headline domestically and internationally
'Conductor who pierced the glass ceiling'. - S
tanding Conductor of Gwacheon City Orchestra, standing Conductor
That would never have been written if I were and Artistic Director of Jeonju City Orchestra, successive
a male. Being a conductor is a rare profession - Chairwoman of Korean Conductors Association, successive
for a woman, so there are few opportunities - S
itting Professor, Department of Orchestra Music, Sookmyung Wom-
for women. Today, more and more women en's University
NO 368 / JUN 2021 5
ON CAMPUS
English Spot for Speaking and Writing Help
The public education in Korea does not make it easy to have individualized English classes.
While there is systematic education in English, and the subject is taught both as a mandatory
and as an elective course, it does not offer much opportunity to discover one's individual
deficiencies and develop them further. To compensate for that, Sookmyung Women's
University founded a program that allows students to receive additional in-depth education
for free. The English Spot Program also known as ESP is managed by SMWU's Department
of General Education. It offers students the best opportunity to improve their English skills
through sessions with native English speakers. Students can register to meet one of SMWU's
foreign instructors on a 1:1 basis or in small groups to practice speaking English. The program
is offered each semester to all undergraduate students. There are two ways to register for the
program. First, students may go to the website of the Department of General Education and
apply on the site. Students should select 'non-subject program' from the list of options at the
top and click on English Spot Program. Students may also apply through bulletin boards or by SCREENSHOT OF ACE-SELF-STUDY
phoning the ESP center. The second way of registering is only for students who are currently
taking English language courses. Each of the courses' native English speaking instructors Park Gil Yeonseo / Cub Reporter
smt_gys@sookmyung.ac.kr
will post a link for Ace-Self-Study posted on Snowboard. Students can enter the Speaking
& Writing Help section under study materials. They can then check the ESP schedule at the
bottom of the registering page, which means they have control of the date, time, and instructor
when participating in ESP. After making those decisions, students should call 02-710-9365
to make a reservation. It is hoped that students are better informed of and participate in the
programs at SMWU such as this one, which offers great opportunities to improve one's
English skills.
Becoming Possible With Sookmyung's Support
On April 20th, Sookmyung Women's University was selected as one of the best universities
in the '2020 Evaluation of Educational Welfare support for Special Needs University
students'. Celebrating Special Needs Persons' Day in Korea, Sookmyung Women's University
was awarded the 'Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education's Citation'. The award
ceremony, held at the Center for Students with Disabilities, was attended by the president,
vice-president, and the director of student affairs at Sookmyung Women's University. 423
campuses from 343 universities in Korea were assessed in the evaluation carried out by the
Ministry of Education and organized by the National Institute of Special Education which is
done every three years. SMWU was selected for four straight years since 2011. Last year, the
center offered services such as lecture transcripts, video subtitles, and counseling for students,
so students could participate in online classes smoothly and manage difficulties caused by
COVID-19. Also, a special mentor lecture meeting was conducted by one of SMWU graduates
over Zoom late last year. This year, an online employment lecture, the graduate homecoming PHOTO FROM SOOKMYUNG WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY
day, and a leadership workshop were held on Zoom. In June, SMWU will offer support for
students taking their final examinations and a special support committee for special needs Yoon Kim Eunji / Cub Reporter
smt_kej@sookmyung.ac.kr
students will be held during the first semester. In the second half of the year, SMWU will set
up specialization programs, exchanges with graduate students, special lectures by mentors,
and career counseling. Sookmyung Women's University was also selected as a hub university
for Seoul in the '2021 Career Employment Support Project for Special Needs University
Students' conducted by the Ministry of Education. More employment education programs for
students with special needs are expected this year. For more explanation, refer to the website
of Sookmyung Women's University and click Center for Students with Special Needs.
6 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMES
NEWS IN SOOKMYUNG
Make Sense of Human Rights Sprout!
Since March 10, 'Sookmyung Human Rights, Tuium(sprouting),' has been operating by the
Sookmyung Women's University Human Rights Center. To foster a proper sense of human
rights among students, lectures are offered to students by talent donations from various
professors at Sookmyung Women's University. The lecture series consists of 10 videos, and
each video is about 10 minutes long, making it easy and time efficient for students. The
lectures are available for viewing on the SNOWBOARD e-class. And the lectures are all pre-
recorded videos, everyone is eligible to view them. In particular, because various professors
from various majors pre-recorded a lecture, students are able to enjoy human rights stories
from a number of different viewpoints. During the second week of the lecture series, Kim
Youngran, professor from the DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, uploaded a
lecture with the theme title 'Recognizing the Pain of Others.' During the lecture, Professor
Kim told a touching story that centered on a picture of an orangutan that was reaching out
to a drowning park ranger. She said, "Whenever we see others suffering, we must extend a SCREENSHOT OF SNOWAY
hand to them and hold on." Kim implies that students must view the pain of others as the first
step to taking human rights responsibly. During week five, the lecture entitled 'Prohibition Park Sung Iyoung / Cub Reporter
smt_siy@sookmyung.ac.kr
of Discrimination and Human Rights' by Hong Sungsoo, a professor from the DIVISION
OF LAW, was uploaded. Hong's lecture discussed the concept of discrimination in detail. He
also presented four areas where discrimination is considered a taboo in Korean society. At the
end of his lecture, Professor Hong urged students to pay attention to discrimination issues in
society, saying, "Discrimination is an important issue for everyone and provides a premise for
society to be safe and peaceful." Through this lecture series, students at Sookmyung Women's
University are able to learn about human rights and start to comprehend the true meaning of
human rights.
A Stepping Stone to a Society Without Hatred
April 20th was 'Special Needs Day'. To mark that day, the Smgonggam Center at Sookmyung
Research Institute of Humanities held special lectures during week three and four of , from April 15th to 22nd. The purpose of the special lecture series from
the Smgonggam Center was to set the stage for discussing the issue of 'hate', a hot topic
nowadays, and how to overcome it. The course was streamed on YouTube. Activities maps
were employed and could be accessed from the Smgonggam Center blog, which enhanced
lecture content understanding and made students think deeply about the topic. On April 15,
Jang Hawon, a humanities researcher at Kyung Hee University, talked about autism. From the
first autism diagnosis to the present, she discussed growing knowledge, theories, and various
techniques and tools made in that medical area. Jang also talked about how society could
better understand autism and better present help those on the autistic spectrum by reflecting on
the history of autism and research. Author Ha Mina's lecture on April 22nd covered depression
among women. She defined and classified depression by explaining the history of psychiatry SCREENSHOT OF SMGONGGAM
and the process by which knowledge was formed to measure depression. She also examined
whether individuals were overlooking their depression by simply claiming to feel gloomy. By Kim Lee Jiwon / Cub Reporter
smt_ljw@sookmyung.ac.kr
supplementing her talk with academic resources and showing comments from interviewees
who are suffering from female depression, she answered questions such as 'What do people
who do not fit into the psychiatric classification of depression think of themselves?' and 'How
are they living with depressed images of their bodies?'. Next in the lecture series will be three
photographers who will present on their communications with special needs persons. This
lecture was uploaded from the fifth week of April.
NO 368 / JUN 2021 7
ADIEU SMT
Time to Say Goodbye
The Sookmyung Times is ready to say goodbye once again to a valued reporter. A 87th
reporter is saying adieu and 88th reporters are taking her place. It may be the end of the
journey for the 87th reporter, but it is the start of a journey for the 88th reporters.
Sang Lim Hyeji / Editor-in-Chief / smt_lhj@sookmyung.ac.kr
Kwon Jung Eunseo / Culture Section Editor / smt_kes@sookmyung.ac.kr
Choi Song Bojeong / Culture Section Editor / smt_sbj@sookmyung.ac.kr
Na Cho Seongah / Society Section Editor / smt_csa@sookmyung.ac.kr
Lee Hwang Hayoung / Woman Section Editor / smt_lhy@sookmyung.ac.kr
LHY – Throughout my two years and six months, I was extremely grateful to all my colleagues who worked
tirelessly each day and night to get to where we wanted to be. I also appreciate the leadership of 86th reporters, the
encouragement from the 87th reporters, and the support I took more than I was given from the 88th reporters. I am also
thankful for each and every Sookmyungian who took the time to read my articles and all the people who helped me
write the articles. The Sookmyung Times allowed me to develop personally, and I cannot imagine college life without
this outstanding club. All the glory to God for leading me here for this wonderful journey with talented people which
will be kept deep in my heart.
KES – She taught me a lot about work at The Sookmyung Times. She helped me so much, and the time we spend
together will remain a good memory. Thanks to her and her leadership, I believe The Sookmyung Times will continue
successfully.
SBJ – The times spent with her will remain a precious memory, and I would like to offer my deepest appreciation of
her time with us. I promise to support her and wish her good tidings as her proceeds with school and life after SMT.
CSA - I can't believe our time with her is about to end. She was like a gift. Her presence always gave us great strength.
Thanks to all her hard work, we will manage SMT well, and I wish her the best in all that she endeavors from now.
LHJ – Time has really flown by. I can't believe she is now writing her final SMT article. First of all, I want to say thank
you. The six months that I worked with her were the most meaningful of my days with SMT. In other words, she made
it meaningful for us. I look forward to seeing her at our reunion. Until then, fare well.
8 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMES
F E A T U R E C U LT U R E
PHOTO FROM NEWSPIM
Will There Be an End to
China's Cultural Plunders?
Choi Song Bojeong / Culture Section Editor / smt_sbj@sookmyung.ac.kr
Park Sung Iyoung / Cub Reporter / smt_siy@sookmyung.ac.kr
Noonsong recently saw a famous Chinese YouTuber add the hashtag 'Chinese cuisine' to a video of
making Kimchi, claiming Kimchi which is a traditional Korean food was Chinese in origin. She also
noticed that China is laying claim to Korean traditional clothing. That is, China has announced that
Hanbok was actually Ming Dynasty attire. Moreover, there have been other attempts to call Korean
people such as Poet Yoon Dongju and Yoon Bonggil, an independent activist, as being of Chinese
heritage on the Chinese encyclopedia site Baidu. Expressing her anger at the tyranny of China,
Noonsong has begun to actively participate in campaigns to preserve Korean culture.
NO 368 / JUN 2021 9
PHOTO FROM KOIPA PHOTO FROM CHOSUNILBO
The beginning of the controversy
'Northeast Project' refers to a project founded by the Chinese as the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China officially
government to study the history and culture of the Northeast area of announced its 'Transmission Development Project.' The Chinese
the nation in order to incorporate all the history within the Chinese Civilization Propagation Project is expected to start by 2025, and
border. The project was carried out in earnest from February 2002 China actively promotes it using dramas, cartoons, and TV shows.
with official approval from the Chinese government after discussion A research team from Oxford University released a report on China's
and preparation for the study from 2001. Through the project, China propaganda activities in an interview with JTBC. The research team
aimed to unite its minority groups and create a single-race nation, said the Communist Party of China is conducting a propagation
thereby achieving political stability in the nation. However, there is project using official news agencies, diplomatic missions, influential
one big problem with the study. The study includes Korean history SNS users, and commentary units.
in the Chinese project. Goguryeo and Balhae are dynasties that once
occupied parts of the current Chinese territory. In other words, China Distortion of Korean culture in the media
attempted to incorporate Goguryeo and Balhae into Chinese history. China hopes to stimulate public opinion among its younger generation
China also claimed that Goguryeo and Balhae were Chinese dynasties through various media such as SNS and YouTube and make sure
in order to secure the legitimacy of their historical integration. In 2006, Korean culture is subjugated into Chinese culture. An example of
the South Korean government responded by launching the 'Northeast this propaganda activity is the controversy raised by famous Chinese
Asian History Foundation' sponsored by the Ministry of Education to YouTuber 'Liziqi.' In January, Liziqi posted a kimchi-making video on
correct distorted history. Nonetheless, China is insisting on its claim. her YouTube channel with descriptions of kimchi and made comments
In the end, the project expanded beyond historical conflict between on that video that kimchi is Chinese food. Like this example, there
South Korea and China up to the level of diplomatic issues. Although is systematic cooperation between the Chinese government and
the situation slowed for a while after China ended the study in 2007, individuals or organizations to manipulate public opinion around
China has yet to recognize the history of South Korea's two dynasties, the world by spreading false information quickly on social media.2)
describing Goguryeo and Balhae as Chinese dynasties in their history Because China's 'Culture Research Project' is performed through the
textbooks. media, which can be accessed around the world, distorted information
In addition to distorting history, China is now pushing forward the spreads quickly. Most other nations know little about Korean culture,
'Culture Research Project' that claims Korean culture is actually and as such are likely to accept this information as being true.
Chinese culture. The 'Culture Research Project' was started as China's activities have been causing a huge stir in Korean society since
an attempt to subjugate Korean culture into Chinese culture. The late 2020, especially with the 'Culture Research Project' announcing
project began in 2016 when Wang Wei, chair of the archaeology on the Internet the release of Hanbok items on a gaming platform.
board of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "I want the In October of last year, the Chinese game company 'PaperGames'
'Chinese Civilization Propagation Project' to become a global scale officially launched a styling mobile game called 'Shining Nikki' in
initiative."1) Since then, distortion of Korean culture began in earnest Korea. To commemorate its launch on the Korean server, Hanbok
clothing items were added to the game with the explanation that they
are traditional Korean costumes. However, Chinese users protested
strongly. They claimed that Chinese traditional clothes were being
described as Korean clothing. Controversy ensued, so PaperGames
deleted the Hanbok items from the Korean server and offered an
apology. A week after launching the game in Korea, the company
announced it would terminate the service on its official fan café,
'Shining Nikki.' Along with the announcement the company said,
"Some Korean users are continuing to racially insult China. Their
actions pushed us to the limit of patience."3) In response, Korean
service users expressed more perplexity about the termination of
the game service and the unreasonable claims made by the game
company. Even after the controversy, China is claiming that Korean
SCREENSHOT OF JTBC NEWS
Chair of the archaeology board of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Wang Wei
2) Same as 1
1) Kang Shinwho, "China's Kimchi and Hanbok Provocation…There Is a Propagation 3) Oh Kyeongmuk, ""Hanbok Is Chinese Clothes," Shining Nikki, a Chinese Game,
Project", JTBC News, February 7, 2020 Closes Korean Version", Chosun Ilbo, November 6, 2020
10 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMESthat Korean culture is part of Chinese culture. Because the Chinese
government agencies have actively pursued these falsehoods and
proceeded with the Culture Research Project, Chinese citizens have
become radicalized, and their belief grew strong. This has driven
many Koreans to seek ways to counter China's false claims. VANK,
a cyber-diplomatic mission, has sent letters of protest to Google,
demanding the error of labelling the origin of Kimchi as being from
China be rectified to show it is Korean. Also, VANK is campaigning
to promote the use of Korean proper nouns such as Taekwondo and
Ondol overseas. In addition, the national fashion brand LAKAI
KOREA shared a post on April 1, highlighting Malatang as a unique
Korean dish in order to show the illogicalness of China's distortion of
history.4) Besides the actions of these groups, other individuals have
voiced the abolishment of a Chinatown construction in Gangwon
Province. Kolon Global Crop., the project contractor, intends to
PHOTO FROM HANKYUNG DOTCOM build a Korea-China Culture Town in the province in order to attract
more tourists to the area. On March 29, a petition against the project
was uploaded onto the CheongWaDae board, and it has so far gotten
cultural items such as Kimchi, Taekwondo, and Samgyetang are 670,000 signatures. Overall, people in Korea are growing more and
all Chinese in origin on various media and through other methods. more concerned and voicing anger at the Northeast Project, and many
During the heightened anti-Chinese sentiment among Koreans, the people want the project stopped to protect our own culture. Due to
SBS drama once again came to the forefront of unrest in society, the project has been stopped and is under review.
controversy along with the 'Culture Research Project' in March. And the case shows how people's actions can influence change.
was a historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty, While there are some notable moves to protect our culture, critics
but after airing the first episode on March 22, people pointed out that pointed out that the Korean government's response is insufficient.
Chinese food was being served at the banquet table where Joseon's A national stand is needed to take on China's Northeast Project,
Prince Chungnyeong welcomed an exorcist from the Western China but the Korean government has only taken a passive attitude, and
border. Moreover, the Joseon female exorcist was dressed in Chinese the attitude is criticized as being even more indifferent than in the
apparel. Other problems with the drama included the stretching of past. In 2006 and 2007, the government launched the Northeast Asian
the truth regarding the descriptions of real historical figures. Viewers History Foundation in preparation for China's Northeast Project
demanded the drama halt production and kept criticizing the drama. and made demands that incorrectness be amended. In 2007, China
In response to viewers' uproar, the production company of apologized for their fault and removed problematic parts, Korean government's actions. However, as the recent cases show, the
but a national petition was posted on the CheongWaDae board on Northeast Project is continuing in a more subtle and extensive way.
March 24 calling for its complete cancellation. It said, "We demand The Korean government needs to develop a long-term and systematic
the immediate suspension of the drama ." Within response strategy. Park Kitae, CEO of VANK, claims the government
just two days after it was uploaded, it gathered roughly 200,000 is not actively responding to the current situation. He said, "Unlike
people. In the end, SBS stopped airing. However, even after its the issue right now with Japan, the government seems complacent
cancellation, controversy continued as many people said that the about the current situation with China. Koreans are suffering, so the
drama provided an excuse to spread the Chinese project. government must be alert to the damages and show the will of the
nation." Park's argument underlines the seriousness of the current
Each nation's stance and action situation and the need for governmental countermeasures. Seo
In the midst of all the controversy, China has remained defiant, and Kyoungduk, a professor of Sungshin Women's University, has also
this attitude has angered Koreans even more. For example, The criticized the government for not initiating any countermeasures to
Central Political and Legal Affair Commission of the Communist China's Northeast Project by saying, "The Korean government should
Party of China said, "The controversy over Kimchi is mere paranoia clearly pin down the wrong claims and face them head on."5) These
among Koreans who lack cultural confidence. Kimchi is a piece of comments show that the Korean government must directly intervene
China's five-thousand-year history." Xing Haiming, the Chinese in the situation and effectively deliver its nation's position on China's
Ambassador to South Korea, has also said, "China is made up of Northeast Project.
56 ethnic groups including ethnic Koreans living in China. Rather
than discussing Kimchi, it is better to consider Kimchi an element Call to action
of the bond between the two countries." Xing's comment is implying Culture is formed over a long period of time in a society and is used
as a means of representing a nation's lifestyle. In other words, culture
represents a society's identity, so it is important to protect that unique
culture. However, China continues to invade Korean culture and
its territory, and that seriousness is growing day by day. In order to
protect Korean culture, society should not merely get upset at China's
behavior, but everyone in society needs to actively work as a single
unit.
4) Lee Sunmyung, "LAKAI KOREA Said "Malatang Is Korean Traditional Food"", The
Kyunghyang Shinmun, April 1, 2021
5) Shin Dahyun, ""Is Paocai the Same Thing As Kimchi?"…Our Movement Against
China's Northeast Project", Yonhapnews, February 20, 2021
PHOTO FROM SEGYE ILBO
Lakai Korea is promoting Hanbok in New York's Times Square
NO 368 / JUN 2021 11COVERSTORY SOCIETY PHOTO FROM USA TODAY 12 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMES
#STOP
ASIANHATE Sang Lim Hyeji / Editor-in-Chief / smt_lhj@sookmyung.ac.kr
Can you recall the George Floyd case? A black man named George died due to the racist behavior
of a police officer. For more details on the case, refer to the FEATURE of The Sookmyung Times
No. 361. Just after the public was informed about the incident, people took to the streets to protest
against racism, and it seemed that awareness of racism started to improve around the world.
However, now acts of racism are towards Asians.
NO 368 / JUN 2021 13that Asians feel an increased sense of being
targeted by criminals.
According to the Asia Pacific Policy
Planning Committee, an Asian human
rights group, 280 cases of hate crimes were
received from 47 States from March 2020
to January this year. Of those cases, 420
were filed by Korean victims, which is the
second highest after filings by Chinese
victims. The civic group STOP AAPI HATE
PHOTO FROM HANKOOKILBO also released related statistics on Asian hate PHOTO FROM THE SOUTHERMER ONLINES
Mourning victims of Atlanta spa shooting
crimes. It announced a total of 503 similar
cases between January and February 2021.
I'm of Asian descent, Asians.2) Davis explains the reality facing
Together, these numbers indicate that
but I live here Asians in U.S. society. According to the U.S.
discrimination towards Asians happens at
LA police, in 2017, race hate crimes increased
Eight people were killed in shootings at three least 10 times every day. 342 of the 503 cases
by 18.5% compared to 2016, the highest in 15
different spa shops in Atlanta's Cherokee said they had experienced verbal bullying
years. In 2019, a Burger King advertisement
County in the U.S. on March 16. Four of the (68%), and 103 said they had been avoided
depicted an Asian model ridiculously eating
eight dead were Koreans and the two were (20.5%). The number of physically attacked
hamburgers with chopsticks, and a Dolce
of other Asian ethnicities. The shooter was persons reached 11%. Statistics clearly show
& Gabbana advert had a Chinese model
a white male that many experts identified as the reality of life facing Asians in the U.S. In
eating spaghetti in an odd manner. These two
a racist. However, the police in charge gave particular, the U.S. political media The Hill
companies' ads sparked the racist debate,
a public statement that the motivation for reported that last year, aversion to Asians
long before the cases occurring since the
the crime was not hate but sexual addiction, increased by 149% in 16 major cities across
start of the COVID-19 outbreak.
which causes huge controversy in the U.S. the U.S. That same year, the seriousness
However, China is also partially responsible
The police represented the killing as merely of Asian hate crimes became even more
for the recent crimes against Asians. China
"having a bad day." Citizens then raised pronounced, given that the total number of
has unintentionally spurred on the hate for
suspicions that the police were protecting hate crimes in the U.S. fell by about 7%.
Asians, once it revealed to the world that
the criminal. The New York Times also Therefore, there is an urgent need to take
COVID-19 originated from China. People
reported on the incident, writing, "Despite measures to protect Asians in the West.
started avoiding Chinese people and anyone
the growing fear of Asian Americans of hate
What made them victims? Oriental because non-Asians have difficulty
crimes triggered by the Atlanta shooting
distinguishing between people from the
incident, this crime is experiencing difficulty Discrimination and hatred of Asians existed
various Asian nations. During the start of
in being classified as a hate crime." Despite before the COVID-19 pandemic. The
the outbreak, some Asians could be seen
the surge in crimes targeting Asians in the 1992 Los Angeles riot led by Black and
wearing T-shirts that said, "I'm not Chinese."
U.S. due to COVID-19, it has been almost Hispanics is one example. At that time,
Nonetheless, discrimination against them
impossible to prosecute perpetrators for hate Korean shops were looted intensively in
did not always stop. Yun Injin, professor of
crimes. Jun, a Korean who has been living in the southern part of Los Angeles and Korea
Sociology at Korea University, said "The
the eastern part of the U.S. for 10 years, said, Town, where many Blacks lived. American
idea that Asians may spread such a virus is
"Since the onset of COVID-19 whenever I social critic Mike Davis explained that
a direct cause of oriental aversion."3) That is,
go to Manhattan, I feel uneasy because of anger toward white people, dissatisfaction
Asians are branded as virus carriers. What is
the insecurity."1) Jun's comment indicates with large corporations, and attitudes that
worse, a local newspaper in France printed
white people were responsible for making
an article related to COVID-19 on its front
1) Kim Seojung, "COVID-19 Please Stop Hating them poor among Blacks were expressed to
Asian", KBS NEWS, February 26, 2021 page with the title "Yellow Warning Order."
Asians are being attacked even in the media.
Foreign media have fueled discrimination
and aversion toward Asians.
Moreover, remarks by former U.S. president
Trump also contributed to the increase
in discrimination against Asians. In a
speech at the 75th UN General Assembly
on September 23, 2020, he publicly held
China responsible, saying, "China blocked
movement domestically in the early days
of the virus while allowing planes to go
out and infect the world." He attacked
China and Asians because he was unable
to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the
U.S. Trump also implemented immigration
2) Lee Taegyu, "3,800 Cases of Asian Hatred in the
Year of COVID-19. The United States Has Remained
Silent", Hankookilbo, April 5, 2021.
3)3 Park Sungeun, "[News Feature] China or Korea?
No Asians!" Head-Raising Racism", YONHAPNEWS
PHOTO FROM STOP AAPI HATE AGENCY, February 13, 2020
14 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMESduring a BBC broadcast, said, "I am aware of
the discrimination committed against Asians.
Governments have a responsibility to prevent
discrimination." However, a year later, the
Atlanta shootings occurred, implying that
the Korean government has not yet done
much to help its citizens overseas.
In the end, citizens came forward to stop
racism. After the Atlanta shootings, the
movement with the slogan "Stop Asian
PHOTO FROM VOICE OF AMERICA
Senate passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
Hate" started as a way of opposing anti-
Asian sentiment throughout the U.S. On
March 27, in Los Angeles Korean Town,
restrictions to prevent the spread of the Trump's remarks such as "Chinese virus" citizens voluntarily held a "National Action
COVID-19. In July of last year, the U.S. only reinforce Americans' negative attitudes Day". About 2,000 Asian people participated
Department of Homeland Security and the toward Asia. He vowed to take a different in the rally. They held placards with the
Ministry of Justice announced new policies course than the Trump administration. On slogan "Stop Asian Hate" and handed out
for asylum-seekers to prevent the spread of April 22, U.S. senators passed a bill that T-shirts with the same phrase printed on
COVID-19. The document clearly stated would prevent anti-Asian crimes during them. The protestors marched through the
that immigrants were a serious threat to the the COVID-19 period. The bill requires center of the Korean Town. Similar rallies
U.S. However, Jennifer Minear, president the Department of Justice to promptly were held across the U.S., but on different
of the American Immigration Lawyers examine any hate crime during the COVID-19 days in places like San Francisco and
Association, responded to the regulations pandemic reported to federal, state, and local Washington. Also, on Instagram, articles
by saying, "The United States is the country government judiciary agencies. The bill will with the hashtag "#StopAsianHate", totaled
with the highest COVID-19 infection rate. be confirmed as law once it is signed by more than 400,000, and on Twitter, the same
That policy just makes the national rights U.S. President Biden. hashtag was shared about 6.7 million times
rise by sacrificing the vulnerable class."4) The South Korean government also has a day. Many people are voicing agreement
She criticized the policy saying it did not started to take action. It has expressed its on anti-discrimination in Asia. K-pop stars
consider the impact on the vulnerable deepest condolences to victims of families BTS, the fashion brand LMC, and Madonna
hierarchy. What was worse, whenever in the Atlanta shooting and has made it also joined in the movement and denounced
Trump made discriminatory remarks, hate clear that it is willing to support the U.S. racist acts towards Asians. In other words,
comments against Asians flooded SNS government's efforts to combat hatred and for discrimination towards Asians to stop,
media platforms. In the end, it was the action violence. However, the Korean government each government and citizens are making
of former U.S. president Trump that brought response has been evaluated as inadequate. efforts.
about much of the discrimination problems Professor Park Noja of Korean Studies at
that Asians are currently experiencing. the University of Oslo in Norway, said on What is my COLOR?
his Facebook page, "Korea's measures for If discrimination against Asians continues,
What needs to be done the pain suffered by Korean compatriots international relations will collapse. In
In response to the March 11 Atlanta overseas are not enough. It is necessary to particular, hatred of Asians has been
shooting, U.S. President Joe Biden said, "I strongly promote 'measures for the safety directly linked to the deterioration of US-
am well aware that Asian Americans are very of compatriots'." He criticized the passive China relations. Despite ongoing efforts by
worried. This is wrong, not like the United attitude of the government. In fact, the effort governments to prevent racism, no concrete
States. It must be stopped." He indicated of the South Korean government has not results have been seen. Therefore, each
that he would address the issue, and in a produced any visible results. In March of nation needs to establish clearer measures,
statement on the 21st of the same month, last year, Foreign Minister Kang Kyungwha, designate racist crimes as hate crimes, and
Biden announced that "Systemic racism announce more appropriate punishments and
and white supremacy are ugly poisons that preventative measures.
have long plagued the United States. We
will change the law that has made possible
continuous discrimination." His statement
made it appear that he sympathized with the
pain of Asians. Biden also pointed out that
4) Lee Seol, "Trump Administration, "Immigrants,
Serious Threats to the Spread of COVID-19. Asylum
Restrictions"", THE DONG-AILBO, July 9, 2020. SCREENSHOT OF BBC HOMEPAGE
NO 368/ JUN 2021 15FOCUS ON 16 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMES
Summer Vacation is Waiting for You
What are you planning for your summer vacation?
Lee Hwang Hayoung / Woman Section Editor
smt_lhy@sookmyung.ac.kr
NO 368 / JUN 2021 17PEOPLE
ENCOURAGEMENT
AND ENLIGHTENMENT
from Photos
PHOTO FROM GOFUNDME
Sang Lim Hyeji / Editor-in-Chief / smt_lhj@sookmyung.ac.kr
Park Gil Yeonseo / Cub Reporter / smt_gys@sookmyung.ac.kr
Decades have passed since the Korean War, a sad period in Korean history. The nation now approaches its 70th
anniversary since the end of the war. The current status of the nation exists thanks to the soldiers who fought at that
time. One person today is keeping up the memory of that time through his camera. This person visits soldiers from
all over the world hoping to capture their image so that they are remembered more and longer. The Sookmyung
Times met this renowned photographer who had captured the images of numerous forgotten heroes from the
Korean War to connect Korea's past to the present.
18 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMESWhat would you say is the most
important consideration when taking
photos of veterans? What is it exactly
you are trying to capture?
First of all, I take their photos candidly,
just as they are. For the most part, they are
already prepared. I'm not looking at any
one particular image such as the fathers
they became or the ideals they hold. I'm just
shooting them as Korean War veterans. They
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK OF RAMIHYUN lived the period of history, known only to
the world as the Korean War. It is not easy
Would you please introduce yourself to visit with them and recall the past, but it is
briefly to our readers before we start quite simple to meet them and press a shutter
the interview? button. In other words, I capture them as they
My name is Rami Hyun, and I am a are.
photographer working on the project 'Project-
Soldier: Searching for Korean War Veterans' What is the most impressive photo
to thank the soldiers and veterans by taking session you've ever done, or the one
their pictures and writing up their stories to that is your favorite?
pass them down to the next generation. I would like to say all are memorable and
each person has a unique story. The most
How did you get started in a memorable aspect of taking the photos is PHOTO FROM NAVER POST OF SAEKI P&C
photography career? the talk that follows after taking pictures. I
I studied in the Department of Humanities can recall this one veteran, who said, "I've with energy and satisfaction, so I keep taking
originally. It was only after serving in the often been treated as a veteran, but just as it pictures.
army did I become interested in photography sounds, I was treated as just another veteran.
by encountering computer graphics. I started However, seeing myself in your photos, I feel You must have a lot of impressive
to study art after being discharged from the like a true hero." Because a photo only tells episodes during photo shoots. What
army, and in 2004, I entered the Academy the outside story, I include the inside through are some of those episodes and
of Art University in San Francisco to learn talks with the veterans. Often they call who are some of those memorable
about computer graphics. Studying abroad, themselves cowards, for reasons of surviving persons?
I changed my major again to photography. the war. They say the real heroes are their I clearly remember Captain Christopher
After majoring in Documentary/Editorial fellow soldiers who died on the battlefield. Coldrey who I photographed in London,
Photography, I found my career path. They've lived their whole lives feeling guilty, England in July 2019. He came to the shoot
feeling sorry for having survived, thinking, in a wheelchair and was unable to stand at
You are currently taking pictures of "Why was I spared?" I can see their outlook all. However, during our session, he wanted
Korean War veterans. Why did you change when they see themselves in the to stand and salute his colleagues, so we
begin to take pictures of them among photos. In each image, I ensure their eyes helped him and I captured that moment. He
many people? are showing the emotion of a true soldier said he did not want to take any photo seated,
When I returned to Korea, I started taking hero, not a coward. When I show them their so with the help of his wife and daughter, he
photos of classical music performances to photos, I see them change. That time fills me stood up for each photo. I distinctly recalled
be used as advertisements at Seoul National
University Hospital as well as photos of
current fashion. One day I happened to visit
the first Army Division. I did a lot of work
there and learned a great deal about the
soldiers. I came to understand their language
and got to know the reality of their world,
which differed greatly from my thoughts.
That's when I started the project of filming
soldiers. During a 2016 exhibition where I
displayed pictures of the soldiers, Salvatore
Scarlato, a U.S. Marine veteran, came.
Meeting him, I became intrigued by the
expressions in his eyes as well as his pride.
My curiosity began from this. I wondered
'Where does this sense of pride come from?'
That led me to ask him. That's the story of
how it all began, how I became determined
to take photos and learn all I could about
Korean War veterans.
PHOTO FROM NAVER POST OF SAEKI P&C
NO 368 / JUN 2021 19PHOTO FROM NAVERSTORE
The book cover of PROJECT SOLDIER Searching for KOREAN WAR
VETERANS 1st edition
him laughing during the shoot. I returned to
London to present him with his photos but
to my deepest sadness, I learned that he had
passed on just 5 days before my arrival. His
behavior and persona will remain forever in
PHOTO FROM NAVERSTORE
my memory.
You operate an online store for something that doesn't earn you a profit?" or 2019 until the 70th anniversary of the
support. What issues have you "Why focus on a time of war when others are end of the Korean War in 2023. I hope
enjoying a time of peace?" Those questions to host a large exhibition that celebrates
encountered running the store?
are disheartening, so I brush them aside by the 70th anniversary by bringing the past
Many people have offered support, but ignoring them. I do my best with the thought to the present and letting veterans know
as a private not-for-profit organization, I that this might be my last session. how their sacrifice affects the present day.
cannot receive any formal support. I try to After that, I am looking at visiting the 22
financially support my project by making Listening to war veterans' stories countries that participated in the Korean
goods and books. The shop is not for 'selling' must surely be impressive. Does War and giving lectures on the Korean War
items, but for earning financial support so it make you think about current through exhibitions and education. Also,
that I can continue with my project. Honestly, policies or welfare systems for war I will continue to speak of the veterans'
I need to create many more products, but I veterans? achievements, what they left behind, and
am burdened by a lack of money and human how we must inherit their sacrifice.
Most of the veterans I have met consider
resources. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the
themselves "forgotten war veterans" from a
people who surround and support me. Would you like to leave a few words
"forgotten war," so society needs to let them
know that they are not forgotten. We need for Korean War veterans?
Recently, 'Project Soldier Book
to instill the ideas that no one has forgotten I would like to say, "Thank you. I will never
Searching for Korean War Veterans'
their sacrifice and service. This is something forget your sacrifice, the values you held
was published. How do you feel now
they want and need. They just want other dear, and what you have left behind." Also,
that it has been published?
generations to know that they fought in I would like to say that I promise to protect
One of my supporters, Kang Kiho, an ex- that war. A lot of the younger generations the freedom and democracy we have because
United States Air Force officer, asked me to have forgotten, and others choose simply of you.
publish a book and provided me with enough not remembering it because it happened
money to make 500 copies. If I'm honest, long ago. Before they leave this world, the Last, do you have any words
that's the reason I created and published veterans need to be thanked and the younger you would like to share with
the book. I actually gave away 100 of the generations need to know about them so Sookmyungians?
copies to war veterans and my supporters. that they are not forgotten and their sacrifice It's not too late yet. Many Korean War
The remaining 400 copies sold out within was not in vain. I visit elementary schools veterans are still alive, both overseas and
just 10 days, which really eased my worry to teach and have students write letters of domestically. Take a look around. You can
that they would not sell. Also, the project, thanks to the war veterans so that knowledge easily find people wearing hats of national
which started in 2016, was able to see some of their sacrifice and important values are merit in subways, on buses, and at hospitals.
of the materials get published in book form passed along. Please say, "Thank you for your service."
and given back to the people that made it These are the valuable words with deep
possible, the veterans themselves. What are your plans for the future? meaning to their lives.
You must encounter a lot of I will continue with this work with Director
Hedy who took part in this project from
difficulties trying to visit veterans
directly. What is the most difficult
aspect of your project? How did you
overcome it? RAMI HYUN
Most people think it is money, but money
- Graduated from AAU (Academy of Art University) in 2010
is actually the second problem. The first
- S
tudent in the Department of Applied Art at Hanyang University
problem is locating the veterans. I personally Graduate School
only want to express my gratitude to the - CEO of RamiStudio
veterans, so it has little to do with money.
- W
orking on the 'Project-Soldier: The search for Korean War Veterans' for
Some people have asked me, "How much recording Soldier and Korean War veteran
do you charge per photo shoot?", "Why do
20 THE SOOKMYUNG TIMESYou can also read
