30 Things about ME

30 Things about ME

1. H₂O

Inscribed into my brain there lies an embarrassing moment where I ferociously moved my legs swimming against the water to get that gold medal and raising my head towards the scoreboard just to find out that I came in last of all the contenders of 800m fin swimming. But still, it’s one of my greatest passions in high school life. Every Tuesday, scintillated at the thought of riding that bus to the local swimming pool, I get my fins on. Whenever I see my record shorten by a second or even one-third of a second, an automatic smile appears on my face. So, until now I stand still, on the 45 centimeter diving board with my hands tightly grasping the front part of the board, and my eyes focused only at the still water waiting to be dived.

2. Football (or soccer as they say in America)

The futsal field is evil. Once you let your foot inside it never lets you go. Although I’m not in the school football club, I’m pretty sure my affection for soccer is slightly more, never less than those of the club members. I started playing football in high school and I wish I had the innate tendency to smell goals but it’s actually better when you’re bad. It gives way for improvement (But ironically even if you are good, you still have room for improvement. That’s what I love about football). Just come by the futsal field and occasionally you’ll see me practicing the signature moves of Eden Hazard or Oscar (my favorite Chelsea players).

3. Model UN

I started my MUN career as the delegate of Mexico, promoting disarmament of nuclear warheads for every nation, global wide. It got me into politics and debating (Always a handy tool). Pretty surprised at the fact that this school had a debate club, a mock trial club but no model UN club, I founded KMLA MUN. I acquired the nickname from my peers of being the snake oil salesman as I persuade powerful nations into helping weaker ones.

My favorite committee happens to be the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council).

4. Philosophy

I first encountered philosophy when I broke my leg playing football. It was June and I was kicking the ball with all my might having one objective of putting this spherical object covered in hexagons inside the net. Swift turns and fakes were all I needed to get pass the alert defenders when I finally was one on one with the keeper. It was then when I heard the loud thump rather than the whoosh sound of the net trembling. I had unfortunately kicked the ground not the ball. At first, I thought it was a simple bruise. But the doctor had concluded that it was a serious contusion and I had to go around in crutches.

For a whole month I had to spend my life sitting on a chair, wondering how I should spend my time. Looking around, a book came into my sight. "50 philosophy ideas you really need to know" by Ben Dupré. I really had nothing to do so all I did was open the first page of that book. "The Brain in a Vat" These few combination of words were the first thing that came into my sight and have captivated my mind ever since. It read "Imagine that a human being has been subjected to an operation by an evil scientist. The person's brain has been removed from the body and placed in a vat of nutrients which keeps the brain alive. The nerve endings have been connected to a super-scientific computer which causes the person to have the illusion that everything is perfectly normal. There seem to be people, objects, the sky, etc.; but really all the person is experiencing is the result of electronic impulses travelling from the computer to the nerve endings." How have I wondered after reading these lines. It created the sense of doubt in my simple mind and troubled me ever since. The mere possibility of doubting or perhaps questioning the certainty of our existence seemed novel. I mean if it were true all I have perceived or known must have been a fantasy. The mere possibility appears to undermine our claims to knowledge about the external world.

5. Badminton

Challenging the teacher, even though you know you’ll lose, is full of ineffable gaiety. I like challenges, how hard they may be.

6. Stepped on by girls

This is a regular thing. Wednesday night, burdened by the weight of heavy girls, enduring the same excuse that they’re all in a diet but never seem to lose weight; I throw them, catch, and land them for the fun of it. It’s actually pretty demanding as one little mistake might cause a fatal injury for the one being thrown. Responsibility and caution, these are always essential when cheerleading.

7. Literature

I love literature. It’s one of the most efficient ways to speak directly towards the heart. My favorite writers are Alice Walker, Shakespeare, and John Steinbeck. (Oh, Hemingway and Fitzgerald too, of course). There’s one axiom that I always remember said by my current literature teacher. “The message implied by the author is of no importance. Personal interpretation of the message conveyed is what really matters.”

8. Writing

You may call it an obsession but I’ve always had this secret craving to be the best writer in the world. I’ve read pretty much all the guidebooks available and googled “how to become a good writer” countless times. Unfortunately, every time I write I am swarmed by dissatisfaction and discontent as I never really loved my writing. Great writers, they say, tend to be drunk while producing their best pieces of work. Hemingway did it. Fitzgerald did it. Even Edgar Allen Poe did it. Why not me? Maybe in the near future you might see me drunk embraced inside my own little world.

9. History

Starting from world history, I listen to Mr. Ganse to pull out his intellect and share a small proportion of it, always laughing at my stupidity. I explored how American textbooks depicted East Asia without any significance, tried to compare original Buddhism and Jainism, and finally compared football culture of S. Korea with that of Germany. Precious memories I have to say.

10. Trip with my father

London, Rome, and Vatican City scorched my permanent memories by inscribing themselves with grace. It was the first time I’ve ever been to Europe. Unforgettable memories reside inside my brain with my father always pictured beside me. It was one of those memories that you would want to cling on to. It has always been the subject of multiple essays I have written.

11. Football talks with Mr. Tweedie (my English Literature Teacher)

It was September 21^st, 2014 when Leister City beat Manchester United 5:3, even though United was leading 3:1 until the 62^nd minute, that I almost got an F in my AP English Literature paper. I was an idiot to have teased my AP English Literature teacher (a United fan) of the humiliating loss when I should have empathized with his sorrow. His remarks “I am going to find your paper and give you an F” is still a sharp reminder that football can be dangerous. To compensate for my mistake I enclosed myself with a big Manchester United blanket and printed the “Keep Calm and Love Manchester United” poster just in case. Now before every lit class we discuss football trends, the latest transfer market, and comment on players who played awful on yesterday’s football match. It is one of the best moments that I always enjoy before class. You should know that my secret ambition is to slowly change him, step-by-step into a Chelsea fan… (Go Blues!)

12. Organic Chemistry

Without pain there is no gain. Spent multiple nights studying this subject and I hope it was worth it. I’m still counting the number of benzene rings I’ve drawn. It’s about 3000 up until now.

13. René Descartes

Simply, a genius. No need for explanation. Maybe a quote.

"But what pleased me most about this method was that, through it, I was certain in all cases to employ my reason, if not perfectly, then at least to the best of my ability; moreover, I believed that, in practicing it, my mind was gradually getting used to conceiving of its objects more clearly and distinctly, and that not having set it to work on any particular matter, I was able to set myself the task of applying it just as usefully to the problems of other branches of knowledge as I had done to those of algebra."

"A Discourse on the Method, René Descartes, Oxford World Classics, p.19"

It is because of him we know how we exist, though nobody really cares;; He was the king of all skepticism and the father of reason. A rationalist myself, he was the guide that introduced me to the world of crazy also known as philosophy.

14. Passion for the winning flag

Everyone has it, don’t they?

15. “When in Doubt leave it out.”

- From "The Elements of Journalism" by Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel on Originality -

I love this phrase on two levels.

1. It tells us that originality is the bulwark of better journalism.
2. It rhymes. (My secret fetish for rhymes)

16. Always loved being the minority…

Why? Because the Truth always rests with the minority. The minority is generally formed by those who really have an opinion, while the strength of a majority is illusory, formed by the gangs who have no opinion. Dangerous, but I like the feeling of it. That’s why while MUNing, I always purposefully choose to represent the minor countries like Mexico or even perhaps Equatorial Guinea (no hard feelings) and win.

17. Charlie Wilson's War (2007, dir. Mike Nichols)

Solid Proof of how one man changed the course of history.

"You mean to tell me that the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan is to have the Afghans keep walking into machine gun fire 'til the Russians run out of bullets?"
-Texas congressman Charlie Wilson-

One day, I want to be just like him. Persuading ill-minded politicians, listening to refugees, saving lives.

18. Confidence

I’m not full of myself. But I am accused sometimes for my overflowing confidence. This conviction, more personal and serious in nature than you think, is definitely a motivation for every step I take. It gives me not only courage but also obstinate determination. But still I should be careful to draw the line between haughtiness and confidence.

19. Religion

Honestly, I’m an atheist. Religion in my perspective is mostly concerned with belief. I respect one’s belief as the same logic applies to the fact that I don’t trust in the existence of god.

20. Love

One of man’s greatest desires. Explain one’s maxim I shall if life be full of love. “Love not with the eyes but with the mind; therefore the winged cupid should be painted blind.” (feeling renaissancy…courtesy of Shakespeare)

21. My father in Singapore

He designed buildings for a living. My house in Incheon was actually designed and constructed by my father. He specializes in super-skyscrapers and was scouted to Singapore for his skills. My heart is full of respect of my father. He’s also my best friend and adviser. Although I get to meet him only four times a year, every moment I cherish and hope to remember.

22. Dozing

I never dozed in my life until I began my life in KMLA. I don’t know why, but focusing in class (keeping my eyelids open) is an arduous task. Full with the indomitable love of academics I shall try my best to concentrate with all my might in classes.

23. Sleep

We are simply “Devoid” of sleep…

24. Boredom

I have always had the tendency to be bored. To that end, you can quite often find me wandering around, embraced in my own thoughts.

25. Eccentric Thoughts

Speaking of thoughts, my thoughts are usually eccentric. The subjects vary all the time but I remember one time pondering upon how I would feel if I had my brain transplanted into another human being. Would that still be me? Or more likely do I even exist?

26. Room 103

My first roommates when I came to KMLA. Tons of things to say about them… which I will elucidate in further essays that will be written in the near future.

27. Alice Walker “The Color Purple”

Beautifully imagined and deeply compassionate, the book is rich with passion, pain, and inspiration. Vivid in its description of how women and race are burdened by the tools of oppression, it has been one of those books that influenced the way I perceive the world. This book is a true retaliation against male domination and female subjugation so characteristic of the traditional world in 19 century. The explicit language used in the epistolary novel adds to the wonder it creates.

28. Procrastinating

Not a habit that I should continue.

29. Cleaning

I love cleaning only if my clothes are already cleaned. Why wouldn’t I? Cleaned clothes are what I like the best.

30. Dancing

I know it sounds weird even bizarre, but I have acquired a special set of skills in KMLA (Especially how to dance like a girl). My abhorrence for dancing still remains although inevitable situations do force me to show myself.

After reading "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller

After Reading "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller

Dear God,

What meaning does it give if your name is used not for penitence but pretense.


I learned after reading the crucible, that theocracy might beguile us all with God or perhaps only the image of God at its heels.

An Essay for Fun: Flowers

Flowers             

             Do you know how I fell in love with you? It was not you but the weather that moved my heart. My

gaze was upon one of the blue patches of sky, the radiant glow of the sun, and the warmth of the desert. It was the weather not you that made my heart flow with affection. You were just there in the perfect place to start a love and my heart leapt towards you. I wandered the desert trying to find the perfect gift; maybe a cactus. No no, too normal, too useless. You will never accept my heart if it weren't a flower. Yes, it has to be a flower.

             So the search began trying to attain my heart’s desires. I walked and walked across the endless desert until I reached a forest full of trees. Rivers flowed and birds chirped making the scene a paradise. I looked down but there was no flower there. I walked and walked again trying to find the perfect flower. ‘Maybe up in the trees’ I thought. But there were so many, all standing up so tall and I couldn't just climb any tree. I listened for the sound of the trees. Minutes passed and it was then when I heard your laughter among the green colors. I ran. The magnificence of the tree trapped me into a moment I cannot put into words. Climbed and climbed I did, being ahead of the next branch and another. What felt like an incessant climbing, had finally come to an end. I opened my eyes wide but there was no flower there.

             Deep with dissatisfaction, I sat for a while and drank from the river that gently flew, while drinking also the color that filled the air. The forest was amazing. The cool breeze and sufficient water was too much compared to the desert. I hoped to bring you here after we've met, after you receive my flower. Again my search began. I was as swift as a desert kangaroo rat that was searching for food. “Where is it?” A feeling of frustration swelled inside me, reaching towards desperation. I began to climb, climb up towards the high mountain sides to see a better view of the whole forest. I was with clouds. Only the full view of the majestic forest calmed me down. The sun’s orange light filled the forest and reached out far, even towards the desert. “Shh Shh” The sound of a waterfall suddenly grasped my ears. Yes, it was the only place to find a flower for you and for you only.

            

When I saw the waterfall, feelings of fear crawled in, with the overwhelming clashes of water. I began to look for the flower. There it was, right at the margin of the waterfall. Dangling with fragility, the most dashing flower I had ever seen. Without hesitation I began to climb down. The waterfall was as dangerous as a lunging tiger. Every time I moved water splattered me. But my passionate heart would fill me with vitality. Finally, I clasped my hands over the small creature.

             Darkness was falling deep into the atmosphere. I had to run to reach you. So I drenched the flower with water so that it wouldn't die. I even carried a bowl full of water made by leaves. Running across the waterfall, pass the trees, and pass the desert, I longed to see you. But I felt myself get lighter as I reached towards you. The sun kept on moving but I have forgotten the sense of time. Darkness was dawning upon me.

             The blue patches of sky was now grey, the sun to be seen no more. Even the warmth of the desert seemed to be shaded by the cold. I ran towards you holding the now dry flower. But you were pale, pale as my flower. I couldn't believe it… The agony seemed to draw in slowly, love leaving me alone. I tried to pour water into your dry mouth. But the water was almost empty. It had spilled during the run. No. This cannot be. She was dying of thirst. The harsh desert had no mercy.

           

  I prayed to the moon so that she could live, I 
prayed that I would die instead. I began to stomp my head to the desert sand. Stomp, stomp, stomp. A feeling of weariness sparked throughout my body. My body was one with the desert. My flesh and blood became part of the Turkana Lake, forming the largest lake in the world. And I say to you. My love towards you is as big as this lake. I will never forget you. I will miss you with my life. That’s what I see in my eyes, the loving moment and memory that I saved you.

What the Idea of "Minjok" Imposes on Contemporary Korea

What the Idea of “Minjok” Imposes on Contemporary Korea

I.        Introduction

II.      Conceptual Definition of Minjok,

                        i.  In Past Terms

                      ii.   In Modern Terms

III.   The Appearance of Minjok in History,

                        i. Korea

                      ii.  The World

IV.    The Idea of Minjok in Korea,

I. Introduction

             Korea is thought to be a pure country using the concept, “Minjok.” This one term describes our ethnicity, culture, the way we think, behave and even gives us a sense of unity. It is abstruse to truly grasp the meaning of this word as it is so vague in many levels. For example, looking at the translations done by various dictionaries and historical documents, the concept “Minjok” is translated to the term “Nation.” But this change seems to be inaccurate as the feelings that these words impose are vastly different. In the 1870s it was the Japanese who first adopted the term “Nation” in European countries and converted it into “Minjok.” China followed this idea in 1903 and redefined Minjok contrasting it with the term Gookmin. In 1906, due to the effects of China; Korea finally imported the word, “Minjok.”

             Minjok was a concept that has been readily used by Japan (In the colonial era) and Korea’s past governments for the purpose of indoctrination. Furthermore, this concept had succeeded in uniting the people of Korea to feel and think as one. As history suggests, “Minjok” is not a concept that can be described as one word like “Nation.” It rather evokes a much broader sense of unity among people and the thoughts we have.

             But in modern times, this known concept is now being evaporated to the midst as the usual boundaries that defined Minjok is now ambiguous. Boundaries such as blood, nationality, and ethnicity have no affect whatsoever in the current global society. Globalization has altered the concept of Minjok.

II.  Conceptual Definition of Minjok

             Before globalization, boundaries existed in order to divide Korea, Japan, and China. It was blood and culture that divided the Minjok of these people. However culture was a vague standard to decide one's Minjok as migrations did exist at that time. But one standard, blood was never broken. The phenomenon Koreans only marrying Koreans, calling themselves ‘Danil Minjok’ (One Minjok) was the reason blood was acceptable for a standard. Even the language was used to determine the Minjok of the person. Only a few people learned how to speak other languages including diplomats. But now culture, blood and language are not a standard in determining one’s Minjok. The definition of Minjok is no longer the same and has changed throughout time.

 i.  In the Past Terms,

             As explained before, the concept of Minjok and its meanings were derived from European nations by the Japanese. Among terms that define human groups that possess a political nature, Minjok was the last term that came out. Unlike Kookmin or Injong, Minjok does not have a clear definition explained in a dictionary. In 1887, Japan’s Maige nationalists had spread the concept of Minjok throughout Japan, comparing “The German Minjok” with “The Great Yamato Minjok.”

But even the Maiges weren’t sure of the exact concept of Minjok. First, it was irrational to interpret “Nation” as “Minjok.” Looking at words such as nationality, nationalism, and national politics it is clear that the term “Nation” is a more close term with “Country” rather than “Minjok.” So the definition of Minjok was vague even then. But after the book 『National Imperialism』was written, “Minjok” was used to unite the people of Japan giving them reasons such as blood, culture, and ethnicity to believe. Later on they used this concept to indoctrinate Korea.

ii.  In Modern Times,

             Minjok has now become a concept of ambiguousness. Various nations are connected as one by developments in technology, communication, and even ideas. The reason why Minjok raises so many questions is because of the standards deciding which Minjok people are in. There are no standards in determining the Minjok of a person. Nationality, culture, blood, languages and other aspects that divided the people before are all mixed together into a huge ball. People can gain access to so many cultures and our thoughts and behaviors change so fast. The questions in identity even occur from here.

Am I Korean or American? This simple question may become the question that people would carry on for their entire lives. For example, there is a man who was born in Korea and was raised in America. Later on as he grew up the man believes that he is American but his nationality saids otherwise and makes him Korean. This phenomenon can be explained as the conflict between I and the society. The Minjok that each of us think and the Minjok that the society thinks are two different things. These conflicts occur because of the incomplete standards of dividing one's Minjok. Thus a question rises in our minds. Does Minjok really exist?

III. The Appearance of Minjok in History

 i.  Korea

             Even though the term “Minjok” was actually forged in the 20^th century, the ideas that Koreans were different from Chinese were still there. The names “Jokllyu” and “Dongpo” were used to acknowledge the differences between Koreans, Chinese, and the Japanese. Translating “Jokllyu” into English it would mean “ethos” (ethnic group). Through historical documents and books such as “The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” we can infer that this term was specifically used to differentiate the foreigners from the Korean people. As the term exists we can assume that the sense of unity was already present between the people of Korea forming a unique identity. 

The Annals of Joseon Dynasty

The word “Dongpo” was spread after the 1890s. The difference between these two words is a sense of equality. Jokllyu lacks the concept of equality in it where Dongpo explains the equality of all people who has the same Minjok. Minjok was a concept that existed in our ancestors from a very very long time.

             In the colonial era the term “Minjok” was misused by the Japanese. By indoctrinating the idea that Japan and Korea are one, the Japanese tried to creep inside the minds of young Koreans to make them into mindless machines worshiping Japan. But this act backfired as it actually created the Koreans to unite and become one to overpower the Japanese. An article from Dong-A-Ilbo explained this phenomenon.

             “Minjok is a cultural and historical existence, but furthermore it relates to politics and economy, making this concept the ultimate basis of forming a new country. As instinct we try to be one, we try to form a group driven by the unknown feeling that unites our ideas.”   -Dong-A-Ilbo-

One of the most noticed intellectuals who developed this idea was Shin Chae-Ho. During and after the colonization of Japan, Shin believed that "As Minjok, By Minjok, and For Minjok" was the goal that people should drive for when making a country. He believed that without understanding the true meaning of being the Minjok of Korea, it was impossible to achieve independence. And as we were united as one by Minjok, independence was not impossible. The loud shouts that were echoed during the 3-1 movement demonstrate the power of Minjok. The simple idea that we are one, has given the people hope and the will to live on. The powers in ideology have united the population in a specific culture or perhaps ethnicity.

             

President Park Jung Hee

History shows that Minjok is a powerful word. A word that can unite the people of Korea and make wonders breaking the limits of mankind. When President Park Jung Hee dictated over Korea, Minjok was used to sacrifice the people of Korea for industrial developments. The Park Chung-Hee government consistently referred to Minjok as it carried an ideal of Korean nationalistic movements of the late nineteenth century under the Japanese colonial rule. Economic development and national security was the main objectives of President Park. In order to effectively implant the ideology, the government spread the story of Danggun as proof of being one Minjok. Of course, during these developments some resisted and “gentle persuasions” were made to change their ideologies. The power of myths and founding legends convinced the people of Korea making it the 10^th economically strong country in the world. But the phenomenon begs a question. Are the means taken by Park Jung Hee justified? Looking at the results, the measures taken by him were so successful and the use of Minjok made it difficult for people to question the fundamental legitimacy of the government’s plans.

ii. The World

             One of the similar terms that relates to Minjok can be said as Romantic Nationalism. This philosophical movement of Romanticism occurred in Europe at the end of the 18^th century meeting with Nationalism. This movement elevated folk art, traditions, and ancient customs of people to something noble. France and Germany are the main countries that Japan adopted in creating the term Minjok. After the French Revolution in 1789, Napoleon promoted nationalism and the cultural unity of the French based on “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.” However the spread of French nationalism were too broad as it tried to impose its meanings to other foreign countries across Europe.

             The Nazis have also grasped the sense of nationalism and used it to unite the people of Germany. January 1933, National socialism assumed the power in Germany. It was never achieved by a revolution, but “legally” through the support of the conservative parties who adopted the idea of nationalism. This simple idea of uniting the people as one have made the Nazis possible to conquer half of Europe and have ultimate ruling through loyalty.

IV.  The Idea of Minjok in Korea

             The final question through all the research and knowledge is this. Can Korea use the concept of Minjok again and will it serve the needs of Korea in the future? To be short, the answer cannot be said. The concept and the idea of Minjok have changed throughout the ages. In the past, Minjok was easy to define, Minjok had the power to unite the people and make Koreans wish for a nationalistic cause. But now due to globalization, the ideology is vague. People are not even sure that they possess a part in Korean Minjok anymore. The term Minjok meant blood, language, and culture. But now these three main boundaries are broken and mixed throughout the globe. As the world changes the definition of Minjok must change. But without choosing or selecting the true idea of Minjok it would be impossible for Korea to actually use Minjok itself to develop.

             But even though Minjok does not truly exist in the living world, it has been residing in Korea’s heart for a very long time. For example, the Red Devils in 2002 demonstrates how Korea can be united as one.

The important thing here is that Minjok could have just purely been a modern phenomenon. But this sense of ethnic gathering has been used throughout history and is still being utilized politically and historically. This is what’s unique about Minjok in Korea. Minjok could just be a normal aspect among people, but what history tells us is different. Minjok is being reproduced constantly generation to generation having a sense of a permanent life form. This fact mixed with the Korean society would form the concept Ethnic Nationalism.

             However this concept of ethnic nationalism and Minjok must never be interpreted as racism. Minjok does not separate or segregate other races to ours. In the past, this concept was used to differentiate the foreigners as explained previously. But currently as globalization occurred the concept of Minjok is too vague to be defined. Blood, ethnicity or culture are being a common property in the world. Every nation, every person in a society could interact with another culture, with another Minjok. Thus, eradicating the sense of segregation or discrimination.

             The concept itself would never affect Korea as its meanings were gone due to globalization. But the significance of this word is the aura that it imposes. We may never know how Minjok would actually affect our nation as its meaning changes constantly. Korea may only suggest which direction it could lead them.

References

•      Dongkook Kang, 『The Conceptual History of Political Identity in Modern Korea: Gukmin, Injong, Minjok』 (2006)

•      Chanseung Park, 『The Formation Process of ‘Minjok’ Concept in Korea』 (2008)

•      Insuk Joo, Byuongchul Park, 『Understanding of Shin Chae Ho’s “Minjok(nation)” and “Minjung(people)”』 (2011)

•      Taehoon Lee, 『Does “Minjok” mean ethnie?』 (2012)

•      Jinwoong Kang, 『The Epic of the Republic of Korea’s Minjok: The Development of Ethnic Nationalism and Its Faces』 (2013)

•      Hans Kohn, 『Nationalism in Nazi Germany』

•      JuHee Han, 『Finding the better direction of Korean Nationalism through a critical review of the Chinese nationalism』 (2012)