Perspectives of Prominent Scholars
The KF Summer Lecture Series was a precious opportunity for me to broaden my perspective on my own country so that I can see it from a global and ive standpoint. Though I am Korean, I used to have a rather narrow and imbalanced view about my country based on what I had learned from textbooks. In the lecture series, prominent scholars from around the world shared their comprehensive, broad and profound thoughts on Korea in the 21st century under diverse topics such as Korean society, politics, economy, culture, and history. Their lectures also enhanced my pride in Korea and I am now confident that I will be able to promote it much better in the world.

One of the most impressive messages the foreign professors delivered was that Korea should play the role as a leader and a mediator in the region, as demanded by the present circumstances. Coming from various countries including the U.S., Japan, Italy, and Australia, they all said unanimously that Korea is no longer a weak country susceptible to being exploited, but is now exercising leadership in Asia’s emergence on the central stage of the world.

Today, Korea has important roles to play in order to assure peace in the region, as a mediator between China and Japan, and by joining hands with Japan and Australia to embrace North Korea. The lectures provided detailed insight into how Korea is perceived in our globalized world, what the world expects from it, and its responsibilities as a major p in the region, along with offering a framework and direction that we should adopt for a better future of East Asia. Prof. Michael Robinson of Indiana University noted that Korea has demonstrated a strong cooperative spirit since the times of antiquity. Having heard that, I came to think that we, Koreans, need to revive this traditional value in today’s individualized society so as to take the lead in maintaining peace in the region as well as in the world.

Students Look to a Brighter Future

The gathering was even more pleasant and meaningful as the young participants, who tend to have a narrow focus and concentrate mainly on their own interests, together reflected on the country’s history and pondered on its current role and what we can do for the future. We also put our heads together and chipped in our talent to UCC video clips to raise awareness of Korea around the world.

Although the full days of lectures left us somewhat physically tired, we shared our knowledge and information about the nation’s future and had constructive discussions on key issues, which resulted in a very rewarding experience. All from different backgrounds and with diverse dreams, we became like longtime friends after the three-week program – two weeks of preparation and one week of lecture attendance. I felt even more satisfied for the opportunity to meet with other promising students, who may well become the country’s future leaders, and to form a network with these individuals.

Renewed Interest in My Own Country

For me, the most inspiring experiences were when I met Profs. David Kang (University of Southern California) and Stephan Haggard (University of California, San Diego). Asked why he is interested in Korea, which is small and far away from his country, the powerful U.S., Prof. Kang replied: “Because Korea is my country.” Although he is a second-generation Korean-American, he identifies himself as a Korean, he said. Hence, he always wanted to know about Korea and came to take an interest in helping out North Koreans. This propelled me to reflect on myself: Born and raised in Korea, I have paid less attention to inter-Korean relations than him, an American citizen.

Another American, Prof. Haggard, was a scholar of intellectual insight and confidence naturally formed through his lifelong dedication to academic study, and his appearance itself spoke of his experience. He passionately delivered a lecture on human rights issues in North Korea and its dire economic and political situation. His knowledge of and interest in the North were deep and profound, to such an extent that even the Korean foreign minister solicits his opinions about issues concerning the reclusive regime.

I was so touched by his warm-heartedness and humanitarian approach toward North Korean issues that I expressed my thanks to him. His response sent a quiver through my body. The elderly, but charismatic, academic said in his sonorous voice: “Now, YOU should do this!” That was the task given to everyone who attended the lecture series: to study with an interest in our own country so as to lay the foundation for a brighter future. Having reaffirmed my identity and roles thorough the lectures, I am now working harder to prepare myself to help assure a better future for Korea.

Kim Dong-young Student, Hankuk University of Foreign Studie