뉴스레터

Last winter, I attended for the first time the 2nd History Concert hosted by the Northeast Asian History Foundation. The 'History Concert' poster on the school bulletin board had caught my attention during a recess. After some internal debate, I signed up to participate in the event, thinking that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On November 30, I received a text message confirming my participation in the History Concert. Actually, I am an aspiring historian, and had thought that participating in the History Concert would be one of the first things I could do for history. It is my belief that all the Koreans should have at least basic, if not in-depth, knowledge of history if they were to resolve historical conflicts in Northeast Asia. For this reason, I felt that the History Concert would be a good opportunity for me to learn what I would need as a future history major.

Lucky to Be Chosen Among Young Guest Speakers for History Concert

I looked forward to this History Concert celebrating the Month of Youths, held in two month after the History Concert celebrating the March 1st Movement, especially because its theme was Dokdo. Fortunately, I had the time to participate in the event because preparations for the 7th Youth Historical Experience Presentation, another project organized by the NAFH, were not done yet. I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to participate in this History Concert, not simply a general participant but as one of the Young Guest Speakers representing about 500 youths.

On the day of the event, I wore my school uniform to accentuate my image as a student. The History Concert was the final event of the 8th Korea Youth Fair held for three days from the 24th day of November at SETEC in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. I arrived at the venue early and helped out the NAHF staff preparing the event. I was just amazed at the large crowd flocking to the venue.

There were two more Young Guest Speakers other than myself. Before going on stage, we were told instructions by the VANK (Voluntary Agency Network of Korea) leader Park Gi-tae. While waiting in the left stands behind the stage, we enjoyed the concert. I was watching Dr. Yoon You-sook of the NAHF standing next to us, and impressed by how relaxed she seemed. Apparently, she had extensive experience in events like this. I was impressed by the way she behaved like a professional without looking nervous. I had a conversation with the two students going on stage together, and found that they were also striving toward their dreams.

Singer Kim Jang-hoon was among the participants in the History Concert. I came to admire him for his love and activities for Dokdo, thinking that he is one of the defenders of the Republic of Korea beyond Dokdo. "Dokdo is a blessing for us," said Mr. Kim when he began a speech. I felt that he was telling the Korean youths the importance of Dokdo, and it left me a deep impression. And while watching a video about Ahn Yong-bok and listening to Dr. Yoon's explanation, I learned things about Ahn Yong-Bok that I hadn't known before. I find the joy of History Concert in learning things about history that I didn't know before!

I Find the Joy of History Concert in Learning Things about History I Didn't Know Before!

Contrary to the enthusiasm shown by the student participants in the History Concert, there are not many students in my school who want to major in history. I had felt that history was one of the least popular subjects among students. Participating in the History Concert, however, I realized that there were so many people sharing the same interest as me. In the History Concert venue that day, there were two students who volunteered to come up on the stage and stated their dreams with confidence. Watching them assured me that history is alive and there are other students dreaming of the same dream as me. They got me thinking, 'Young students are really striving toward their dreams in the hopes of creating a new history!'

While many students consider history a boring subject, I am reminded of how fascinating history is as a discipline whenever I read the passage from the book『Thinking History - Issues in Korean History』written by Kim Yook-hoon: "The man with a correct understanding of history never despairs of life because he learns how to live today from it."

"The Man with a Correct Understanding of History Never Despairs of Life"

What I have gained from participating in the History Concert is confidence. I no longer hesitate to answer when asked by my parents and relatives why I want to pursue a career in history with little prospect of making money. I believe that there should be more opportunities for the many participants in this History Concert to understand, share, and let other people know historical conflicts and remaining historical issues in Northeast Asia. Participating in the History Concert, I was given the opportunities to lead young students of my age in correcting the wrong history and to voice my thoughts to a large audience. While I was very nervous before going on stage, the fellow female students seemed so full of confidence, making me feel ashamed of my timidity. The experience of participating in the History Concert gave me active and positive attitude.

I am determined to participate in every history-related event in the future. And I hope to see a continuously growing number of participants in the History Concert. As the president of the historical society of my school, I am improving our activities to teach correct history to our fellow students. And I am planning on inviting my society members to participate in the next History Concert. Let me take this opportunity to thank the NAHF staff for helping me deepen my understanding of history and inspiring me to become active and positive. Go, the History Concert for Youths!