The season of scorching hot weather and pouring rain is coming to an end, and the start of a brand new semester awaits ahead. While summer break is indeed a period of rest and relaxation, it is also a stage for reflection and reinvention. After a long span of preparation, Ewha Voice has returned with our 69-8th edition along with exciting changes to our newspaper.
Two years ago, Ewha Voice introduced the “World” section to entertain our readers who are interested in learning more about global issues from wide-ranging perspectives. A year ago, “Catch the Scene” was newly created in order to make Ewha Voice more accessible and approachable to potential readers who want exposure to disparate cultural content. Last semester, “Travel” articles were published to inform and share authentic travel advice for readers who aspire to gain international experience after COVID-19 regulations have been lifted.
Efforts to interact with readers have also been made. At the beginning of last semester, Ewha Voice launched a free newsletter subscription that sends previews of most recently published articles via email. The subscription also contains updates related to special events where participants can win prizes and links where readers can immediately give feedback.
Striking a balance between pursuing a traditional newspaper format and venturing into experimental journalism has been and continues to be a daunting challenge. As editor-in-chief, while there is an adventurous half that seeks originality and growth, there is another awfully candid half that seeks to pursue the realistically easier and more convenient conventions. The inclination to lean toward the latter, however, comes to a halt each time our team comes together and questions the direction Ewha Voice should take to protect our identity and develop our character.
Clashes occur and compromise is not always easily achieved. Yet, each discussion ends with a common conclusion: Ewha Voice needs change. A change that will constantly engage and occupy readers with captivating content that will crave for more.
As such, Ewha Voice have undergone and will expect to see pleasant surprises. In the next two editions, our “Overseas Special” will return again this year, navigating through some of the alarming problems faced in Australia. “Travel” articles will have an entire independent section, containing expansive database for not only international but also Korean sites. As presented in page two and eight of this edition, photographers have embarked a new challenge of crafting photo specials to encapsulate vibrants moments on and off campus. With the end of this editorial, reporters will present more argumentative and opinionated “Editorial” pieces, voicing out their passionate beliefs on social issues that are pivotal to them.
Along with changes in the content, Ewha Voice expects a design renewal of the official website before the end of the year. Instagram events that give opportunities for readers to boast how updated they were with Ewha Voice content will be announced some time in the year.
Not every article is published with full satisfaction. Every now and then, moments of regret remain due to unexpected obstacles and time constraints. The thought that perhaps a better article or a better picture could have been published always lingers. Setting the thought aside, Ewha Voice will try our best and strive to come back with fresh and innovative, yet accurate and thorough journalism each edition this semester. We express our gratitude to all readers who have and will continue to join our journey to unravel the events that are expected to soon occur.