2020: Despite COVID, life goes on

Ewha, like many other universities in Korea, went through tough times in 2020 with ongoing repercussions. A year filled with the unprecedented use of the word “unprecedented”- due to COVID-19. Not only were classes held online but all social activities were done so as well, following social distancing protocols. For the last issue of 2020, Ewha Voice selected some highlights that occurred this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19: Unprecedented cyber lectures stir up debate on class qualities

Ewha joined the legion of higher institutions worldwide that had to transition all their classes online for the first time in modern history. Students, professors, and administrators struggled at every stage from production of classes to supervising exams and providing stable servers. Despite the anticipation for improved conditions and possibility for offline classes, the pandemic continued its surge well into the second semester. The prolonged online classes caused chaos and worry, with ongoing conflicts regarding offline exams and on-hands practical classes requiring students to be on-campus.

COVID-19: University students invent coronavirus apps

The pandemic also shed light on student innovations as university students created websites and applications to provide easy access to information regarding the virus. Two renowned applications named ‘Corona Map’ and ‘Corona Nearby,’ created by students from Kyunghee University and Korea University respectively were recognized publically. These websites were created as a fact portal on the virus, the routes of those infected, and confirmed cases, updated regularly with information from the government.

School’s internalization drive hit hard by pandemic

Ewha’s globalization efforts have been evident through its multifaceted international exchange and joint programs with international universities. However, the pandemic has adversely affected nearly every international endeavor the school has previously led, including exchange programs, summer programs, international conferences, and delegation visits. Fortunately, some of the school’s programs have been transitioned online and lectures were given virtually.

Alleviating the “corona blues” phenomenon

With the outbreak of COVID-19, the term “corona blues,” which comes from the combination of the words ‘coronavirus’ and ‘blues’ gained attention. It refers to the feeling of depression derived from quarantine and social distancing. The blues hit students hard as they lost opportunities to have fun from campus life. To overcome this phenomenon, the school’s counseling center promoted active communication through social media and telephone counseling services to help maintain a stable mental status.

2020 Overseas Coverage: A Close Look into the Tutorial System in Oxbridge

In order to emphasize the need to speak up in order to engage actively in education, Ewha Voice took a two-week trip to University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. These two universities hold an education system where professors teach students, one-on-one. Furthermore, the active debating culture in the U.K. was explored through an on-site participation of the regular debate sessions. Through investigation, it was also found that the shape of university towns, which are a fusion of town, university, and college, shape the way people communicate.

Why is South Korea still one of the least tattoo-friendly countries in the world?

Tattoos and their place in Korean society faced a long and laborious road to acceptance and legalization. Novice tattooist Her Soo-kyung shared her thoughts on being a tattooist in Korea with Ewha Voice. Tattoos, once a sign of intimidating gangsters, are now given new impressions, as gamsung tattoos, fashion tattoos, and black and gray tattoos settle as a new trend.

Interviews

Song Ji-huen

Song Ji-huen, who was a Korean painting student at Ewha, is now a senior inspector superintendent at Gwacheon Police Station. Before this vocation, she worked as a banker, flight attendant, and a lawyer. Song sharedherrollercoasterlifeofexperiencing multiplecareers.

Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill is the founder of Tokki Soju, a chabssal-based soju company in the U.S. During his stay in Korea to learn the traditional liquor manufacturing techniques, Hill decided to use the Korean fermentation method in his own process in making alcohol.

Yoo Soo-jin 

Yoo Soo-jin is a former financial planner and representative of Ruby Stone Corporation, a financial consulting firm. Yoo now delivers information to the general public on how to approach investment
through best-seller books, podcasts, and YouTube videos.

Imlala on being a comedian and a YouTuber

Lim Ji-hyeon, who also goes by the name Imlala, is an alumni from the Department of Physical Education. Lim currently runs a couple YouTube channel, “Enjoy Couple,” with her boyfriend Son Min-su. Their contents revolve around mukbang, vlogs, and prank videos. Lim believes that for students to find their dream job, they should figure out whether they are talented in the area they wish to work in through numerous experiences such as part-time jobs or internships.