Do you know the fact that there are not many countries where science magazine reporters cover the articles and write them on their own? You might come up with Science Donga magazine as soon as you hear this question. We went to Seoul to meet the editor-in-chief, of Science Donga, Yoon Sin-young. -Ed.




SH: I heard it has been a year and a half since you started as an editor-in-chief for this magazine. Have you tried to change the magazine at all?

I wanted people who don’t have an interest in science to read the magazine. That’s why we have been posting articles about science fiction as serial stories. As science fiction is a kind of literature, I think this could be a way of drawing people who are not interested in science to our magazine. In addition to this, we are upgrading the motion graphic program service where you can watch videos of basic scientific principles via article QR codes. Last year was the middle stage of development, and we are about to relaunch it after reforming it this year. As a matter of fact, there are few countries where science magazine reporters cover the articles and write them on their own. It is the sole Korean magazine  that people of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy, so I hope lots of people will subscribe to our magazine.

SH: Even though I have read many Science Donga issues so far, I’ve never heard about the plan. I guess you have a lot of pride.

Of course, I do. Not just me, but other reporters also do. I have so many things that I want to change. However, since this magazine has been around for 30 years, we cannot help but to change it slowly, in an effort to keep the traditional format.

JW: Please give some advice to the university students who haven’t found their dreams yet.

If you have something you really want to do, you will find your true career anyway. For me, I just wanted to write for children. Then, during the 2 years and 6 months of working at the children’s Science Donga magazine, I suddenly realized that I was doing what I had dreamt of.

SH: As a university student, it is a good time for me to study and do what I want at the same time. However, I am now wondering how I should spend my free time for a better future.

What do you like to do?

SH: I like reading, traveling and visiting art museums.

JW: I like travelling, meeting new people, learning new culture and taking pictures.

I think you guys are doing great. Surprisingly, there are few people who can say, ‘I feel really happy when I do this,’ when answering about their career, major, or even hobby. I think you are doing great if you spend your whole university life looking for this answer. Otherwise, you won’t even find your self-esteem. No one knows what the future can hold. For example, you can become a famous photographer just by enjoying your hobby of photographing. I am also a good example of this. I came to get this writing job after following my passions. I published books. Then, I became the editor in chief, and I even got a prize in America for my articles. I never thought about having such a career. Since this was my favorite thing to do, I have been working in this field.

SH: You mean that finding what I like to do is the most important thing.

That’s right. In addition to that, it would be better if it were more specific. For example, it is better to have an interest in being a curator at an art museum than just going to art museums.

SH: Who do you think is the most desirable leader? And please send a message to the students.

For university students, I recommend that they drop the idea that there’s always a leader. Rather, they need to think that they can be a leader at any time. Everyone can be their own leader nowadays. In the old days, it was a leader who focused on what was possible, developed it, and pulled it ahead. On the other hand, nowadays, it is a true leader who respects diversity and keeps oneʼs private and public life separate. In addition, I think that inspiring one’s original virtues is the most important factor.


Epilogue

SH: Personally, I was excited to interview him because I have read the Science Donga magazine since I was a child. He made us feel right at home during the whole interview, so I was very pleased to meet him.
JW:  As a reporter, I put much effort than I ever did before because this is the last issue of the year. How about university students take this advice and be leaders in their own lives?

By Shin So-hyeon l sh36@cbnu.ac.kr
By Lee Ju-yeon  l jy37@cbnu.ac.kr
By Kim Jae-wan  l jw37@cbnu.ac.kr