A big small talk with director of history museum

On August 7, CHUNGDAHM Learning’s Journalism Club members interviewed Kim Wang-Sik, director of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, located in Gwanghwamoon. The members had in-depth conversation on his perspective on Korean history. The members were also invited to take a look at the Museum, which houses 4,000 pieces of antiquities of contemporary Korean history.

Park Seo-Hyun: Are people well aware of their own history?

Kim: I think that people have a biased historic perspective. It’s because history education is not based on the study of history, but politics. I want people to have a balanced perspective on history so that we do not have any disputes regarding Korean history.

Lee Jae-Hong: As a head of a history museum, when are you happy or sad?

Kim: As I said before, I wish people could have a balanced perspective on history. We have put a lot of effort into achieving this. When it is achieved, we will think it is worthwhile. But despite those efforts, it is pretty unfortunate that there are still some people who have biased views of history.

Jeong Do-Hee: Few months ago, Hangeoruem press corps kicked off. Why were you determined to start the program?

Kim: Actually, the Museum was established in 2012. Majority of people don’t know about this Museum, so I want them to pay attention to our museum.  The  press  corps  will  be playing an important role as ambassadors that let people know that we are here and joy of learning history.

Choi Min-Woo: Recently the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened an exhibition on modern Korean history with the Korean broadcast society. What kind of exhibition is it?

Kim: This exhibition opened for many purposes; First, to remember the beautiful memories we have about radio and television and secondly, to understand the influence of radio and television in our lives. Before color television has invented, people did not have a great sense about color, but after color television, people’s ability to sense colors developed. And finally, the exhibit will help us visualize how television and radio have changed our senses.

Lee Jae-Hong: How are historical Korean relics preserved?

Kim: Today approximately there have been 60,000 relics discovered. They are mainly stored in Sugango, which can control temperature, humidity and the air. Because of this function, they can be preserved permanently. Conservation specialists take charge of this work.

Lee Hee-Won: There are many collections in this museum. But what collection do you think is the most valuable?

Kim: There are several.  Recently, I have grown fond of “Old Man Gobawu.” But not only that, I think Deni Taegeukgi(Korean national flag) is very valuable. Korea’s first Taegeukgi was made in 1882 but sadly, we don’t have it. The oldest Korean national flag is the Deni Taegeukgi, which was given to an American diplomat by Emperor Kojong. It looks very different from the Taegeukgi nowadays. But, the reason I like it is because it looks more harmonious. Not only that, but there are also other collections, such as the Sibal taxi and others, but still, Deni Taegeukgi is my favorite.

Yun Se-In: Some museums are crowded while others are almost empty. What should they do to improve? And what does the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History do to fix those problems?

Kim: Like we all know, museums exhibit information on events that have already happened. Many people these days favor amusement parks over museums–maybe a lot of children and teenagers like you, too. But your parents and your grandparents might say in a museum, “We lived like that,” or “That was the cell phone I used!” The most important thing is understanding. We are trying our best to make our museum accessible to all the visitors regardless of gender or age.

Park Seo-Hyun: How do museums usually sort out distorted history?

Kim: It’s important to find the historical records. We see many people who talk without thinking, and it has been a big problem. We have to give evidence to support our claim. To find out the truth behind distorted history, there must be a strong standard in place.

Jeong Do-Hee: Japan argues that the Dokdo islets is their territory, while Koreans claim Dokdo is ours What do you think?

Kim: I think that diverse opinion is also needed for our society. People must be able to express their belief freely in public. But it has to be taken seriously as it lacks strong ground for the accusation, in case of such territorial dispute between nations.

Choi Min-Woo: What do you think about the distortions in Japanese history textbooks?

Kim: First of all, I think it is a very unfortunate thing. For peace in Northeast Asia, they should acknowledge their occupation over the Korean peninsula and the brutal crimes committed. However, the Japanese government does not have those attitudes right now. That is the only thing still to be resolved in Northeast Asia.

Lee Hee-Won: Recently, by extending Korean history classes and designating Korean history as a required subject on the College Scholastic Ability Test, history has become much more important. Do you think it is that important?

Kim: Yes, it is. Making a step forward without knowing the history is just like walking without knowing where to go. I think we can find the right way after we have correct knowledge and criticism about our history. But, biased education shouldn’t be repeated; instead, balanced education, which requires criticism and praise, is necessary.

Jeong Do-Hee: When you were young, were you interested in history?

Kim: Just as other people like history, I liked history, too.

Yun Se-In: History is not a subject that is simple and easy. How can students enjoy it?

Kim: Many students think history has to do with  memorization,  but of course that is not true. Students should view history with meaning. Students should think deeply about the wars and the invasions in history and question themselves.

Choi Min-Woo: You studied political science and diplomacy when you were in college and have taught sociology and ethics. We feel that it is a bit of a peculiar profile to now be the head of a history museum. How did you become the director of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History?

Kim: The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is a museum about modern history. The reason why our museum is the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is because our museum houses historical artifacts from the start of the Republic of Korea to the present. However, our museum presents history from the 1870s to the present. Unlike most historians who study the history of the 1950-53 Korean War, our museum is about history from the 1870’s  to  the  present.  In most countries, modern history is recorded by  sociologists  or  social  scientists, including  economists  and  political scientists. I also believe that modern history should be recorded by political scientists rather than historians. Therefore, I believe that I, as a sociologist, fit better in this museum, rather than a historian.

Park Seo-Hyun: What are the ways in which students can be more familiar with history?

Kim: They have to experience the history. When they experience it, they can naturally understand the history of Korea. By helping various generations communicate, we can make students more familiar with history.

Yun Se-In: What is your plan for the future?

Kim: In order to build a strong structure, the base must be strong, and so does the museum. Our museum was established only a year and a half ago. The base of the museum is not strong enough. So my plan is to make a better-structured museum, not only for the outside world, but for the inside as well.

Lee Jae-Hong: As a director of a history museum, what do you want to say to people today?

Kim: History of the past definitely influences our lives. History can be seen as a conversation between the past and the present. And what is really important is not to have a biased historical view but a balanced one. This is the thing I have been emphasizing over and over.

journalismclub@chungdahm.com

Double edged sword; Electronic devices on campus

 

 

 

 

BY Lee Jae-hong

Naejung Middle School

Recently as electronic devices have developed as part of our everyday lives, the debate over whether to use them in college classes has become the topic of much discussion.Some people support the idea that electronic devices are a necessity for college students due to their convenience. It not only accelerates the pace of work, but also helps them keep in touch with friends and family.However, I strongly disagree with the argument that electronic devices should be used in university classes, as it can hinder learning, critical thinking and the entire educational process.While using electronic devices, students cannot concentrate on lectures. They easily lose attention and giggle at funny stories on Facebook. Attractive phone applications can also eat up students’ attention and worsen the situation. If a student does not want to focus on a lecture, it is more likely that he or she will turn to an electronic device to pass the time.Students can play games or search for information unrelated to class on the Internet. Many people might think that electronic gadgets have negative effects only for those who use them. However, even students who are not using them can become easily distracted due to the sound of a camera shutter or vigorous typing.

“I think taking a photo during lessons only distracts other students,” said Sang Won Lee, a freshman at Konkuk University. He added that electronic devices can benefit those who use them, though their use may bother others. Some functions on devices can be loud enough to distract other students, he said.

The use of electronic devices during lessons is also ineffective. Some insist that electronic devices are essential because students can snap pictures of lecture notes. However, a photocopy of lecture notes must be hand-written again, probably after the class.

It casts doubt over whether electronic devices can ever serve an educational purpose.

All they do is worsen concentration. Regardless of what certain devices can do, students still must write down lecture notes, though there is the chance that they may not fully comprehend the material they learned in class.

According to a recent report from NBC News, a student checks his or her smartphone an  average  of  11 times during class, and 80 percent of them answered that it is distracting. It added that the abuse of electronic devices correlates directly with low academic performance.

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